'Women farmers' contribution has traditionally been understated. That's according to IFA National Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair, Alice Doyle who told Northern Sound today that the attitude is historical and based on handing the farm on to the eldest son.
Marking International Women's Day 2023, Ms Doyle highlighted how today was about celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women in rural Ireland. She said that women have always worked "very hard" on farms with their efforts often going undervalued and understated.
Ms Doyle added that female farmers have been the much needed catalyst to social and economic change; engagement in innovative practices; and adding value through diversification on family farms. "It is so important for the future sustainability of farming and the wider agri-food sector that more women are empowered and supported to get involved in the sector.
"Rural women are an underutilised resource, and we need to introduce additional supports to encourage more women farmers to get involved. There are a number of social and cultural barriers to women's participation in agriculture that need to be addressed in order to effect change.
"We need to increase women's visibility within the sector and show younger women that there is a career for them in farming," she said.
