Ladies' Day: strong women, stronger fields

Approximately one-third of farms in the European Union are run by women. At the same time, the number of women in agricultural education is also increasing, and we are seeing that women often have a higher level of education than their male counterparts. It is also striking that women are at the root of many changes on farms, particularly in terms of equipment and approach. However, researchers have found that there are still significant differences between men and women. Female farmers still encounter obstacles and difficulties in their education, establishment, or practice of the profession. (source: https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/news/women-new-cap_en)

The CAP 2023-2027 places greater emphasis on promoting the participation of women, with a special focus on agriculture, supporting the key role of women. For the first time in the history of the CAP, gender equality is explicitly mentioned. Member States will therefore have to assess the situation of women in agriculture and in rural areas and address the challenges in this area in their strategic plans. CAP funds and other sources of financing will provide support for:

• Investments in infrastructure and services – factors that promote the social inclusion of women
• Providing incentives for local employment opportunities for women
• Improved support and incentives for women farmers
• Improving access to loans for women for entrepreneurial activities;
• Empowering women in decision-making

AGRIBEX wants to contribute to this with Ladies' Day. AGRIBEX recognizes the importance of women in agriculture and related sectors. AGRIBEX wants to encourage all women, whether they are directly involved in agriculture or in the supply sector. Women deserve all the support they can get in this area.

From now on, Ladies' Day at AGRIBEX will also be the starting point for a long-term campaign that puts women in the spotlight. In addition to embedding it within AGRIBEX, we want to use Ladies' Day to create extra visibility throughout the year. Through storytelling, social media, and a 360° approach, we are building a vibrant community and positioning AGRIBEX as the platform that supports female entrepreneurship in agriculture.

During Ladies' Day, a number of roundtable discussions with policymakers are planned. Women will engage in debate with politicians and outline the challenges they face every day. Numerous topics will be discussed during these conversations. Ladies' Day marks the kick-off for the Future Award – Agro Lady of the Year, with a call for innovative projects to be submitted. In the spring of 2026, the ladies will be able to pitch their projects to a jury, which will ultimately select two Agro Ladies of the Year in September, one Dutch-speaking and one French-speaking. Both ladies will then enjoy a year of extra visibility through storytelling on all AGRIBEX channels, until the next edition of AGRIBEX 2027.