In this year of the United Nations International Year of the Woman Farmer, GlobalG.A.P. North America, a subsidiary of Agraya GmbH, says it is reaffirming its commitment to supporting efforts that strengthen the equality and visibility of women farmers through the Agraya Changemaker Awards 2026.
Initially launched in 2024, the next ceremony will take place in Bologna, Italy, as part of the Agraya Summit 2026, Oct. 27-29. Closely aligned with the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the award and summit agenda discussions focused on the topic of women farmers will seek to highlight initiatives, elevate the voices driving change and encourage collaboration toward a more resilient and transparent value chain, organizers say.
From managing farms to leading cooperatives and driving innovation in rural communities, women help build resilience across farming communities, contribute to food security and support the long‑term viability of agricultural systems, Agraya says. Yet many women continue to face structural barriers, including limited access to land, financing, technology and networks.
“At Agraya, our purpose is to shape a sustainable future where agriculture strengthens communities and protects ecosystems with lasting impact. And women are equally central to that work,” says Elmé Coetzer‑Boersma, CEO of Agraya. “We at Agraya highlight the essential role women play in global agricultural supply chains. Across our work with farmers, producer groups and value chain partners, we see where progress is required.
“Women’s contributions are often undervalued, and access to resources remains unequal,” Coetzer‑Boersma continues. “By supporting farmers and communities worldwide with guidance on discrimination‑free agricultural production processes, we actively help uplifting women farmers in their communities. Building on our expertise with additional initiatives like our Agraya Changemaker Awards, we expand on opportunities to reflect and recognize women’s leadership and daily achievements in global farming value chains.”
The 2026 Changemaker Awards will feature categories for innovation, community impact and sustainability, says Christy Slay, CEO of The Sustainability Consortium and a member of the 2026 Changemaker Awards jury.
“As a jury, we will be looking for applications that inspire with the transformative role of women in farming,” she says.
The 2026 Changemaker Awards jury also includes Stephanie Finkbeiner, chief sustainability officer at Edeka Zentrale Stiftung & Co. KG; Diana Gaglietti, of an agri‑food consultancy and auditing firm; Manal Saleh, Blue Moon Ltd., a consultancy and training for smallholders; and Felipe Fuentelsaz, markets and standards, WWF España.
The Changemaker Awards encourage entries that showcase initiatives advancing the vital role of women in agriculture and the efforts helping to overcome the barriers they encounter. Applications can be submitted via agraya.com/changemaker-2026.
The application page includes eligibility criteria, timelines and guidance for submitting proposals. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026.
“Throughout my life, I have seen firsthand that women are essential to the strength of agriculture,” says Roberta Anderson, president of GlobalG.A.P. North America. “Across the United States and Canada, women farmers are a driving force behind the viability of our farms, the stewardship of our natural environments and the resilience of our rural communities. Their leadership, knowledge and commitment define agriculture today and secure it for future generations. Please join GlobalG.A.P. North America in encouraging applications from our region of the world for the Agraya Changemaker Awards.”
