Svitlana Synkovska
WIA

Women are increasingly shaping the future of the grain industry, stepping into leadership roles across production, trade, processing, technology, and policy. Once on the margins of a traditionally male-dominated sector, they are now driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and strengthening global food systems. Let’s explore the rise of women across the entire grain value chain. Through data, insights, and real-life examples, let us examine how women are redefining the present and the future of agribusiness. 

As we are almost at the edge of 2025 and 2026, it’s a good moment to mention that the United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). The idea of this declaration, according to the UN, is “to spotlight the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognized”. It hopes that global awareness of this initiative will help to close the gender gaps in agriculture and improve women’s lives globally.

It’s indeed a critical note about the unrecognized role of females in the agricultural value chain, which has remained unchanged for centuries. However, we can now see significant progress over the last several decades in all segments of agriculture, particularly grain trade and processing.

And still, it’s essential to highlight the existing issue, despite all the latest progress and the increasing number of females in the grain trade, milling, farming, and in top positions in industry associations. We can tell it’s still not enough, and a lot needs to be done. Let’s examine the statistics: according to World Bank data, approximately 1.3 billion people work in agribusiness globally. And women comprise approximately 43% of the agricultural labor force, or roughly 559 million women, while men account for the remaining 741 million. However, when comparing the gap in income, job title, and decision-making, the role of women remains underrated.

Due to limited access to resources such as land, credit, and technology, a 24% gender gap in productivity exists between female and male farmers operating farms of equal size, according to FAO data. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately affected women, with 22% losing their jobs in off-farm agrifood systems in the first year of the pandemic, compared to 2% of men. 

According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), despite their contributions, women face unique challenges that hinder their productivity and growth, ultimately harming rural economies and the global food chain. Women in agribusiness still face numerous significant obstacles globally, particularly in most developing countries. These difficulties include limited access to land ownership and control, difficulties in getting financial resources, such as obtaining credit and financial services, and barriers to accessing technologies, equipment, and education/training. Additionally, cultural and social barriers can be particularly burdensome in specific regions due to traditional or religious restrictions. 

Add to that gloomy picture strong gender biases and stereotypes that affect decision-making roles, societal expectations that prioritize men in leadership positions, and it all complicates and significantly limits women’s networking opportunities compared to their male counterparts. Furthermore, there are substantial gaps in the policy and legal frameworks in many agricultural regions worldwide. This includes insufficient legal protections for women in agriculture and inadequate support from government programs that fail to meet women’s specific needs.

WHY IS GENDER EQUALITY SO CRUCIAL FOR GLOBAL AGRICULTURE? 

According to the UN, it has not only moral but huge economic benefits. According to them, “closing the gender gap in farm productivity and the wage gap in agrifood system employment would increase global gross domestic product by 1 percent (or nearly USD 1 trillion). This would reduce global food insecurity by about 2 percent, reducing the number of food-insecure people by 45 million.”

Empowering women in agriculture globally is crucial because it supports food security, boosts economic growth, and promotes sustainable development by closing productivity gaps and enhancing rural livelihoods. Data shows that empowered women have better access to resources and the decision-making process, which increases agricultural output, helps reduce global hunger, and strengthens local communities on multiple levels. 

When women have the same access to resources, training, and rights as men, they can be as productive. Closing this gap could boost global agricultural output. If women had better access to land, financial resources, and inputs, it would lead to more substantial economic benefits at both the micro and macro levels.  In the face of global challenges like climate change, women›s involvement in farming is becoming increasingly critical as it enhances community resilience. Numerous international studies indicate that women are strong advocates of organic and sustainable agricultural practices.

Improving gender equality in agribusiness benefits the entire system and its financial outcomes. Therefore, it should become a priority for both the public and commercial sectors at both the national and international levels.

