Applications for the Women in Ag Award 2026 now open!
The Women in Ag Foundation and the DLG (German Agricultural Society) will confer the international Women in Ag Award for the fifth time this year. Open to international candidates across the entire agricultural sector — from livestock to crop and horticultural production — the award recognizes professional women working in one of four categories: agriculture; agribusiness; education; and technology & research. The deadline for applications is 10 July 2026. Register here.
The award is presented in alternating years at the DLG’s two leading international trade fairs: Agritechnica, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery, and EuroTier, the world’s leading trade fair for animal husbandry professionals.
In 2026, the Women in Ag Award will be conferred at EuroTier taking place from 10 to 13 November in Hanover, Germany.
“Women around the world make vital contributions to a sustainable agricultural and food system every single day, with expertise, innovation and a deep sense of responsibility across the entire value chain,” says Freya von Czettritz, CEO of DLG Holding. “With the United Nations declaring 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, their achievements and their role in shaping resilient agricultural and food systems are gaining the visibility they deserve. In this special year, the Women in Ag Award offers an ideal platform to spotlight outstanding women in agriculture, agribusiness, education, as well as technology and research.”
“The achievements and innovative spirit of women make them important role models throughout the global agricultural and food value chain. At EuroTier 2026, we want to honour this diversity and strength and we look forward to receiving many inspiring applications,” she adds.
Women as Shapers of the Future
“I am delighted that the DLG and Women in Ag Magazine are continuing their collaboration and that we are presenting the Women in Ag Award for the fifth time,” says Kim Schoukens, Editor in Chief and founder of Women in Ag Magazine and co-founder of the Women in Ag Foundation. “It is impressive to see how the award brings together women from all over the world who work in agriculture, agribusiness, technology, education or research.”
“One of the most important aims of our joint work is to highlight the achievements of women along the agricultural value chain as an essential contribution to the future viability of the sector. Even today, women in agriculture are often placed into traditional roles that may not accurately reflect their strength not only as innovators but also as leaders.”
“The Women in Ag Award addresses how diverse and influential female perspectives are in agricultural and food systems and how these contribute significantly to empowerment. That is why I want to encourage women in agriculture to become a candidate for this award – it is definitely worth it,” says Schoukens.
Inspiration and empowerment: Testimonial from 2025 Award Winner Linda Kelly
“Being one of the Women in Ag Award winners has been incredibly inspiring,” says Linda Kelly, founder of Lupinenmanufaktur at Biolandhof Kelly in Herdwangen, Germany. “This is a network of women from so many countries with such diverse backgrounds. Yet we all share the same motivation: to shape agriculture sustainably and build the future. This community has deeply encouraged and empowered me.”
“When I received the Women in Ag Award in 2025, not only was I honoured: I was also proud that my work with sweet lupins was being recognized – from ecological cultivation and artisanal processing to regional value creation, biodiversity and tangible climate impact. Showing that innovation and tradition can work hand in hand to create something meaningful, that’s my motivation!”
“The award is a great opportunity to share your own story and it shows how important it is for women in agriculture to be seen as entrepreneurs, innovators and decision-makers. I want to encourage other women to take their ideas seriously, follow their path and apply. This step can open doors you didn’t even know existed,” Kelly emphasizes.
Message from Federal Minister Alois Rainer
“As Federal Minister of Agriculture, it is a matter of particular importance to me to reduce the structural barriers that still keep women from taking up leadership positions. We need fair conditions and strong role models so that their abilities, ideas and leadership strength can shape the agriculture of the future even more strongly,” says Alois Rainer, German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH), who assumed patronage of the “DLG Female Agri Fellows network” and “the Women in Ag Award” at Agritechnica 2025.
Award Presented by an International Jury
Women active in the agricultural sector can apply for the Women in Ag Award until 10 July 2026. The winners are selected by an international jury comprised of representatives from agricultural practice, science, organizations and the media. The DLG, who has appointed the jury, places special emphasis on broad international representation across the agricultural and food value chain, from Europe to Asia and from Latin America to Africa and Australia.
The focus is on outstanding achievements that contribute to the development of local, national or international agriculture. The jury assesses entries according to the following criteria:
- Overall presentation of professional work
- Innovative approaches to work
- Contribution to addressing future-relevant agricultural topics
- Positive impact on the agricultural community, locally or globally
Applications must be submitted online and must include a short video portrait. The video may be recorded in the applicant’s native language, provided it includes English subtitles.
More information here
