Growing Voices: Teagasc event celebrates women’s contribution to Irish agriculture

At the Growing Voices:  Women in Farming event, a panel discussion on getting into farming and making it work featured; (left to right) MJ Cleary, presenter of CountryLife on Midlands Radio 3; beef farmer Teleri Thomas; farm family members Kate Curran and John Fitzgerald; and dairy farmer and Teagasc Authority member, Vanessa Kiely O’Connor.

The conference brought together female farmers, farm families, students, new entrants, advisors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for a day of knowledge sharing, practical learning, and networking. The event formed part of the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.

The conference programme explored pathways into farming, succession, farm business development, diversification, and the supports available to women in farming. Participants heard from leading voices in agriculture and took part in interactive sessions addressing issues affecting farm businesses.

The event also marked the launch of Teagasc’s new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to supporting a more inclusive agricultural sector.

Speakers at the Growing Voices: Women in Farming event were Sophie Bell, full-time farmer, and content creator; Dr. Erika Valério, Gender and Agrifood Expert with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; and Carina Roseingrave, International Year of the Woman Farmer Ambassador 2026.

There were contributions from Sophie Bell, full-time farmer, and content creator, who spoke about empowering the voice of the female farmer. Dr. Erika Valério, Gender and Agrifood Expert with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO discussed international policy and support for women farmers.

A panel discussion on getting into farming and making it work featured beef farmer Teleri Thomas, farm family members Kate Curran and John Fitzgerald, and dairy farmer Vanessa Kiely O’Connor. A second panel explored opportunities for women beyond the farm gate, with contributions from Teagasc advisor Charlie Devaney, Ciara Stanley of Coppenagh House Farm, and Marion Roeleveld of Killeen Farmhouse Cheese.

The event also featured an interview with Carina Roseingrave, International Year of the Woman Farmer Ambassador 2026, who shared insights on the role and spoke about the many contributions of women in agriculture.

Hosted by MJ Cleary, presenter of CountryLife on Midlands Radio 3, the event provided opportunities for participants to share experiences, discuss challenges and learn from others working across Irish agriculture.

Interactive breakout sessions gave participants the opportunity to explore four key areas: succession, inheritance, and collaborative farming; supports and schemes for women farmers; diversification and new income opportunities; and farm finance, tax, and legal matters.

The sessions focused on practical information that could help participants make decisions about their farms, businesses, and future plans. Networking throughout the day also provided opportunities to build connections.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, who led the organising committee for the event, said: “This Growing Voices event is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the many women who are making a valuable contribution to farm families, farm businesses and the wider agricultural sector. These contributions that have not always received the recognition they deserve. The event was also set up to be practical, providing women who are farming today, as well as those considering a future in farming, with information, ideas and connections that can help them develop successful farming enterprises and businesses. This is very much aligned with Teagasc’s wider ambition to support an attractive and inclusive farming sector that provides support and opportunities for everyone.”

Resources and presentations will be available here

Follow @Teagasc on social media for videos, highlights, and further updates from the day.