GC WP6

Confabulare Open Air: Discovering Murgia through books, nature, and community Read More »

Take a unique journey into the heart of Murgia, where literature and nature come together in an immersive experience. Confabulare Open Air is a literary festival that blends outdoor adventures, author meetings, and tastings of local delicacies, creating a meaningful and engaging event for the whole family.

Murgia, with its striking karst landscape, forms the heart of Puglia, a distinctive region that hosts Alta Murgia National Park, Italy’s first rural park, established in 2004. In this breathtaking setting Confabulare Open Air comes to life, celebrating the deep connection between books and the natural world through a series of enriching and convivial experiences.

Taking place over three Sundays in March, the festival is designed for children and families, offering open-air activities, eco-friendly picnics, and the chance to meet exceptional authors. Guided treks provide an opportunity to explore the landscape with fresh eyes, while storytelling sessions and author talks bring narratives to life in the great outdoors. The festival also embraces the region’s culinary heritage, with tastings of traditional products that reflect the history and flavours of Murgia. Younger participants can explore the agricultural cycles of olive oil, wheat, and wine in hands-on, educational workshop led by the Cooperativa Sociale Ulixes.

Confabulare Open Air 2025 is organised by Libreria L’Agorà – Bottega delle Nuvole, in collaboration with local institutions and associations and with the support of regional and EU public funding. Key partners include the Bio-District of Lame, a core element of the GRASS CEILING project’s Italian Living Lab. The women innovators from GRASS CEILING will share their experiences and present their artisanal products, offering valuable insights into the importance of staying connected to the land and local roots.

More than just a festival, Confabulare Open Air is an invitation to slow down, immerse yourself in stories inspired by the land, and reconnect with nature through culture, food, and walking.

It’s an experience to embrace with curiosity and an open mind.

Confabulare Open Air: scoprire la Murgia tra libri, natura e convivialità

Italy / GC WP6

Un percorso inedito alla scoperta della Murgia, immersi nella natura e nel piacere della lettura. Confabulare Open Air è l’evento letterario che unisce escursioni, incontri con gli autori e degustazioni di prodotti tipici, offrendo un’esperienza coinvolgente per tutta la famiglia.

Le Murge, con il loro suggestivo paesaggio carsico, rappresentano il cuore della Puglia, un territorio unico che ospita il Parco Nazionale dell’Alta Murgia, il primo parco rurale d’Italia istituito nel 2004. Ed è proprio in questo scenario che prende vita Confabulare Open Air, una manifestazione che celebra il connubio tra libri e natura attraverso esperienze immersive e conviviali.

Nel mese di marzo, Confabulare Open Air propone tre appuntamenti dedicati ai più piccoli e alle famiglie. Ogni evento prevede esperienze all’aria aperta, picnic a basso impatto ambientale e incontri con autori d’eccezione.

Il trekking guidato permette di esplorare il territorio con uno sguardo nuovo, mentre letture animate e incontri con gli autori danno vita a storie all’aria aperta. Il legame con la terra si rafforza attraverso degustazioni di prodotti tipici, che raccontano tradizioni e sapori locali. Per i più piccoli, un laboratorio a cura della cooperativa Ulixes, svela i cicli dell’olio, del grano e del vino in modo educativo e coinvolgente.

Confabulare Open Air 2025 è realizzato da Libreria L’Agorà – Bottega delle Nuvole con il supporto di fondi pubblici regionali e comunitari, in collaborazione con istituzioni locali e associazioni. Tra i partner principali, il Bio-Distretto delle Lame, parte integrante del Living Lab italiano del progetto Grass Ceiling. A rendere ancora più significativa questa edizione, la partecipazione di alcune delle donne innovatrici del progetto Grass Ceiling, che con le loro esperienze e i loro prodotti offrono spunti di riflessione sull’importanza del legame con la terra e con le proprie radici.

Confabulare Open Air è più di un festival: è un invito a rallentare, ad ascoltare storie che parlano di territorio e a riconnettersi con la natura attraverso la cultura, il cibo e il cammino.

Un’esperienza da vivere con curiosità e con il desiderio di lasciarsi sorprendere.

Confabulare Open Air: scoprire la Murgia tra libri, natura e convivialità Read More »

Anita Galåen: “It’s important to find balance, slow down when needed, and ensure that your work enhances your life instead of consuming it”

General, Human Stories, Norway, Video journeys / GC WP6

Anita Galåen is not just a farmer but an innovator dedicated to transforming agricultural production into a more sustainable and cooperative model. Living in Røros, Norway, she has spent years developing a working method that reduces waste, fosters collaboration among local producers, and ensures every resource is used to its full potential. Her approach is rooted in a deep commitment to sustainability in terms of environmental impact and creating a more balanced and fulfilling way of life for those involved in food production.

