'Very promising for the sector' - Women in agriculture

Women have a huge contribution to agriculture which goes beyond traditional roles, with many involved in different areas of agriculture such as agribusiness, agricultural research and advisory along with many more. Women have always been involved in agriculture but are now becoming recognised for their hard work and dedication to the industry.

Over the past number of years, we have seen the number of women participating in agricultural practices, rapidly increasing which is very promising for the sector. A huge part of this growth is women supporting, encouraging and believing in other women to prove they are capable. Much of this encouragement comes from farming influencers who broadcast their daily lives on the farm through social media which in return inspires others.

Challenges Although many women are heavily involved in agriculture everyday of their lives, they face many challenges that may limit their ability. These include gender-based violence, access to finance & resources, land ownership etc. They also may face challenges with modern machinery but to overcome this challenge an Irish farming influencer under the name Sophie Bell, in conjunction with the FRS launched a safe tractor driving course specifically designed for women. This is a great initiative for women to learn the correct way and as a result feel competent when operating tractors on their own farm. Women in agriculture may face multiple challenges but with a helping hand, technology and time there are none they cannot overcome.

TAMS Grants for Women The Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS) is one of many grants available to women under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3). This scheme encourages women to modernize agricultural buildings or upgrade equipment they may have, by providing them with an increased level of support to meet the considerable costs involved.

Women who wish to proceed with a WFCIS grant application must be between the ages of 18 and 67 on the day of form submission, identify as female, have a minimum of five hectares declared under the Basic Income Support Scheme and own or have leased an area where the construction is going to be carried out.

Grants will be paid at a rate of 60% for applications which are eligible, completed and approved. There is a maximum investment ceiling of €90,000 per holding.

Studying an agricultural degree We are lucky enough to have a vast number of agricultural degrees available to study across many different colleges throughout the country including University College Dublin (UCD), Mount Bellew Agricultural College & Kildalton Agricultural College. Research shows that the number of females studying agriculture in some format at the third level has increased. This is down to the support and encouragement they receive from other women in the sector.

Studying agriculture allows an individual to experience hands on learning by completing work placement whilst studying the core modules associated with your chosen course. It gives a great insight to the agricultural sector and equips younger generations with the skills necessary to farm in the future.

My own experience I come from a family farm where we breed suckler cattle. I have had a keen interest in agriculture since I was knee-height, and I am currently in my final year studying Rural Enterprise & Agribusiness in ATU Galway/Mount Bellew Agricultural College. This course has been very enjoyable throughout and has given me many opportunities, including learning about agricultural marketing, different styles of management and I also got the opportunity to travel to Carlisle, England to work on a large-scale dairy farm during a calving season as part of my second-year placement.

As a woman working in agriculture, it is great to see the support and recognition women now receive for their hard work and dedication. Many of us are influenced by older women who share their experiences of farming and working in the industry through social media and holding events.