‘North West Women in Farming’ members will travel to Brussels for two nights, courtesy of their local MEP, Marian Harkin, on October 17.

The trip will include a tour of the European Parliament and the opportunity to sit in on a meeting with commission officials, said group founder, Hannah McNeilis. A total of 10 women will travel.

“We feel, as a group, that this will be an excellent opportunity to discuss key topics in the farming sector such as: CAP 2020; the Young Farmers’ Scheme; Brexit; and the role of women in agriculture in future legislation,” McNeilis said.

“We are incredibly grateful to Marian Harkin for this fantastic opportunity, and it is indicative of the great work she does for the farming community in the north-west.

“The trip also gives us a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with a local rural transport company, Donegal LocalLink, which provides an excellent service, particularly to rural communities. It has very kindly sponsored our transport to and from Dublin airport,” McNeilis added.

Just as we aim to bring a community of women together and reach out to rural areas, the company does its utmost to service the more isolated areas, and reduce social exclusion.

North West Women in Farming was formed in Donegal in May 2016. “The aims of our group are: to bring together a community of women interested in or involved in farming; to use the group to improve skills, providing training; and to act as a social environment to engage with like-minded people, and reduce rural isolation.”

Following a successful launch night in Ballybofey, the group has thrived. Among its activities has been taking part in Relay for Life in Letterkenny and holding farm safety walks during National Farm Safety Week.

The group’s most immediate plan is a committee formation meeting next month before planning the 2018 calendar year. It plans to hold a number of meetings next year, focusing on topics suggested by committee members.

It is also hoped to arrange further farm walks and collaborate with local groups on skills training.