Carla Lockhart celebrates invaluable contribution made by rural women

As the daughter, sister and wife of farmers, Ms Lockhart said she understands first-hand the commitment, resilience and hard work required to keep a family farm operating, and the many responsibilities women undertake to support their families, their businesses and the wider agricultural industry.

The Upper Bann MP said: “International Day of Rural Women (15th October) provides an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the women who are at the heart of our farming families and rural communities. Their contribution is immense, yet too often the work they do goes unrecognised.

“I grew up on a farm and I know that farming is much more than a job. It is a way of life that demands long hours, considerable sacrifice and an unwavering commitment, often in the face of unpredictable weather, rising costs and mounting financial pressures.

“Women are central to meeting those challenges, whether working directly on the farm, managing the accounts, caring for livestock, raising families or balancing employment away from the farm.”

Carla Lockhart said she recognises that women bring enormous skill, knowledge and determination to agriculture. She added: “Women contribute to farm decision-making, embrace new ideas, help diversify businesses and play a crucial role in ensuring family farms remain viable for the next generation. Their work also extends well beyond the farm gate, helping to sustain local businesses, community organisations and the rural way of life. “However, we must be honest that there is more to do to ensure women in agriculture receive the recognition, opportunities and support they deserve. Barriers around access to training, business development, childcare and rural services can make it harder for women to reach their full potential. We must also recognise the importance of ensuring women have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their farms and their futures.”

Ms Lockhart added: “Women who devote years of their lives to building and sustaining a family farming business should never be overlooked simply because their contribution is not always reflected in a job title or formal business arrangement. Their experience, expertise and commitment deserve to be acknowledged and valued.

“Over forty percent of the global agri-food workforce are women, which is why the United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

“As we mark International Day of Rural Women, I want to pay tribute to every woman who helps keep Northern Ireland’s agricultural sector moving forward. Our farming industry would be considerably poorer without them.

“We should celebrate their achievements, listen to their experiences and ensure that the next generation of women has every opportunity to succeed in agriculture.

Concluding, the Carla Lockhart MP praised the 2026/27 UFU Women in Agri-Leadership Programme.

“This exciting initiative aims to empower women working across the agri-food sector, arming them with the confidence, skills and networks they need to take on leadership roles and make their voices heard.

“I appreciate the latest programme is already underway, but I would encourage any woman working in agriculture, whether on the farm, in agri-business, education, food production or the wider agri-food sector, to consider applying.

“Investing in leadership development helps to future-proof the agriculture industry. I have no doubt that the women who take part will become strong advocates and leaders within rural Northern Ireland.”

Further details are available from the UFU’s Kayleigh Ashton-Meek tel: 028 90370222 or email: [email protected]