Gorey Dairy Farmer Wins Prestigious EU Innovation Award

Wexford dairy farmer Dr. Cheryl Poole has been honoured with the Innovation Award for Women Farmers at the EU Innovation Awards held in Brussels. The award recognizes her outstanding contributions to sustainable farming, environmental protection and rural development. Farming with her family on a 103-acre holding near Gorey, Poole manages a 72-cow high-EBI dairy herd and has made significant strides in water protection, biodiversity and sustainable milk production. A graduate of NUI Galway with a PhD in Chemistry, Poole applies evidence-based, scientific methods developed during her research career to enhance both farm performance and environmental outcomes. Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, who congratulated Poole on her win, praised her work as a shining example of practical ingenuity and environmental responsibility. “Cheryl Poole is a champion for biodiversity, lower fertilizer use and reduced energy costs. Her farm is a model for how farmers can work in harmony with nature,” Ní Mhurchú said. Under Poole's leadership, the farm has become a vital community hub and earned recognition for its leadership in sustainable farming practices. This award highlights the creative, practical and sustainable solutions women are bringing to rural communities across Europe, and Poole’s work serves as an inspiration to farmers and rural innovators everywhere.