GlobalG.A.P. North America, a Subsidiary of Agraya GmbH, Celebrates Women Shaping the Future of Farming; Elmé Coetzer‑Boersma, Christy Slay, and Roberta Anderson Comment

PORTLAND, OR - On International Women’s Day. GLOBALG.A.P. North America, a subsidiary of Agraya GmbH, reaffirms its commitment to challenging discrimination and supporting gender equality.

International Women’s Day is observed worldwide as a moment to recognize women’s achievements and to highlight ongoing challenges related to gender equality and the obstacles that women face in their daily lives. In global agriculture, from managing farms to leading cooperatives and driving innovation in rural communities, women help build resilience across farming communities, contribute to food security, and support the long‑term viability of agricultural systems. Nevertheless, many continue to face structural barriers, including limited access to land, financing, technology, and networks.

Elmé Coetzer‑Boersma, Chief Executive Officer of Agraya, makes a direct connection between these challenges and the organization’s aims in the recent release: “At Agraya, our purpose is to shape a sustainable future where agriculture strengthens communities and protects ecosystems with lasting impact. And women are equally central to that work. On International Women’s Day, and during the International Year of the Woman Farmer,” Coetzer‑Boersma says.

"We at Agraya highlight the essential role women play in global agricultural supply chains. Across our work with farmers, producer groups, and value chain partners, we see where progress is required. Women’s contributions are often undervalued, and access to resources remains unequal. By supporting farmers and communities worldwide with guidance on discrimination‑free agricultural production processes, we actively help uplift women farmers in their communities. Building on our expertise with additional initiatives like our Agraya Changemaker Awards, we expand on opportunities to reflect and recognize women’s leadership and daily achievements in global farming value chains.”

A changemaker award to shine a spotlight on women farmers

Agraya GmbH and its US subsidiary GLOBALG.A.P. North America will further reaffirm its commitment to supporting efforts that strengthen the equality and visibility of women farmers through the Agraya Changemaker Awards 2026. Initially launched in 2024 in Warsaw, Poland, the next ceremony will take place in Bologna, Italy as part of the AGRAYA SUMMIT 2026. Closely aligned with the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the award together with a set of SUMMIT agenda discussions focused on the topic of women farmers will seek to highlight initiatives, elevate the voices driving change, and encourage collaboration toward a more resilient and transparent value chain.

Christy Slay, CEO at The Sustainability Consortium and one of the members of the 2026 Changemaker Awards jury, explains: “With categories for Innovation, Community Impact, and Sustainability, the awards celebrate initiatives driving meaningful progress across the value chain. As a jury, we will be looking for applications that inspire with the transformative role of women in farming.”

Alongside Christy Slay, the 2026 Changemaker Awards jury also includes Stephanie Finkbeiner (Chief Sustainability Officer at EDEKA ZENTRALE Stiftung & Co. KG), Diana Gaglietti (agri‑food consultancy and auditing), Manal Saleh (Blue Moon Ltd., consultancy and training for smallholders), and Felipe Fuentelsaz (Markets and Standards, WWF España), ensuring diverse and globally balanced recognition.

Call for applications – Changemaker Awards 2026

The Changemaker Awards encourage entries that showcase initiatives advancing the vital role of women in agriculture and the efforts helping to overcome the barriers they encounter. Applications can be submitted via agraya.com/changemaker-2026.

The application page includes eligibility criteria, timelines, and guidance for submitting proposals. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026.

“Throughout my life, I have seen firsthand that women are essential to the strength of agriculture,” expresses Roberta Anderson, President of GLOBALG.A.P. North America. “Across the United States and Canada, women farmers are a driving force behind the viability of our farms, the stewardship of our natural environments, and the resilience of our rural communities. Their leadership, knowledge, and commitment define agriculture today and secure it for future generations. Please join GLOBALG.A.P. North America in encouraging applications from our region of the world for the Agraya Changemaker Awards.”