It’s no surprise that the situation regarding gender roles in agriculture varies across countries and regions. For example, in the USA, according to the USDA, there is a steady increase in the number of women involved in farm decision-making and management. According to its latest report (conducted by TraceOne company), the USDA reveals that the number of female ag producers in the country has steadily increased since 2002. Currently, in the USA, there are about 1.2 million female farmers, or approximately 36% of all U.S. farmers. Female farmers are strongly represented in the following segments of agriculture - livestock, specialty crops, and greenhouse production- and have bigger shares in some regions, like Arizona (where about half of all farmers are females).

Brazil has become one of the most inspiring examples of the booming development of female leadership in all segments of the agricultural value chain. A truly agricultural wonderland, Brazil has transformed from an agricultural importer to one of the world’s most powerful global agricultural exporters, while also making significant progress in advancing women in agriculture. According to the OPCI, in 2023, approximately one million Brazilian women managed ag companies. 

With greater access to education, more women are gaining leadership roles, owning farms, and becoming decision-makers, thereby shaping the country’s agricultural market trends. Some notable initiatives include the National Committee for Women in Agriculture (part of the CNA System), which was launched in 2023. Its goal is to improve women’s role and develop female leadership across the whole ag value chain. 

As for the EU situation, it is significantly better there than in many other parts of the world; however, a gap still exists between the roles of males and females in the agricultural system. As per the European Commission’s data, about 29% of farms in the European Union (EU) are managed by women, but it still varies dramatically in different countries of the union (with the most significant shares of female farm managers in the Baltic countries and the smallest in Germany, Denmark, and Malta). And still, across Europe, women face disparities in access to various resources, according to the EUCAP Network.

According to the FAO, nearly 58% of the female labor force in Asia and the Pacific works in agriculture. But only 10-10% of women have ownership or rights to the land on which they work, highlighting the extent of gender inequality in this sector. 

However, when it comes to agricultural exports, women’s added value is lower than men’s globally, according to UNCTADstat data. For example, in some Asian countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the situation is opposite. In these countries, women’s share of domestic value added in agricultural exports is almost half. It is mainly attributed to the significant female presence in farm production and processing, as well as to favorable government policies that support women in agriculture throughout the value chain. Women also play a vital role in India’s agricultural system, with nearly 80% of women involved in farming in rural areas. They contribute in many ways, making up 33% of the farm labor force and 48% of self-employed farmers nationwide. One key reason is the migration of men to large cities in search of jobs. However, despite their significant contributions, women farmers in India often do not own the land on which they work. Sources show that only about 10-15% of women own the land they farm. This is a significant issue that places considerable pressure on women in agriculture.

When we attempt to gather information about different parts of the agricultural value chain and find statistics on female leadership in grain trading or milling, we see practically none at the local or national levels. In 2020, Barclays released information indicating that only about 20% of roles in trading and sales are available, so trading remains a predominantly dominant area, and grain trading is no exception. However, we can see that, thanks to initiatives by big companies, the share of female traders is increasing, which is a great sign. 

That’s why organizations like WISTA are so important. WISTA, which stands for the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association, is a global professional network for women in management in the maritime, trading, and logistics sectors. It aims to promote diversity, support women’s professional development, and facilitate business relationships among its members through national and international networking, training, and events.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT LEVEL OF WOMEN’S SUPPORT IN AGRICULTURE?

Despite all the progress, women still need support to achieve leadership in the agriculture and food industry, and it’s great to see various initiatives on both global and national levels. Key global initiatives to support women in agriculture include “Commit to Grow Equality,” a special program launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to advance gender equality in agrifood systems through investment and partnerships. 

Other initiatives include direct support, such as the U.S. Feed the Future program, which provides training and market access, and the EWAS program. As a fantastic example of cooperation among diverse stakeholders, EWAS is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet that creates jobs for young women in the agrifood sector, particularly in countries such as Ethiopia and Nigeria. 

