Women in Ag Award 2025
The Women in Ag Award, presented by the DLG and Women in Ag Magazine, honours women from around the world who are shaping the future of agriculture with their innovative spirit, expertise and passion. In four categories –farming, agribusiness, education, and technology and research – the award highlights female commitment and tells the stories behind these impressive women.
In 2025, over 150 extraordinary women from around the world applied for the Women in Ag Award.
The winners of the Woman in AG Award 2025 will be honoured at AGRITECHNICA 2025.
First place
Joëlla Buhendwa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Joëlla Buhendwa, Founder and CEO of AstiFerme, leads a circular agriculture initiative in Bukavu that transforms household organic waste into high-quality animal feed and fertilizer through Black Soldier Fly farming. Her model reduces pollution, replaces imported protein, cuts emissions, and boosts food security. With a background in Plant Production and deep community engagement, Joella empowers youth and marginalized groups through inclusive green jobs. Her work turns waste into protein, energy, and opportunity – restoring ecosystems and human dignity while driving sustainable development.
Second place
Dr. Zeinab AL-Momany, Jordan
Dr. Zeinab AL-Momany, a farmer and advocate from Ajloun, Jordan, founded the Specific Union of Women Farmers in Jordan, the first of its kind in the region, representing 5,000 women and 27 cooperatives. With a PhD and Master’s in Business Management, she has fought for fair wages, and for legal reforms, such as securing the right to rent 10 donums of land, a significant advancement from previous ownership restrictions. Inspired by her mother’s struggles, she opened a childcare center for farmers’ children and launched Sakrara CBO. Her work empowers women, improves working conditions, and gives voice to farmers across Jordan and beyond.
Third place
Mary Johnson, United States of America
Mary Johnson, Founder & CEO of Regenerative Farms, Inc., empowers rural women to lead ecosystem restoration and food system transformation through her Regeneration Hub model. Active across five continents, her approach has supported over 65,000 families, restoring degraded land and building regenerative businesses rooted in local knowledge. With a background in conservation and global supply chains, Mary combines technical expertise with grassroots leadership to scale climate-smart agriculture, improve nutrition, and create lasting economic resilience—placing women at the heart of regenerative change.
First place
Joyce Rugano, Kenya
Joyce Waithira Rugano is a Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of Ecorich Solutions, a climate-tech company transforming food waste into organic fertilizer using AI-powered, solar-driven Wastebot technology. Her innovation supports over 8,000 farmers, creates green jobs, and promotes circular agriculture. Joyce also leads JSmart Interior Decor and Bold and Defiant, mentoring 200+ youth in entrepreneurship. Her work blends sustainability, tech, and empowerment, earning global recognition from Qualcomm, WFP, and others. Through Ecorich, she champions regenerative farming, climate resilience, and inclusive growth across Kenya.
Second place
Linda Kelly, Germany
Linda Kelly, founder of the Lupin Manufactory at Biolandhof Kelly in southern Germany, merges organic farming, innovation, and regional value creation. A farmer, entrepreneur, and mother, she transforms locally grown sweet lupins into gourmet, sustainable products. Her work promotes climate-friendly agriculture, biodiversity, and rural development. Honored with the Ceres Award and Entrepreneur of the Year, Linda advocates for women in agriculture and holistic food systems. Her manufactory is a symbol of tradition meeting innovation – roving that taste, sustainability, and impact can grow from the ground up.
Third place
Alicia Gómez Giménez, Cabo Verde
Alicia Gómez Giménez, founder and CEO of Manderly Agriculture in Sal, Cabo Verde, leads a regenerative agritech project growing gourmet produce using solar energy and recycled hotel water. With a background in Biotechnology and Biotech Entrepreneurship, she’s built a financially sustainable, circular farming model that empowers local women and supplies top hotels. Manderly integrates climate-smart tech and social inclusion, proving agritech can thrive in extreme conditions. Strategic partnerships and government support position the project to scale and redefine agriculture in Small Island Developing States.
First place
Robyn Mijares, Philippines
Robyn Camille Mijares, 24, is revolutionizing agriculture in the Philippines through youth empowerment and education. As Founder & Executive Director of YOUTH UPRISING and GROW SCHOOL Philippines—the first bamboo farm school—she has reached over 98,000 students, tackling food insecurity with sustainable farming. Robyn is the first Filipino to win the UNDRR Women’s Rising Star Award and a World Food Prize Laureate. A TEDx speaker and global advocate, she inspires youth to be changemakers in agriculture. Her mission: that Filipino youth will never be hungry, but always have the hunger for change.
