Recent industry-led water quality campaigns outlining the Farming for Water EIP along with refocusing of National and European policy towards wider sustainability practises over commercial activity will help.
However, a key factor in farm resilience and sustainability that is gaining traction is diversity and inclusivity within the family farm. Diversity and inclusivity are not only a key social consideration in creating a more equitable and meritocratic industry, but creates more profitable and resilient business.
A key component of diversity and inclusion is fostering innovation, which will be an essential strategic requirement if Irish agriculture is to achieve legally binding objectives under the EU Green Deal.
Recognising and valuing the contributions of women is a crucial element to diversity and inclusion in Irish farming.
According to recent statistics released by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s (DAFM) National Dialogue on Women in Agriculturereport, which is based on the CSO’s 2020 census of agriculture, women’s …