Time and confidence big IFA barriers for women

LACK of time and confidence are the main barriers to women’s involvement in the IFA, according to a survey undertaken by the organisation’s diversity committee.

The survey, which was undertaken at the National Ploughing Championships last year, found that 60pc of women felt that lack of time was a barrier to them being involved in the IFA, while 24pc said lack of confidence was an issue.

While the IFA currently has its highest number of female county chairs, women make up only 15pc of total IFA membership and 9pc of officers on the national council.

IFA Farm Family chair Caroline Farrell recalls her husband Pat encouraging her to get more involved in the IFA as there was a lack of women on committees.

“It’s important that people are encouraged and hold out their hand for the next generation. That is what the diversity committee is trying to promote in order to have more females at county level,” she said.

The diversity committee highlighted that, in Ireland, 12pc of the agricultural workforce is made up of women compared to the EU average of 35pc. It also found that 78pc of farm-holders are male.

IFA North Tipperary chair Imelda Walsh feels that the debate should be about encouraging young people of all genders to get involved in farming.

“Irrespective of gender, the amount of young people staying in farming is greatly concerning. This is part of a bigger story of labour that needs to be addressed.”