16-07-2025
Spotlight on female-led sustainability launched
The 'Spotlight on Female-Led Sustainability' booklet was launched by the Minister of Agriculture, Martin Heydon.
The booklet launch is part of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan, which aims to promote the role of women in improved social, environmental and economic sustainability for the sector.
The Women in Agriculture Working Group, responsible for the 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 in Swordlestown, Naas, Co Kildare, whose sustainability initiatives were highlighted in the booklet.
Farmer, Mariann Klay, with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, on her stud farm, Swordlestown Little Stud Farm, Naas, Co. Kildare. PIC: Maxwells
Ms Klay believes that 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 importance of the contribution women make to the Irish agri-food sector at the launch, especially in areas of social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
'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,' he said, reiterating his commitment to supporting women in agri-food roles.
