By Linda Reed
An unseasonably warm breeze wafted through the patio of the Paso Robles Inn, where seventeen enthusiasts from around the globe gathered to talk about olive oil. Among them were growers and producers, sommeliers and educators, marketers and aficionados. The occasion was the first annual retreat held by Women in Olive Oil (WIOO). The launch of the yearly retreat comes in 2026, a year designated by the United Nations (UN) as the Year of the Woman Farmer.
Women in Olive Oil was founded in 2020 by Jill Myers, a sommelier, international judge, and passionate ambassador for extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). She said in an interview with Olive Oil Times, “My journey with extra virgin olive oil began in Italy in 2014, sparking a passion that led to my becoming a sommelier through the Olive Oil Times Education Lab and the International Culinary Center. This experience connected me with global extra virgin olive oil experts.”
With over 40 countries represented by its members, WIOO emphasizes the goal of coming together to share experiences and create a support network focused on contributing to the individual and societal advancement of women.
“When Jill started WIOO, it was something magical,” commented attendee Francesca Oliva, owner of Azienda Agricola Oliva. “There is a beauty in being able to support and encourage each other.” She went on to explain that Jill was her first oleotourist at their Sicilian production and tasting room.
Members share an emphasis on bringing about positive global change in the areas of health and nutrition, education, environmental and agricultural practices, fair trade, and gender equality.
WIOO started as an online interest group and has evolved into seminars and meetups, such as their annual retreat in Paso Robles, CA. They hold an annual Harvest Trip each Autumn at varying locations around the world. The group now numbers over 200 members and has an interest database of 2000 women who have participated in a variety of workshops. WIOO defines itself as a “global, mission-driven group that aims to unite women with a passion for olive oil.” (Women In Olive Oil, 2026)
WIOO joins women in agriculture organizations such as the National Women in Agriculture Association (NWIAA) and American Agri-Women. Women represent approximately 43% of the global agricultural workforce (Granitto, 2023). In the USA, the number is slightly lower – 36%, though more than half of all farms (58%) have a female producer. Farms with one or more female producers accounted for 41% of U.S. agricultural sales and 46% of U.S. farmland. (Census of Agriculture – Female Producers, 2024)
And women’s participation in the olive industry continues to grow. The Olive Oil Times reports that at the 2024 olive oil quality contest, the world’s largest, nearly half of the judges were women, with nine female judges among the panel of 19. (Diabo, 2024)
In designating 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the UN hopes to “highlight the essential role that women play in agri-food systems, despite the fact that they are often not recognized.” In doing so, one of the goals is to encourage policies and investments that empower women in agrifood systems and to promote greater synergies among international initiatives supporting women farmers. (International Year of the Woman Farmer, 2026)
The WIOO participants in the Annual Retreat were cognizant of their role in an industry that often overlooks their skills. “In Turkey and Italy, women are not seen as competent by men,” explained Emine Colin, the owner of award-winning Oro di Milas. That’s changing as women become a stronger presence in the olive business. In the Turkish village where her production facility is located, her partnership with local growers has grown into a respectful working relationship.
In addition to the evening’s welcome cocktail party, the WIOO Annual Retreat weekend events included a visit to Olia Farms in Templeton, a farm-to-table dinner at Royal Oil Estate, wine tasting at Pelletiere Estate and Winery, and networking opportunities. (Women In Olive Oil, 2026)
The weekend reinforced the four pillars of the organization’s mission statement.
- Integrity takes its form as support and advocacy for fair and ethical trade practices, product quality, environmental stewardship, and gender, racial, and ethnic equality. They are seeking a voice on the North American Olive Oil Association to represent smaller producers and to advocate for stricter rules for EVOO production and marketing.
- Nourishment involves promoting the consumption and use of olive oil for a healthy culture and lifestyle.
- Knowledge through the sharing of information and ideas among women via biweekly online events, a members-only database of educational materials, and access to expertise. Members and the organization also engage in consumer education on the benefits of olive oil.
- Lastly, Connection brings women together to increase positive synergies, amplify a common voice, and build a strong movement to change the world of olive oil.
“We’re here to get to know one another, share our gifts, and create connections,” Jill Myers said in her opening remarks. “I hope we leave inspired and recharged.”
Women in Olive Oil membership is open to everyone. To find out more, visit https://womeninoliveoil.org/wioo-in-the-world/
Works Cited
(2024). Census of Agriculture – Female Producers. United States Department of Agriculture.
DeAndreis, P. (2022, Febuary 16). Oliva: How Ancient Fables Become Award-Winning Olive OIls. Retrieved from Olive Oil Times: https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/production/ancient-fables-become-award-winning-olive-oils/105284
Diabo, O. (2024, July 24). Women Share Their Challenges in Producing and Selling Award-Winning Olive Oils. Retrieved from Olive OIl Times: https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/world/women-share-their-challenges-in-producing-and-selling-award-winning-olive-oils/132280
Granitto, Y. (2023, 12 12). Role of Women in Sector Takes Center State at World Olive Day. Retrieved from Olive Oil Times: https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/world/role-of-women-in-sector-takes-center-stage-at-world-olive-day/126732#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20work%20of%20these%20women,fosters%20sustainable%20and%20inclusive%20growth.
International Year of the Woman Farmer. (2026). Retrieved from Food and AGriculture Organization of the United Nations: https://www.fao.org/woman-farmer-2026/en
Women In Olive Oil. (2026). Retrieved from Women in Olive OIl: https://womeninoliveoil.org/wioo-in-the-world/
