Copa and Cogeca, in collaboration with Corteva Agriscience, held the 7th Edition of the Innovation Award for Women Farmers on 9th October. This prestigious award acknowledges and celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in agriculture who have pioneered innovative solutions, driving sustainability across the European Union’s agriculture sector.
Reflecting on this year’s competition, Lotta Folkesson, Chair of Copa’s Women Committee stated, “Among the forty applications received this year, the decision has been harder than ever. Every year we receive more and more talented applications showcasing the brilliant work and dedication of women farmers across the EU. With this 2023 award we wanted to highlight the three fundamental pillars of sustainability and showcase this in action across farms, businesses and within the local communities of women farmers”.
The winner and special achievement awards were announced by Mr. Janusz Wojciechowski, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and Mr. Peter Schmidt, President of the Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Section in the European Economic and Social Committee.
In a grand showcase of talent and dedication, the top shortlisted candidates for the 2023 Innovation Award for women farmers were:
- Marzia Di Pastina who is an innovative farmer from Italy who has integrated revolutionary ideas such as adding Integrated Pest Management systems, practicing minimum tillage and micro-irrigation systems on her farm to achieve sustainability benefits.
- Desirée de la Caridad Nieves who is an oil sommelier from Italy whose farm operates self-sufficiently, is entirely organic and includes hazelnut groves, olive groves and cereal production.
- Monika Lason who is a first-generation farmer from Poland who successfully developed a unique range of cheeses sourced from her Alpine and Saanen goat breeds.
- Inês Dragão who is a Portuguese breeder of German Merino and White Merino sheep along with her three daughters who also grow a variety of crops including peas, oats, barley, corn, and beans.
- Justine Dewitte who is an organic farmer from Belgium who has transformed her grandparent’s farm into an organic mixed farm focused on a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and animals such as sheep, pigs, laying hens, guinea fowls and ducks.
The winner of the 2023 edition was Marzia di Pastina who was unveiled during the award ceremony held at the prestigious European Economic and Social Committee venue. Ms. Di Pastina specialises in growing a range of produce, such as leafy vegetables, cabbages, watermelons, and pumpkins and is an active member of her cooperative where she has instigated a number of interesting projects thus cementing her place as the winner of the 2023 edition.
Teresa Babuscio, EMEA Head of Government and Industry Affairs at Corteva Agriscience, said, “Corteva Agriscience values the vital role of farmers in transitioning to a more sustainable agriculture sector, including the significant contributions of women. While we are self-empowered, we require extra support, just like any other farmer, to successfully navigate challenges and create a resilient, food-secure future for society. We’re proud to be working with Copa and Cogeca, raising awareness about demystifying gentrification in agriculture through initiatives like the ‘Inspirers‘ series, which showcases testimonials from women in the sector. This effort culminated in a call-to-action at the European Parliament last year, – and in delivering the prestigious Women’s Innovation Award.”
This remarkable event served as a platform to honour the exceptional achievements of these outstanding women farmers and their invaluable contributions to sustainable agriculture in the EU.
Fonte: Copa Cogeca
