A conference to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer is set to be held in Co. Offaly.

Teagasc will host the event, entitled 'Growing Voices, Women in Farming', on Thursday, October 15 at the Tullamore Court Hotel.

The conference aims to promote the contribution of women in agriculture while also exploring the opportunities, challenges and future of farming.

Farmers, advisors, researchers and industry leaders will come together for a day of knowledge sharing, practical learning and networking.

Conference

The programme features speakers from across Irish and international agriculture, including farmer and content creator, Sophie Bell; Dr Erika Valério, gender and agri-food expert with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and Carina Roseingrave, International Year of the Woman Farmer ambassador 2026.

The keynote speeches and panel discussions will covering issues such as getting into farming, building a successful farm business and creating opportunities beyond the farm gate.

Interactive breakout sessions will allow participants to choose topics most relevant to them, including succession and collaborative farming, supports for women farmers, diversification and new income opportunities, and farm finance, tax and legal matters.

The conference is also aimed at families and male farmers to help in seeking opportunities and pathways for encouraging female successors into farming and farm businesses.

Conference

Dr. Stan Lalor, director of knowledge transfer at Teagasc, said the conference is aims to support women at every stage of their farming journey.

"This conference, ‘Growing Voices’, is about recognising the vital role women play across Irish agriculture and creating a space where they can share experiences, learn from one another and gain practical knowledge to support their farming journey.

"Whether you're taking your first steps into farming or have years of experience, this conference offers something for everyone," he said.