Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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398. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the work done under each of the 12 actions under the Action Plan arising from the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture. [62418/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Gender equality in agriculture is a priority of mine and features in the Programme for Government. Our agri-food strategy, Food Vision 2030, recognises the importance of gender balance to the long-term sustainable future for primary producers and includes commitments to promote and improve gender balance at all levels within the sector, including to host a National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture.

The Dialogue, which took place in 2023, explored gender equality in farming and the wider agri-food sector, with the outcomes and recommendations informing a report and 12-point action plan, which was launched last year. A Women in Agriculture Working Group was established to oversee its implementation and good progress has been made with several actions either complete or nearing completion.

The Group is currently delivering a Winter Webinar Series aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of topics, identified by women active in the sector, including DAFM Schemes, Access to Finance, Agri-Taxation & Succession Planning and Social Protection. This follows a number of leadership and networking events nationwide last year.

The Group worked closely with the UCD School of Agri-Food & Science to deliver the “Women in Agriculture Studies Gender Excellence Award” earlier this year. The award, which will be annual is sponsored by my Department and recognises academic merit and overall involvement and commitment to gender inclusivity among the UCD student population.

A review of DAFM schemes was undertaken to ensure that the language, terms and conditions and eligibility criteria do not pose any unintended barriers to female farmer participation. The review, completed over a six-month period, has informed a guidance note and checklist to assist in the design of future scheme documentation to ensure best practice going forward.

A review of the Department’s herd number application process has also been undertaken and updated guidance documents, application forms and standard operating procedures have been implemented to ensure greater consistency and ease of use. The process is due to become available online in 2026.

A dedicated “Women in Agriculture” page has been created on my Department's website to act as a centralised point of information and promotion for women and young girls involved in Irish agriculture.

In July, I launched a “Spotlight on Female-led Sustainability" booklet, which profiles and promotes sustainability female role models in farming, food-production, forestry, marine and research fields.

There is also ongoing work on education and communication.

The specific work of this Group is almost complete, and I expect a final report from them early next year, which I intend to publish. I will continue to liaise with relevant stakeholders to promote and support greater gender balance and equal opportunities in agriculture.