The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has launched the Spotlight on Female-Led Sustainability booklet today (July 10).

The booklet was produced as part of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan, which seeks to promote the role of women in improved social, environmental and economic sustainability for the sector.

It was developed by the women in agriculture working group, which is responsible for the delivery of the action plan.

The booklet profiles twelve female farmers, fishers, foresters, and food producers innovating in sustainability.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), increasing the visibility of women’s contribution to sustainability across the sector provides positive female role models to inspire other women and young girls. 

As part of the launch, Minister Heydon visited a stud farm owned by Mariann Klay in Swordlestown, Naas, Co. Kildare.

Swiss native Klay believes that incorporating and encouraging greater biodiversity has been a key part of their successful stud farm. Her sustainability initiatives are highlighted in the booklet.

Minister Heydon acknowledged the important contribution women make to the Irish agri-food sector, especially in the areas of social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

He said: "Advancing the role of women in agriculture is a key priority for me and is a commitment in the programme for government.

"The importance of gender balance to the long-term sustainable future of the sector is widely recognised and it is important that we continue to build on the progress of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan.

"Sustainability is one of the areas in which women are leading the way for the sector, contributing to a resilient and viable sector for future generations of farmers. I was delighted to visit (Klay's) farm today for the launch of Spotlight on Female-Led Sustainability booklet," Minister Heydon added.