Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon is encouraging women to put themselves forward to be Ireland’s female farmer ambassador, who will represent the country during the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) in 2026.

Launched by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the special year celebrates the ‘pivotal roles played by women’ in the farming world.

Minister Heydon said he was strongly encouraging women farmers to apply.

‘The winner will have a unique opportunity to represent women working in Irish agriculture, promoting existing supports and initiatives while highlighting issues important to them. Over the years, I have seen first-hand the incredible work done by women to support our agri-food sector which makes me confident that we can expect a high calibre of entries to this competition.’

The competition is being run by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and applications are open until Friday February 12th via the Department’s website.

The winner will represent the Department throughout the year by participating in events, media opportunities, and social media campaigns to encourage female participation in farming and provide insight into life as a female farmer in Ireland, via their own lived experiences.

The overall winner will be announced by Minister Heydon at a flagship IYWF event in Athlone, Westmeath on March 5th. Shortlisted candidates will also be invited to participate in the event, which coincides with International Women’s Day.

The Department of Agriculture is also currently running a photo competition under the IYWF banner, with the winners announced on March 5th as well.

The competition seeks photo submissions from the public under the theme ‘Empowered women transforming agri-food systems’.

There is a €200 prize for the winner of each of five categories, and entry forms are available on the Department’s website and must be submitted by 3pm on Monday February 16th.

‘Ireland’s co-sponsorship of the International Year of the Woman Farmer Official Launch Ceremony in December 2025, reinforces our commitment to recognising the vital role of women in all areas of agriculture’ said Minister Heydon.

‘Despite their hard work and dedication, women continue to face barriers when accessing land, finance and training and this year provides us with an international platform to highlight the issue of gender equality in agri-food systems.’

‘My Department is developing a programme of events for the IYWF to emphasise the importance of equal opportunities for women in farming and the wider agri-food sector in Ireland.

This builds on the momentum created by the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture and aligns well with the implementation of our National Women in Agriculture Action Plan and will contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive sector for the future.’