Second place
Lysette Lacambra, Philippines
Lysette Lacambra, originally from the rural region of Cagayan in the Philippines, has become a leading force in agricultural innovation across Asia and Africa. With two decades of field experience, she currently heads the Technical Support Hub at the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, where she supports teams in ten countries. Her work focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, empowering women in farming, and strengthening local capacities through farmer-centered training programs. With a strong academic background in Plant Pathology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and Wageningen University, she is dedicated to translating scientific research into practical tools for smallholder farmers—ensuring that knowledge is inclusive, actionable, and transformative.
Third place
Anonymous Honoree
We honor a courageous woman from a country in Asia who is making a remarkable impact in the field of agriculture. She empowers women through practical education and sustainable farming practices, helping them build independent livelihoods and strengthen food security. Her work fosters resilience and dignity in a context where visibility could pose serious risks to her safety. For this reason, we refrain from naming her or sharing further details.
First place
Cécile Deterre, Austria
Cécile Deterre, a former particle physicist, now leads the Data Science & IT team at Blue Planet Ecosystems, where she develops automated, land-based aquaculture systems for sustainable seafood. She applies machine learning, computer vision, and digital twin models to optimize fish health and ecosystem dynamics. Drawing on her physics background, she designs data architectures and control logic for real-time decision-making. Her work bridges data science, automation, and sustainability to enhance food security and reduce environmental impact.
Second place
Cristina Mallor, Spain
Cristina Mallor leads the Vegetable Germplasm Bank at CITA in Zaragoza, Spain, preserving over 18,600 seed accessions. Her work combats the global loss of local vegetable varieties, supporting biodiversity, agroecology, and food security. She collects, regenerates, and distributes seeds, linking science with communities to recover traditional crops. Cristina coordinates European genetic resource groups, serves on Spain’s national commission, and is actively committed to preserving biodiversity – among other things through citizen science projects, in which she involves schools and the public to raise awareness and motivate community participation. Her efforts have revived varieties like ‘Tomate Rosa de Barbastro’ and earned national recognition for advancing sustainable agriculture.
Third place
Dr. Maria Theresa M. Mutia, Philippines
Dr. Maria Theresa M. Mutia, a Filipino Fisheries Scientist, is the Officer-in-Charge of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) and Chief of the Freshwater Fisheries Research Center. With 33 years in government service, she pioneered breeding and culture technologies for endangered and endemic fish species, contributing to food security and sustainable fisheries. Her work includes the first captive breeding of giant trevally and conservation of Sardinella tawilis. She holds degrees in Zoology and Environmental Science from UP Los Baños, has won national awards, published extensively, mentored students, and leads aquaculture innovations benefiting communities.
Third place
Lamai Yapanan, Thailand
Lamai Yapanan is a results-driven Plant Breeder with over 30 years of experience developing high-yield, disease-resistant tropical vegetable varieties. As Senior Breeder at East-West Seed’s Hortigenetics Research (S.E.Asia), she has released 13 protected varieties, including a patented papaya with 90% hermaphrodite flowers. Her work has empowered smallholder farmers, generated $40M in revenue, and earned international recognition. Lamai’s innovations bridge science and farming, with a strong focus on indigenous crops, market development, and mentoring. She advocates for women in agriculture, inspiring future breeders to build resilient food systems.
Louise Crowley is a third-generation dairy farmer and agricultural advocate from Limerick, Ireland. Milking 200 spring-calving cows in partnership with her father, she combines hands-on farming with leadership and policy work. As IFA County Chair and a founding member of the Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group, she champions young and female farmers, driving change through lobbying and public outreach. Louise shares her journey on social media to inspire others, reconnect the public with food production, and prove that women belong at the heart of agriculture.
Emily Ford is an agronomist and agricultural leader at Quattro Farms in Alberta, where she manages the potato division and leads sustainability initiatives. Her mission is to connect science, farming, and education to build a resilient future for agriculture. Through crop innovation, youth outreach, and public engagement, she bridges on-farm experience with global leadership. As a director of Nuffield Canada and member of the Global Farmer Network, Emily advocates for Canadian growers and inspires the next generation to understand and value the food system.