Over the last few years, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has made closing the gender gap in agribusiness a priority due to its broad development impact and strong role in poverty reduction. IFC’s Women in Agribusiness Value Chains program operates globally to close gender gaps and reap the benefits of gender inclusion in the agricultural value chain. The program focuses on increasing women farmers’ access to training and credit, enabling them to purchase and utilize ag inputs, and thereby increase productivity. 

Another excellent example of the programs, focused on empowering women in agriculture, is being actively implemented in Southern America. It includes Root Capital’s Women in Agriculture Initiative, which provides support and resources for women’s leadership in agricultural businesses, such as the CECAFE coffee cooperative in Peru. One more notable program in this region is Yara’s initiative in Peru, Women in Agronomy (WiA), which provides agronomy training to help female farmers increase the profitability and resilience of their small businesses. As only 27% of agri-production companies in Ecuador are led by women, this program plays a critical role in empowering women in the country’s ag sector. 

Multiple similar programs are being developed in other countries of the region, particularly in large countries such as Mexico and Argentina. However, women in Latin America still have a long way to go to achieve full equality with men in the agricultural system.

Regarding the USA, it is worth highlighting the significant efforts of the American Farm Bureau and its initiatives, including Women’s Leadership, which provides women with opportunities for growth and development, sharpening their skills and strengthening their ability to inspire change.

In the EU, it’s worth mentioning that the FLIARA program is a European-wide rural innovation network that supports women in sustainable agriculture in countries such as Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Notably, FILARA, in particular, supports the innovative power of women in farming and rural areas, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving sustainability goals.

Although all these and other initiatives do a great deal to empower women and support them on various levels, it’s still not enough, and many things need to change. Mostly on the country level, in policy and legislation. Current global legislation supporting women in agriculture varies significantly by country, with several nations implementing effective policies. For example, Rwanda has a high percentage of women in agriculture, backed by laws that promote women’s land rights and access to credit. 

In Ethiopia, the government has introduced initiatives to empower women farmers through training programs and access to resources, thereby enhancing their role in agricultural production.

In India, established in 2001, the National Policy for Women empowers women in agriculture by promoting self-help groups and providing access to technology and financial services. It follows a multi-sectoral approach, involving various stakeholders to create a supportive environment for women’s development. 

However, it’s not only governments but also big transnational ag companies and industry powerhouses that play an essential role in improving gender disparities in agriculture. Major agricultural companies, such as Cargill and Syngenta, actively promote gender equality through various initiatives. These companies recognize that promoting gender equality not only fosters a more inclusive workplace but also enhances overall business performance.

However, even an individual activist can have a significant impact. Let me provide a great example of a Kenyan activist: Mary Muthoni Wangari, who made it her mission to address the effects of climate change on agriculture, with a particular focus on empowering youth and women in rural communities. Her activities focused on education and dialogue with rural communities, as well as developing female leadership in Kenya’s agricultural system and other African countries.

But the most crucial question is: how can we measure the outcomes of all those fantastic programs and initiatives that empower women in agricultural systems worldwide? In 2012, the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) was developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to measure project-specific impacts. This index has been further adapted with specialized modules for market inclusion and health/nutrition. Over 230 organizations have used it across 58 countries to track progress toward women’s empowerment and gender equality in agriculture. Although the improvement is notable, especially in some countries, it’s still a way to go to track the real results of all the cumulative efforts to strengthen women’s role in the global ag and food industries.

WOMEN’S ROLE IN AG INNOVATIONS IS HUGE

For centuries, the agricultural sector has been perceived as a male-dominated field, particularly in decision-making and innovation. However, this perception is changing. Women are increasingly taking on key positions, from managing smart farms to leading agri-tech startups, demonstrating that they are capable of more than just support; they can drive innovation. With global access to higher education, women have become increasingly active in innovation and the adoption of new technologies across all industries, particularly in the agricultural sector.

