Dairy Women Ireland (DWI), the education and support network for women in dairy, has outlined significant progress in securing a landmark partnership model with milk processors across the country.

The collaborative effort aims to provide long-term, sustainable support for women in the dairy sector through annual processor contributions.

Founded in 2021, DWI has grown into a vibrant, grassroots network that empowers women across Ireland’s dairy industry.

From regional meetups to national conference events, the demand for support, education, and connection has been evident according to DWI.

To date, DWI’s work has been made possible through member subscriptions and one-off sponsorships from key industry players, including the current flagship sponsors, Kerry Dairy Ireland and FDC in an effort to get the ball rolling and build momentum.

However, DWI has stated that its ability to meet the increasing demand for its services and to reach the female farmers working in dairy across the country, has been limited by funding.

The organisation proposed a funding structure where milk processors contribute €2 per supplier annually for a number of years.

DWI said this investment reflects a "fair and equitable commitment", proportionate to processor size.

The organisation has said that the majority of dairy processors in Ireland have now committed to the initiative which was publicly launched at the recent Moorepark Dairy Open Day.

President of Dairy Women Ireland, Mary Kinston said: “With this partnership, we are not only securing funding for Dairy Women Ireland, but we’re also helping processors meet their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals in relation to gender equality and inclusion.

DWI added that this new model of funding will allow it to expand its services, reach more members, and "amplify the voices" of women working in dairy across Ireland.