An Irish farmer has this week received the Innovation Award for Women Farmers 2025 at an event in the European Parliament hosted by MEP Maria Walsh.
The Innovation Award for Women Farmers is organised by COPA-COGECA, the leading European agricultural representative body, and has been running since 2010. This year’s theme, “Women Making Waves in Sustainable Water Systems,” spotlights the crucial role women play in addressing water-related challenges across Europe’s agricultural sector.
Cheryl Poole, a dairy farmer from County Wexford, was recognised for her pioneering work in balancing food production with biodiversity and environmental conservation. She runs a family dairy farm with her husband Alan and their three children, combining high-performance dairy production with a deep commitment to sustainability.
As a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee and one of the judges on this year’s jury, MEP Maria Walsh presented the award to Ms Poole in Brussels. EU Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen also attended and spoke at the event.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“I’m incredibly proud to see an Irish woman leading the way in sustainable innovation. This award recognises not only Cheryl’s remarkable work on water quality, but the vital role Irish women are playing in shaping the future of agriculture. The award also shows how Irish innovation is influencing agricultural practice right across the EU.
“In agriculture we often face the false choice between productivity and stewardship – but Cheryl’s farm shows we can achieve both. Her evidence-based, biodiversity-first approach is exactly the kind of model we need for the future of Irish and European agriculture.
“As a member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, I have pushed to strengthen supports for women in agriculture, improve sustainability measures, and ensure that our farming communities have the tools they need to adapt and thrive. Cheryl’s achievement embodies exactly why that work matters.
“This award sends a clear message: women farmers are not only participating – they are leading. Across the EU, we must do more to support their innovation and amplify their voices, through policies and practices. The future of farming depends on it.”
Cheryl Poole said:
“I am delighted to have received this award which recognises not only our work, but also the values of our farm and business. It is essential that while producing high quality food we protect our environment, climate, biodiversity and water quality. On our family farm we strive to achieve this balance.
“We take a science-based approach, with a strong focus on biodiversity in our farming practices. We also firmly believe in educating the next generation; we have opened the Poole Bio School to offer a chance for schools and community groups to experience life and biodiversity on our farms.”