On October 28, 2024, at the invitation of Silvia Bender, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Germany, and the German Embassy in Poland, we participated in a meeting dedicated to discussing the role and support of women in the development of a sustainable agricultural sector.
Women have a significant impact on rural life, taking on various roles as entrepreneurs, volunteers, mothers, and teachers. Their professional contributions are essential in many areas, including agricultural transformation and the future of rural communities. During the meeting, we discussed the daily professional and personal realities of women, their hopes and expectations for the future, areas in which they succeed, and areas where change is needed.
Silvia Bender presented findings from the 2023 study “Living Conditions of Women on Farms and Rural Areas in Germany,” along with insights into Germany’s support program for women’s entrepreneurship in agriculture. This program focuses on coaching women farmers and women who take over farms. The German study provided valuable information, presenting a scientifically grounded picture of women’s work and living conditions in agriculture, their contributions to farm operations, and the social cohesion of rural areas. The aim was to fill knowledge gaps and provide momentum for improving the situation of women in the agricultural sector, benefiting both the industry and rural communities. This contributes meaningfully to addressing current challenges in agricultural policy and promoting gender equality in all aspects of life.
At the meeting, Małgorzata Bojańczyk, initiator of “Agro Woman,” shared information about ongoing initiatives, including the first Polish study on the living and social conditions of women in agriculture. Conducted in cooperation with the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture, this study marks an important step in identifying the specific needs of women in agriculture, enabling more tailored policies and support programs for this sector. In 2024, “Agro Woman” is also implementing a pilot mentoring program for women farmers and entrepreneurs in rural areas, aiming to support the professional development of women in the agri-food sector, especially those involved in cultivation, animal husbandry, or food processing. This initiative also creates space for discussions on innovation, management, the role of sustainable development, and future challenges.
This international gathering provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences with other countries that promote the professional and personal development of women in agriculture. Sharing experiences and inspirations that support gender equality and sustainable development among women in agriculture is a primary goal of the “Agro Woman” initiative, which aligns with Poland’s EU Council Presidency priorities.
Additionally, discussions covered issues related to food system transformations, structural changes in agriculture and rural areas, and European integration. We also touched on the priorities of the Common Agricultural Policy reform, EU competitiveness, the internal market, and the importance of implementing innovations and sustainable practices in agriculture.
Our thanks for a valuable and substantive discussion to:
- Peggy Lantzsch – Counselor for Food and Agriculture, German Embassy in Poland
- Małgorzata Bojańczyk – Agro Woman Initiative, Director of the Polish Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food
- Prof. Monika Stanny – Director of the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development, Polish Academy of Sciences
- Prof. Paweł Chmieliński – Head of the European Integration Department, Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development, Polish Academy of Sciences
- Dr. Jerzy Plewa, Team Europe expert
- Prof. Dr. Mariusz Matyka, Steering Committee Member of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and Biogas and Biomethane Coordination Council, Ministry of Environment, as well as Vice-Chair of the Agricultural Sciences Committee, Polish Academy of Sciences
- Agnieszka Sznyk, INNOWO
- Michał Siwek – Head of Decarbonization & Biodiversity Product, BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A.