Denise Callan, from Irish Partner Momentum Educate and Innovate, attended Leitrim Women in Agriculture – A Celebration of Roots and Resilience in Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland, on November 13th.

Following a welcome address by Assumpta Kelly, From The Hidden Half – Leitrim Women in Focus project, and the co-ordinator of North Leitrim Women’s Centre, the audience hear from Teresa Roche, Owner and Producer of Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese, and Chair IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee. Teresa has attended events around the world and explained that the same issues come up globally, including access to finance, land, training, etc. and that farmers face many barriers.
Teresa spoke about farm diversification, and a staggering 80% of farm diversification in Ireland is female-led.

The next speaker was Claire Brennan, Organic Farmer, agricultural advisor, and Project leader for EIP ‘Making Farms Work for Women’. Claire spoke honestly and openly about her love of farming and her passion of solving problems on the farm and making lives easier for farmers. She explained that farms are the fabric of the community and that many farmers are double, and triple jobbing to make ends meet.

Then Helen Doherty, Social Farming Ireland (Leitrim Development Company) spoke about her passion for volunteering in her local community, which led to her working for Social Farming Ireland. This initiative gives people with a range of challenges in life the opportunity to spend time working on family farms. The farmers get compensated for their time, and the placements become empowered and gain self-confidence

Denise Callan presented the Smart4Food Project and explained how it is revolutionising smallholder farming through digital education and sustainable practices. By equipping farmers with essential skills and innovative tools, we drive food security, climate resilience, and eco-friendly agriculture.

The Panel Discussion consisted of Leitrim Women in Farming/Agriculture
Mary McGovern – Leitrim Farmer and Leitrim IFA Rep
Karen McCabe – Leitrim Farmer and Columnist, Irish Farmers Journal
Gypsy Gifford – Leitrim Hill Creamery

It was entertaining and enlightening listening to the panel, lively discussion followed, and attendees shared many inspiring stories and experiences. It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce SMART4FOOD to an engaged gathering of farmers and smallholders.