Cormac Tagging owner to speak in Brussels

Ursula Kelly brings forward proposal

A TUAM businesswoman is in Brussels today (Wednesday) to address the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee.

Ursula Kelly, CEO and owner of Cormac Tagging in Tuam, will ask MEPs to ringfence funding in the next CAP 2028-2034 for female-led farm diversification projects and businesses.

Her proposal brings women in agriculture, generational renewal and rural development under the one topic and Kelly wants the existing LEADER model to be used to deliver the proposal.

“Europe has spent years asking how we get the next generation into agriculture. Part of the answer is right in front of us: rural women with the ideas and the ambition to build something. But ideas alone aren't enough,” said Ursula Kelly.

“We need access to finance, networks, training and childcare - and above all the chance to lead. Some of Europe's best agricultural business ideas are still sitting around kitchen tables on family farms, waiting for someone to act on them.

“I'm proof of what can grow from a small farm diversification project and I want women right across rural Europe to get the same chance.”

Women in Agriculture

Kelly will speak as part of Women’s Leadership – Shaping the Change and Inspiring the Next Generation. This event is being held during the European Parliament’s annual Gender Equality Week.

Her proposal looks at the three topics of women in agriculture, generational renewal and rural development together, rather than separately, which is usually the case.

“Farm diversification brings in new household income. That helps secure the family farm and gives young women and men a reason to stay in rural Europe,” she explained.

“So, it's generational renewal, it's women in agriculture and it's rural development from the one investment. LEADER is already there to deliver it. Celebrating women in agriculture in 2026 is welcome but recognition without investment in the businesses they start won't change much.”

“I love what I do but being a female CEO in European agribusiness can be a lonely enough journey. We need more women in the jobs where decisions about farming's future get made, and we need the men in the industry with us.

“If young women can see female farmers, entrepreneurs and business owners, they'll know there's room for them too.”