Women in Agriculture Leadership Programme

Opportunity for women in agriculture to gain valuable skills and access mentoring support

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) have launched the new Women in Agri-Leadership Programme.

The programme will be delivered over an eight week period across four cohorts in Northern Ireland. Women from all sectors within the agriculture industry are invited to register their interest. 

Programme topics will include:

• confidence building and leadership development
• communication and influencing skills
• negotiation and decision-making
• conflict resolution and managing difficult conversations (particularly in farm and family contexts)
• understanding and addressing gender bias in agriculture
• building resilience, self-awareness and wellbeing
• peer learning and support

This programme is a key element of a wider industry initiative to strengthen the role of women in agriculture in Northern Ireland. As participants progress through the programme, they will become part of a Women in Agriculture Alumni Network, providing ongoing peer support, mentoring opportunities, and a platform for continued development and engagement across the sector.

The programme will be held across four locations:

• Antrim | October – December 2026
• Cookstown | October – December 2026
• Armagh | January – March 2027
• Enniskillen | January – March 2027

Find more information and complete an expression of interest form. 

First published 13 May 2026