A photo competition has been launched to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF).

To honour and recognise the vital contribution of women in agri-food systems, the United Nations (UN) declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

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

Among the key issues women face in agri-food systems are land tenure, financial and technical constraints, and limited access to services and education.

Woman farmer

To mark this year, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM),in association with CAP Network Ireland, is launching a photo competition.

The competition aims to highlight women in farming and address the lack of women-focused imagery in agriculture communications.

The competition theme is 'Empowered women transforming agri-food systems'.

There are five categories covering women’s roles across farming, forestry, marine, sustainability, and diversification.

The department has confirmed that €200 will be presented to each category winner.

The overall winning photo will feature on this year’s CAP Network Women in Agriculture Booklet cover.

An entry form is available on the DAFM website, with the closing date for submission at 3:00p.m on Monday, February 16, 2026.