Copa and Cogeca’s Women’s Committee with the support of Corteva Agriscience is pleased to announce the results of the 8th edition of the Innovation Award for Women Farmers. This year’s award, dedicated to the theme “Women making waves in sustainable water systems”, places a strong spotlight on women farmers leading the transition towards more resilient and water-smart agriculture across Europe. The award ceremony took place at the European Parliament, gathering MEPs, EU officials, sector representatives and stakeholders to celebrate this year’s outstanding finalists.
The distinguished jury selected Cheryl Poole, representing ICOS (Ireland), as the winner, and granted a special mention award to Alessandra Pighin, representing Coldiretti (Italy).
As a model for water stewardship and community leadership, Winner Cheryl Poole has impressed the jury with a science-based and highly practical approach to improving water quality on her dairy farm. She has introduced integrated measures -including rainwater harvesting, improved nutrient planning, covered slurry storage, and the creation of a small wetland and sediment traps – to reduce runoff and protect the river flowing through her land. These actions have helped maintain the river’s high ecological status while enhancing biodiversity across the farm. The jury highlighted her commitment to combining productive dairy farming with strong environmental responsibility and community engagement.
Special mention for a resource-efficient farming model goes to Alessandra Pighin, a horticultural entrepreneur, who has invested in an ultimate water recovery system. All the water recovered is used to feed different irrigation models, saving up to 10 million liters of water per year. Her project shows how knowledge and innovation can bring tangible benefits to the environment and the community, strengthen long-term resilience of her enterprise.
Handing over the winner’s award hosting MEP Maria Walsh stated: “I’m incredibly proud to see an Irish woman leading the way in sustainable innovation. This award recognises not only her remarkable work on water quality, but the vital role women play in shaping the future of agriculture. As Ireland’s only female member of the Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, I am committed to championing female innovators and ensuring our policies support their talent, ambition, and impact. When we empower women in farming, we strengthen rural communities, drive sustainability, and secure a brighter future for all.”
Keynote speaker at the event, EU’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen joined in congratulations: “It’s a privilege to celebrate women farmers who are driving innovation and sustainability across Europe’s rural communities. With only 31% of farm managers being women, and even fewer young women, we know there is still enormous untapped potential. The Common Agricultural Policy is stepping up, with better infrastructure, services, and stronger support for female farmers, and our new Women in Farming platform will help connect and inspire even more women to enter the sector. Today’s finalists show what women in agriculture can achieve and how much more is possible.”
About the Award
Created in 2010, the Innovation Award for Women Farmers is a biennial initiative of the Copa-Cogeca Women’s Committee. It aims to highlight the achievements of women who bring forward new ideas, technologies and sustainable practices within EU farming and cooperatives.
The 2025 edition focused on water, a priority that has become increasingly urgent as farmers across Europe face drought, extreme weather and pressure on freshwater ecosystems. This year’s finalists demonstrate that women farmers are at the forefront of creating practical, scalable and community-based water solutions – from improving nutrient efficiency and protecting rivers to enhancing water retention in soils and adopting circular approaches on mixed farms.
To learn more about the award, the 2025 finalists and their projects, please visit: https://womenfarmersaward.eu/
Fonte: Copa Cogeca
