Minister Heydon launches “Spotlight on Female-Led Sustainability” under the Women in Agriculture Action Plan
- Foilsithe: 10 Iúil 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 10 Iúil 2025
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, launched the Spotlight on Female-Led Sustainability booklet today, produced as part of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan, which seeks to promote the role of women in improved social, environmental and economic sustainability for the sector.
The Women in Agriculture Working Group, responsible for delivery of the Action Plan, developed the booklet, which profiles twelve female farmers, fishers, foresters, and food producers innovating in sustainability. Increasing the visibility of women’s contribution to sustainability across the sector provides positive female role models to inspire other women and young girls.
As part of the launch, Minister Heydon visited the stud farm of Mariann Klay at Swordlestown, Naas, Co. Kildare, whose sustainability initiatives are highlighted in the booklet. Swiss native Mariann believes incorporating and encouraging greater biodiversity has been a key part of their successful stud farm. A full-time farmer since 2003, and an active Farming for Nature ambassador, Mariann proudly promotes improved sustainability and biodiversity on her farm.
Minister Heydon acknowledged the important contribution women make to the Irish agri-food sector, especially in the areas of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. He reiterated his commitment to supporting them in their roles:
“Advancing the role of women in agriculture is a key priority for me and is a commitment in the Programme for Government. The importance of gender balance to the long-term sustainable future of the sector is widely recognised and it is important that we continue to build on the progress of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan. Sustainability is one of the areas in which women are leading the way for the sector, contributing to a resilient and viable sector for future generations of farmers. I was delighted to visit Mariann’s farm today for the launch of Spotlight on Female-Led Sustainability booklet.”
Notes
The Spotlight on Female-Led Sustainability Booklet can be downloaded here. This booklet was developed to highlight a selection of women who have incorporated sustainability into every aspect of their agri-food enterprises. Increasing the visibility of women’s contribution to sustainability across the sector provides positive female role models to inspire other women and young girls. By acknowledging and recognising women’s innovation and dedication to sustainable agriculture through this booklet, the Women in Agriculture Working Group seeks to encourage greater female participation in the future.
Further information regarding Women in Agriculture and the National Action Plan is available from Women in Agriculture.