Sabine Büttner is a passionate bridge-builder between agriculture and consumers. After a career in the jewelry industry, she embraced farming through her husband’s arable farm, creating innovative experiences like field tours, farm stays, and sustainability events. As a non-farmer, she brings fresh perspectives and fosters dialogue to dispel misconceptions about agriculture. Her mission is to reconnect people with farming through authentic, engaging encounters—making agriculture more relatable, transparent, and attractive for future generations.
Tu Nguyen is an engineer, entrepreneur, and climate advocate driving inclusive green transitions in agriculture. As Vice Director of CAS Energy, she leads the Circular AgriSolar Farm initiative – an innovative model combining solar energy with farming to reduce emissions, boost productivity, and empower rural communities. Her mission is to tackle climate change, food security, and social equity by creating sustainable livelihoods, increasing farmer incomes, and delivering clean food to millions. Tu champions climate-smart solutions rooted in local impact, especially for women and vulnerable groups.
Devroll Legodi is a climate-conscious farmer and agripreneur pioneering vertical farming systems to combat land scarcity and unpredictable weather. From humble beginnings, he’s grown his farm into a bulk supplier and earned awards like Smallholder Farmer of the Year (2024) and the Indalo Inclusive Climate Mitigation Award. Through training and leadership programs, Devroll empowers others to adopt sustainable practices. His mission is to boost productivity using less land and water, while promoting innovation, youth involvement, and climate resilience in agriculture.
Doreen Njoki Irungu is a Kenyan social entrepreneur and climate advocate transforming drylands through regenerative agriculture and water access. As founder of Ustawi Afrika, she empowers rural women with climate-smart tools, training, and decentralized water systems—unlocking over 12 million liters annually and raising household incomes by 49%. Her mantra, “There are no dry lands, only dry minds,” guides a grassroots movement rooted in mindset change, dignity, and resilience. Through education, innovation, and advocacy, Doreen builds inclusive systems that restore land, livelihoods, and leadership.
Irene Etyang is a food scientist and social entrepreneur transforming Kenya’s peanut value chain through MAMLO FOODS. Her mission is to empower rural women farmers by decentralizing processing with solar-powered Micro-Factories, doubling incomes, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving nutrition. Raised in Teso, Irene combines local insight with global innovation to build inclusive, climate-smart food systems. With over 12 years of impact, she champions gender equity, sustainable agriculture, and community-led growth—ensuring value stays where it matters most: with the farmers.
Affiong Williams is a pioneering Nigerian entrepreneur transforming the fruit value chain through ReelFruit, a women-led agribusiness that converts surplus fruit into healthy snacks. Her mission is to empower farmers, create dignified jobs, and reduce food waste through innovation, sustainability, and global market access. ReelFruit supports over 1,000 farmers, runs Nigeria’s largest dried fruit factory, and exports to multiple countries. With a pro-planet, people-first approach, Affiong champions inclusive growth, climate resilience, and female leadership—showcasing the best of Nigeria on the global stage.
Clémence Omet is an agri-innovator transforming agricultural plastics through farmer-driven solutions. After joining her family’s business, she developed Agrirepel Wrap – a non-toxic film that protects silage from pests and reduces waste. By listening to farmers and collaborating with manufacturers, she launched a third-generation wrap that delivers up to 30% more bales per roll. Her mission is to create smarter, sustainable products that truly support farmers. Active across Europe, she mentors women in agri-supply and advocates for practical innovations that improve resilience and efficiency in farming.
Berta Danielsdottir is a global agribusiness leader driving innovation for sustainable food systems. As CEO of Hotraco Group and Global Commercial Director at Munters FoodTech, she champions smart technologies that improve animal welfare, reduce waste, and empower farmers. With 27 years of experience across agriculture and the blue economy, Berta connects data-driven solutions with real-world impact. Her mission is to build resilient, circular systems – from climate-controlled barns to biotech innovations – while supporting female leadership and reducing global food loss through smarter, more sustainable practices.
Lastiana Yuliandari Utami is a regenerative organic entrepreneur and founder of Aliet Green, a women-led social enterprise empowering smallholder farmers in Indonesia. Her mission is to uplift rural communities – especially women and disabled farmers – through sustainable agroforestry and ethical trade. Without a formal agricultural background, she pioneered globally certified coconut sugar and vanilla production, creating inclusive systems that drive climate resilience, economic empowerment, and social change. Lastiana leads with empathy, innovation, and purpose to build a better future from the ground up.
Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka is a soil scientist and educator empowering women and youth through climate-smart agriculture, soil regeneration, and sustainable food systems. Her grassroots model blends education, biochar and compost training, soil testing, and smart home gardening to improve yields, nutrition, and livelihoods. As Director at MOUAU’s Center for Gender, Youth and Child Development, she has trained over 765 rural women and pioneered inclusive, evidence-based farming. Her mission is to restore soil health, reduce poverty, and build resilient communities through science, empowerment, and environmental stewardship.
Dr. Hasina Gul is a Pakistani agronomist and Deputy Director of Outreach, empowering rural communities—especially women—through inclusive, science-based agricultural programs. Her mission bridges research and grassroots action via localized training, radio broadcasts, and gender-responsive models. Honored with the Dr. Abdul Wahab Best Performance Award, she transforms technical knowledge into accessible formats in Pashto and Urdu, enabling sustainable farming practices. Hasina’s work uplifts rural livelihoods by integrating policy, education, and community engagement across sectors.
Marianne Zenk is dedicated to bridging the gap between agriculture and education. As a trained farm educator, she develops innovative learning formats to teach children, youth, and educators about sustainable livestock farming. Her mission is to inspire curiosity and respect for food production by combining hands-on experiences with scientific insights. Through partnerships, public engagement, and creative tools like VR barns and digital treasure hunts, she empowers future generations to understand and value agriculture.
Andrea Göhring is an agricultural engineer and pioneer in animal-assisted therapy, education, and social farming. On her organic farm in Rulfingen, she offers structured, hands-on interventions with farm animals for people with disabilities, seniors, and children—fostering connection, confidence, and healing. Her ISAAT-certified training program equips professionals across German-speaking countries to apply these methods sustainably. Through books, workshops, and inclusive care models, Andrea bridges agriculture, mental health, and education—making farms places of dignity, empowerment, and therapeutic impact.
Manuela Holtmann is a master cheesemaker and farmer at Vulkanhof, a pioneering goat cheese dairy in Germany’s Eifel region. Her mission is to produce high-quality, additive-free cheese using traditional methods while reconnecting people with nature and food origins. Through educational programs for children and adults, certified sustainability workshops, and inclusive farm experiences, she fosters awareness of animal welfare, resource respect, and artisanal craftsmanship. Manuela’s work bridges agriculture, education, and community – making farming transparent, tangible, and inspiring for all generations.
Maryanne Gichanga is the Co-founder and CEO of AgriTech Analytics, empowering smallholder farmers with solar-powered AI-IoT sensors for real-time soil diagnostics and pest detection. Her mission is to reverse soil degradation, reduce pesticide use, and boost yields through affordable, accessible technology. With a human-centered approach, she co-designs tools for low-literacy users and supports women-led groups. Serving nearly 10,000 farmers monthly, Maryanne drives inclusive innovation, food security, and climate resilience—transforming agriculture from the ground up.
Janet Vàzquez is an engineer and R&D leader transforming pig farming through smart, AI-powered feeding systems. At Rotecna, she designs technologies like Dositronic and Bodycheck that optimize sow nutrition, reduce feed waste, and improve animal welfare. Her mission is to make farm operations more efficient, sustainable, and accessible by combining technical innovation with deep respect for rural life. Janet’s work brings precision and dignity to everyday farming, empowering producers with tools that simplify tasks and enhance productivity.
Prof. Dr. Meltem Onay is the founder of Agnoray, a social impact startup revolutionizing agriculture through technology. Her mission is to build a sustainable future by integrating diverse tech solutions—IoT, traceability, carbon tracking—into one platform. Agnoray empowers farmers and businesses to meet global standards, reduce emissions, and access green financing. As a female entrepreneur and academic, she champions holistic sustainability, bridging the gap between innovation and agriculture to inspire systemic change from field to consumer.
Dr. Jeanne de Waal is a South African entomologist and agricultural scientist committed to bridging science and farming. With over 12 years of experience, she develops pest and disease management solutions for fruit crops that are both research-based and field-ready. As a business leader and founder of Agri Raad, she drives sustainable crop programs, technical training, and knowledge transfer. Her scouting guides are widely used across South Africa. Jeanne’s mission is to empower farmers with practical, responsible tools – grounded in science and guided by empathy – to build resilient, sustainable food systems.