An ambassador to represent Ireland during the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 has been announced.

At a conference held today (Thursday, March 5) by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Carina Roseingrave was named as the ambassador.

Roseingrave is a full-time farmer on a mixed farm enterprise situated at the foothills of the Burren in Crusheen, Co. Clare.

The family-run farm focuses on dairy and suckler cattle, with a pedigree Limousin and Charolais herd.

A flock of free-range hens was introduced in 2023.

Roseingrave said: "My passion as a woman in agriculture is to produce high-quality milk, beef and eggs, while promoting a strong connection between food and nature.

"I've two beautiful daughters, CJ and Arlie, they love being out on the farm and are the two best farm hands you will find.

"Seeing my two daughters grow up on the farm, has given me a great appreciation of the life we have out on the land and it's something I want to pass on to the next generation of young people, to secure the future of Irish farming."

Competition

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon previously encouraged entries to a competition for selecting the ambassador.

According to the minister, the winner has a "unique opportunity to represent women working in Irish agriculture, promoting existing supports and initiatives while highlighting issues important to them".

The ambassador will represent the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine throughout the year by "participating in events, media opportunities, and social media campaigns to encourage female participation in farming and provide insight into life as a female farmer in Ireland, via their own lived experiences". 

Speaking Thursday, Minister Heydon said there was a very large number of strong entries to the competition.

International Year of the Woman Farmer

The International Year of the Woman Farmer celebrates the pivotal roles played by women in sustaining agri-food systems.

The event aims to increase recognition and promote actions to close gender gaps in agriculture and improve women’s livelihoods worldwide.

This year will spotlight the essential roles women play across agri-food systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognised.

The global campaign will also raise awareness and promote actions to close the gender gaps and improve women’s livelihoods worldwide.

Key issues women face in agri-food systems include land tenure, financial and technical constraints, and limited access to services and education.

Activities this year will seek to encourage policies and investments that empower women in agri-food and to promote greater synergies among international initiatives supporting women farmers.