Cheryl Poole makes the final of Europe’s 8th Innovation Award for Women Farmers
Cheryl Poole, a Wexford dairy farmer, has reached the final of the EU Innovation Award for Women Farmers. Judges praised how she transformed a family enterprise into a model of water stewardship and environmental leadership, proving that sustainability can be compatible with strong productivity. Nominated by ICOS, Cheryl and her husband Alan run a 103-acre farm near Gorey, continuing a family legacy now in its 13th generation.
Background and path to farming
The Pooles’ farm focuses on milk solids, herd health, and environmental sustainability within a 72-cow high-EBI herd. Cheryl holds a BSc from NUI Galway and earned a doctorate in chemistry, grounding her approach in evidence-based farming. Her doctoral work examined the mechanism of action of an anti-cancer drug, illustrating how scientific training can nourish practical agriculture. Family circumstances brought Cheryl and Alan back to the land, and since then they have integrated rigorous science with hands-on care for soil, water, and livestock.
River Bann and water stewardship as a personal mission
Running through the farm is the River Bann, a lifeline and a challenge that shaped Cheryl’s professional and personal mission. The couple’s eldest son, Jacob, who has a severe disability, finds joy and therapy in the river, reinforcing the farm’s commitment to safe, clean water. Their stewardship has earned them national recognition, including a “Blue Dot” status for their stretch of the river, signifying high water quality. On-farm innovations to protect and enhance the watershed include a rainfall garden, sediment tanks, and a constructed wetland that filters and slows water before it enters the river.
Biodiversity and nutrient management at the core
Today, more than 20% of the farm is dedicated to biodiversity, featuring wildlife corridors, orchards, and hedgerows that support pollinators and other wildlife. Careful nutrient management supports high nitrogen efficiency and reduces the risk of contamination. Slurry storage and roofing minimize waste and water leakage, while rainwater harvesting supports day-to-day tasks such as cleaning the parlour, lowering reliance on mains water. These practices align with national biodiversity programmes, including the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, and regular biodiversity monitoring that informs ongoing improvements.
Economic resilience and social impact
Environmentally focused innovations have also delivered economic benefits. Fertiliser and energy costs have declined without sacrificing milk solids or herd performance. Socially, the Pooles actively engage with their community through school partnerships, public talks, and farm walks, widening awareness of sustainable farming practices. Their approach demonstrates that environmental sustainability can strengthen farm livelihoods while enriching rural life.
Recognition and the wider European context
The Pooles’ work has drawn attention from across Europe, with visitors including European Commission officials and researchers from Zambia and Armenia. The 8th Innovation Award for Women Farmers is celebrated by COPA and COGECA, which represent EU farmers’ organizations and co-ops, together with Corteva Agriscience. The other finalists include Alessandra Pighin’s tech-driven mixed farm in Italy; Sarah Descamps’s closed-loop irrigation system in Belgium; Monika Zsuzsanna Horváth’s goat milk soap in Hungary; and Lidia Moron Morawska’s organic beekeeping in Poland. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Brussels at the end of the year.
What this means for the future of Irish farming
Cheryl Poole’s finalist status highlights Ireland’s contribution to sustainable, science-backed farming. By integrating water stewardship, biodiversity, and productive farming, she shows how farms can be economic engines while safeguarding natural resources. Her story also serves as inspiration for other farmers in Ireland and beyond who are looking to strengthen resilience in the face of climate and price pressures.
