GC WP6

Wageningen University has published an article highlighting the persistent exclusion of women from agriculture in the European Union, despite their critical role in the sector’s sustainability and innovation. The full article can be read here

Bettina Bock and Valentina C. Materia, both active members of the GRASS CEILING project consortium, as well as Jessica Duncan, member of the SWIFT project, have contributed to research at Wageningen University revealing that female farmers continue to face ingrained gender stereotypes. These biases limit their access to funding, land, and formal recognition. While women play a crucial role in agro-ecological systems and social innovation, their contributions are often undervalued, whereas policy and investment continue to favour technological innovations and large-scale agricultural models.

Professors Bettina Bock and Jessica Duncan further emphasise that gender stereotypes persist in agricultural policies, restricting women’s access to land, financing, and recognition. Bock highlights that women are leading the way in agro-ecological practices and short supply chains, both of which are essential for sustainability.

Valentina C. Materia points out that male-biased entrepreneurial stereotypes often overshadow the social and community innovations led by women. Her research demonstrates that despite their resilience and remarkable capacity for driving sustainable change, women’s contributions are frequently overlooked.

Recognising these challenges, Bock and Materia are developing networks and training programmes aimed at empowering female farmers. Their initiatives acknowledge the diverse motivations of women in agriculture and their significant contributions to the rural economy, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.

The article highlights that GRASS CEILING advocates for reforming the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to explicitly include gender equality and recognise the value of women-led social innovations. It calls for prioritising gender equality in national strategies, integrating a gender perspective into policies, and providing targeted financial support and training for female farmers.

Beyond economic contributions, the article underlines the role of women in strengthening social cohesion and enhancing the liveability of rural communities. It also calls for greater recognition and support of their multifaceted motivations, which include economic, social, and environmental goals, to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector.

In summary, the article points to the urgent need to challenge gender stereotypes, promote inclusive policies, and fully recognise the role of women in shaping the future of European agriculture.

The seventh Dutch Living Lab took place on Friday 7^th February 2025 at Kamelenmelkerij Smits – the camel farm owned by Living Lab innovator, Dorieke and her husband. More specifically, they farm dromedaries, which are one-humped camels, for their milk. As the women were exchanging warm greetings with one another, it was striking to see how much contact they are having outside the Living Labs, not only following one another’s social media update, but also sharing skills and advice.

The majority of this Lab was led by stakeholder Petra Bernhard, who guided us through a workshop to identify our own qualities, competencies and values. The idea for this training had been sparked by one of the innovators questioning her role and identity as a female farmer. What was so special was that this group of women have established a sincere openness with one another. They weren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and trusted one another. There were several exercises that involved self-reflection, but also a chance to pick out qualities from others. Lovely surprises came out of this, as many of the innovators were blind to their strengths, which were seen by others, or considered certain qualities a weakness, whereas others viewed them as a strength.

Perhaps the most relevant aspect for Grass Ceiling was the discussion around Leadership – what makes a good leader? It was especially inspiring to see those who did not consider themselves to be leaders being identified as such by others in the group. We often associate leadership with masculine qualities of strength and directness, but it became clear that qualities such as support, empathy, inspiration and others, usually seen as feminine qualities, were as important, if not more so, in a leader.

Whilst this Living Lab had little theoretical training involved, mingling with other innovators was incredibly valuable. The rest of the day was spent sharing updates on progress and planning for the last two Living Labs left this year – there is already a melancholy at the thought that this will one day end. The final part of the agenda gave another innovator (Albertine) a chance to practice her presentation for Jonge Agrarische Talent. She was great, and doing this in front of such a safe and supportive audience hugely increased her confidence. The feedback afterwards was loaded with positivity and genuine support as everyone wanted her to succeed. To have such a cheerleading group is empowering.

We finished with a tour of the farm. This was the first visit to a participating innovator’s place of work and there was such joy and interest from all! The camel calves skipped around as we got an insight into the challenges and opportunities that running a farm brings. And we left with chocolate made from their camels’ milk, as a cherry on top of another successful and inspiring Living Lab day.