It began with some remarkable women who paved the way for female-driven innovations in agriculture in the 19th century, such as Anna Baldwin, considered the first notable female innovator in agriculture for inventing the first suction milking machine in 1879. Another key early innovator of that time was Harriet Williams Russell Strong, who patented inventions to improve water conservation and irrigation. 

Over the last decade, women have progressed in becoming key players and innovators in the agritech sector, leading new technologies and solutions that promote sustainable farming practices. From developing drought-resistant crops to creating mobile apps that give farmers real-time insights on weather, crop health, and market prices, their contributions are significant. By tackling the key challenges that farmers face, women are not only participating in the industry but are also actively shaping its future, thereby enhancing both productivity and sustainability. It’s inspiring to see how their efforts are making a real difference in agriculture today.

The global share of female agritech startup founders is increasing but remains relatively low.  Female founders accounted for approximately 18% of agri and food startups in 2023, representing a significant increase from just 9% in 2002, according to AgFunder. Only female-founded agtech firms accounted for approximately 3% of venture capital deal activity in 2023, as per AgTechNavigator data. 

What are the main obstacles female ag innovators and startup founders face? This question has become a key topic of the AgInnovation panel at this year’s Women in Agribusiness Summit in Orlando. A panel moderator was Pam Marrone, a notable female pioneer, role model, and inspiration for many women in ag science and innovation. Pam is a prominent entrepreneur, entomologist, and inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, renowned for her work in developing biological products for pest management and plant health. She has founded multiple successful companies in the bio-agricultural industry.

Panelists and the moderator highlighted several challenges faced by female founders. One key issue is the lack of confidence among women, who often hesitate to apply for opportunities unless they meet most of the qualifications, unlike their male counterparts. The speakers emphasize the importance of self-belief and finding one’s voice in various professional settings. Communication is identified as a challenge, particularly when dealing with diverse stakeholders, including boards, clients, and venture capitalists. The importance of seeking support, sharing stories, and learning from others is underscored as crucial for success. 

Additionally, the speakers noted the unpredictability of funding and the importance of applying to multiple sources. Despite these challenges, there is a sense of progress, as evidenced by increased diversity in leadership across some startups. 

ALL EFFORTS MATTER TO SUPPORT WOMEN IN AG

According to Kati Partanen, Board Member of the World Farmers Organization, the International Year of the Female Farmer must not remain symbolic – it should mark “a turning point for concrete action to eliminate the barriers faced by women farmers worldwide.” This is the right moment to ask what must change, and what each of us can do, to truly empower women in agriculture.

At the national level, supportive policy is fundamental. Laws and regulations should secure women’s land rights, guarantee access to credit, training and technology, and ensure their participation in decision-making. Stronger legal protection, better data and monitoring, and active support networks can boost women’s role in agriculture, improve food security and promote sustainable development. Some countries have moved in this direction, but globally there is still a long way to go.

Corporate action is equally important. Both male and female leaders can drive change by embedding equality into company values and policies, promoting female leadership, and making inclusion visible in recruitment and promotion. Even in small and medium-sized agri companies, proactive C-level support for women has led to strong female teams and helped attract new talent.

On a personal level, every professional can make a difference by becoming a mentor, coach or sponsor for women at different stages of their careers. Mentoring a young woman at the start of her journey is one of the most powerful contributions you can make: not only by sharing knowledge, but also by opening your network, building her confidence and helping her see opportunities she may not yet imagine for herself.

A good mentor offers clarity, emotional support and practical guidance. Whether you mentor a student or an early-career professional met through universities, industry associations, events or your own network, your support can be a catalyst for the next generation of ag leaders. Likewise, managers can look inside their own teams for high-potential female colleagues, offering regular feedback, growth paths and access to training, conferences or stretch projects. This not only accelerates their careers but also strengthens team performance and retention.

By combining efforts at global, national, corporate and personal levels, the agricultural sector can build a more inclusive system with strong, visible female leadership – and close the gender gaps that still persist across the world.