Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has announced Carina Roseingrave as the Department’s Woman Farmer Ambassador for International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, at an event held recently to mark International Women’s Day.
Carina runs a mixed farm in Clare in partnership with her brother. She was a previous participant of the ACORNS programme, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. Carina credits ACORNS with giving her the knowledge, skills, and confidence to diversify and grow as a woman farmer and rural female entrepreneur. Recently featured in the documentary film ‘Irish Farmers: A Love Story’, she shared her personal experience of being a woman farmer in Ireland. Carina is passionate about farming, nature and instilling a love of the land in the next generation.
Following the announcement, Minister Heydon said:
“I look forward to the year ahead where we hope to increase recognition and promote gender equality in agriculture. I would also like to thank all the women who took the time to apply and wish them all every success for the future.”
The Minister added:
“As Ambassador, Carina will represent women in Irish agriculture, promoting existing supports and initiatives, while highlighting issues important to her and other women farmers. This role puts women farmers at the heart of our initiatives for International Year of the Woman Farmer, shaping a better future for women in the sector.”
The event included addresses from the Department’s Secretary General, Sinéad McPhillips and former Tánaiste and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mary Coughlan, the only women to hold these posts in the 125-year history of the Department. The highlight of the day was a panel discussion with the five shortlisted ambassador applicants who spoke about their personal experiences as women farmers.
In his closing remarks, Minister Heydon emphasised the need to be conscious of the important role and contribution of women to agri-food business and to commit to building a more inclusive and resilient agri-food sector, as Irish agriculture is strongest when everyone’s contribution is valued. He also stressed the need to work collectively not just to celebrate women but to effect change.
