Women in Farming European Platform
The European Commission has launched the new “Women in Agriculture” platform. This initiative, part of the Vision for Agriculture and Food, is designed to empower women in the sector, strengthen equal opportunities in rural communities, and promote generational renewal. The launch strategically coincides with the UN’s declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers.
Women are essential to the innovation and diversification of rural economies, but they face structural barriers (access to land, financing, and training). Current EU data reflects this underrepresentation:
- Only 32% of farms are run by women.
- Barely 3% are managed by women under 40.
- The average size of farms managed by women is 9 hectares.
The initiative is in line with the current CAP, which already promotes women’s participation and allows Member States to include specific measures and financial support in their strategic plans.
The platform will serve as a space for dialogue, learning, and cooperation at the EU level, focusing on three pillars:
- Facilitating mentoring: This will be the main activity. It will connect experienced women farmers with those in the early stages through individual and group support.
The activities will be practical and business-oriented, addressing topics such as:
- Developing business plans, cost control, and time management.
- Innovation, technology, and navigating agricultural markets.
- Business expansion beyond food production.
- Sales and marketing (including social media).
- Work-life balance: caregiving, relief services, and retirement planning.
- Call for applications details and registration
- Fostering networking: Creating a dynamic EU-wide network for peer-to-peer exchange.
- Sharing experiences: Addressing common challenges to overcome sectoral obstacles.
The European Commission invites all EU residents working in agriculture or an agriculture-related field to express their interest in becoming members of the Women in Agriculture Platform. The application deadline is April 30, 2026.
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