Nominate A Woman Farmer for National Award

In honor of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Women in Agribusiness, in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation, is expanding their annual Demeter Award to include a female farmer category. Nominations are now being accepted through June 22.

This fourth category joins the three awards Women in Agribusiness has bestowed upon exceptional women in agribusiness each year since 2013. The award highlights women who have achieved excellence in their field or demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the agribusiness industry.

“American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee is excited to collaborate with Women in Agribusiness on this year’s female farmer category of the Demeter Award of Excellence,” said Isabella Chism, chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. “As we recognize the International Year of the Woman Farmer, this award provides an important opportunity to celebrate the leadership, innovation and contributions of female farmers whose work strengthens the success and sustainability of American agriculture.” 

Criteria for nomination, including self-nomination, includes:

• Woman with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the ag and/or food industry
• Woman who is a positive example to other women in the industry
• Woman who breaks down barriers and serves as a resource for others
• Woman who consistently exemplifies professionalism

“It was more than fitting that we extend our popular WIA Demeter Award of Excellence to highlight a female farmer this year in light of the United Nations’ declaration of it being the International Year of the Woman Farmer,” said Svitlana Synkovska, portfolio director for WIA. “We encourage all women to apply for this prestigious award that continues to flourish and serve as a hallmark of elevating women’s achievements and strengthening their leadership influence across the ag and food sectors.”

The award, named after Demeter, the goddess of the harvest from ancient Greek mythology, is presented to each recipient at the annual Women in Agribusiness Summit, which this year will be in New Orleans, Sept. 22-24. Recipients will be notified prior to the event and receive a complimentary registration to attend and accept their award on stage.

AFBF is promoting the award opportunity among Farm Bureau’s strong network of female farmers across the United States and providing support and recognition through the full award lifecycle, including covering travel and lodging for the winner to accept her award at the Women in Agribusiness Summit.