Women in Irish farming are calling for a ‘culture change’ to achieve gender balance in the sector.
This week, the Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group (WASG) met for the first time and included members from the Irish Farmers’ Association; Macra na Feirme; Irish Cattle and Sheep Association and Irish Organic Association.
Now Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, is being urged to address gender balance within Irish agriculture. WASG has set a target of increasing 12 per cent of female farmers to 25 per cent by 2030.
ICMSA’s Vanessa Kiely O’Connor said modern machinery and technology have removed the physical obstacles that prevented women from farming and given all genders the opportunity to farm.
“The last obstacle is to purge the mindset that it’s a male-oriented career,” said Ms O’Connor.
Louise Crowley from Macra na Feirme said the organisation will strive to combat gender imbalances in the industry.
“These women must first be recognised, and this recognition, and this recognition will be one of the steps to encouraging more women and especially young women into a career in farming,” she said.
LSL News.