Brussels!

Last week we had an amazing opportunity to visit the EU parliament.  We were there as guests of COPA-COGECA.

COPA-COGECA represent farmers interests in Europe, and run a bi-annual Innovation Award for Women Farmers.  The theme this time around was “Making Waves”.  I was contacted in June by Tirlan, to see if I was OK with being nominated for the award, by ICOS.  I never really expected anything to come from it, so when I was contacted in September and told I was in the final five, I could scarcely believe it.  We were even able to swing it that both Alan and I could go. As farmers and parents, this was not straightforward!

We arrived into Brussels on Monday evening, and found ourselves walking straight into Grand Place and the amazing light show. We wondered if we were on a movie set!

We did plenty of sight seeing on Tuesday, but on Wednesday 3^rd December we had a very different sort of a day.  We were firstly invited to a meeting of the Women’s committee of COPA-COGECA. This was followed by lunch, and then a walk down to see the European Commission. 

After that a tour of the EU parliament had been organised for us, care of MEP Maria Walsh‘s team.  The whole day was a fascinating insight into the workings of government at EU level.  Even more was to come!

The final ceremony for the Innovation Award was held in a meeting room in the EU

Parliament moderated by Ksenija Simovic, Senior Policy Advisor at COPA-COGECA.  There were speeches by host MEP Maria Walsh, Christophe Hansen Commissioner for Agriculture, Chair of COPA-COGECA Women’s committee, Francesca Gironi and Diane Zune, Corteva Agriscience EU government and Industry Affairs Manager and Raschad Al-Khafaji Director of FAO.

The winner was the announced and I couldn’t believe that the name called out, was mine. It was such an honour to be recognised like this and at this level.

We’ve always farmed to a high standard, and alongside that we have been determined to protect and improve the environment, biodiversity and water quality on our land. Another aspect was the amount of hard working passionate people that we met.  Lots of contacts made and a day we will never ever forget.

We had another very different day on Thursday then exploring the war museum in Brussels.  It was very poignant, phenomenal to think of all that the country and Europe has been through over the years..

All in all it was an amazing week, and one that we will remember for so many different reasons.