Her project, Green Co-creation, is an initiative that focuses on making the most of existing resources on farms, repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste, and fostering partnerships between different producers. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: rather than working in isolation, farmers and food producers can support each other, creating products together and ensuring that no valuable ingredient is wasted. A great example of this philosophy is the new line of sustainable desserts she has developed, which are now sold in shops across Norway, an achievement she is very proud of. These desserts are not just about taste; they tell a story of sustainability and collaboration. One of them incorporates honey that would otherwise be discarded—specifically, the honey that gets stuck in machinery during the extraction process and is difficult to package. Although this honey is delicious, it often goes unused. By incorporating it into her desserts, Anita reduces waste and highlights local beekeepers’ work. One of the desserts also has a cookie base made out of the leftover crumbs from a local cookie factory’s production. These are just two examples of how, with imagination and initiative, Anita manages to create delicious, sustainable, and unique products through cooperation between local producers. For Anita, sustainability goes beyond food production. She is deeply committed to building a work-life balance that allows farmers, especially women, to thrive professionally and personally. “Sustainability isn’t just about the products you make—it’s about life itself. It’s important to find balance, slow down when needed, and ensure that your work enhances your life instead of consuming it.”

Participating in networks like Rørosmat –a collective of local food and drink producers– or the GRASS CEILING project, has been essential in fostering her collaboration to ensure that small-scale farmers can compete in the marketplace. These networks provide mutual support and a space to share challenges and solutions, highlighting the importance of community in entrepreneurship. Anita continues to reap success with her project and is clear about the next step. “I would like to export the Green Co-creation model so anyone can use it. I firmly believe that the way to stand out in the market is through alliances between small producers to create something unique, something sustainable, and something that tells a story.“

Anita Galåen: “It’s important to find balance, slow down when needed, and ensure that your work enhances your life instead of consuming it” Read More »

GRASS CEILING’s European Policy Forum showcases the role of EU Funds in supporting women in agriculture and rural areas

General, Related News / GC WP6

Authors: Blanca Casares and Miranda García (AEIDL)

On 24 March 2025, over 110 participants convened online for the new session of the European Policy Forum on Women-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas. The event focused on how public policies can better support rural women and women farmers across Europe, in particular, EU Funds.

Hosted by the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL) as part of the GRASS CEILING project, the session showcased national good practices and encouraged open discussions about how to build stronger and more inclusive public support mechanisms for the post-2027 programming period.

Sally Shortall, GRASS CEILING coordinator, and Charlene Lambert from the Women Entrepreneurship Platform, presented recent findings from the project.

Blanca Casares Guillén, policy expert at AEIDL and coordinator of the Forum, introduced the Forum’s objectives and activities, further illuminating the EU’s political landscape and its ongoing commitment to gender equality and women’s rights.

One key part of the session focused on national practices using EU funds to advance gender equality in rural development. Isabel Aguilar Pastor from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food shared insights on Spain’s CAP Strategic Plan, highlighting opportunities for rural women through EARDF programming and their participation in rural communities and the agricultural sector; Ana Lite Mateo from the Institute of Women (Spanish Ministry of Equality) spoke about the Rural Women’s Challenge programme to promote female entrepreneurship in rural areas, financed by the European Social Fund; James Claffey from the Irish CAP Network provided an in-depth explanation of Ireland’s mentorship programmes and the Women’s Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, highlighting key initiatives such as ACORNS (Accelerating the Creation of Rural Nascent Start-Ups) and TAMS3 (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme) and Fiona Leslie (Scottish Government) described the policy journey that led in 2019 to the creation of Scotland’s Women in Agriculture (WiA) Taskforce and presented its current development programme.

A high-level round-table discussion, moderated by Blanca Casares, brought together high-level speakers to look at how public support can be systematised to support women in farming and rural areas.

Elena Schubert (European Commission – DG AGRI) highlighted the European Commission’s efforts to enhance women’s participation in agriculture through initiatives like the Vision and the Roadmap, the forthcoming Women in Farming Platfom, and the Generational Renewal Strategy, emphasising that greater gender inclusion can boost competitiveness and GDP while underscoring the need for improved gender tracking in the EU budget. Sally Shortall (GRASS CEILING coordinator) emphasised the importance of tracking funding for women, increasing female representation in STEM and corporate boards, challenging persistent stereotypes, and leveraging regulations like parental leave. Maria Nikolopoulou (European Economic and Social Committee) highlighted that regulatory measures like work-life balance and paid parental leave are crucial for supporting women and she highlighted initiatives like the EU Organic Awards that “promote women’s success stories.”

Maura Farrell (FLIARA project) called for gender equality to be “a permanent and structured part of public policy,” with dedicated funding, monitoring, independent audit and visibility for women’s contributions. Sari Rautio (European Committee of the Regions) underlined that “women are underrepresented in rural decision-making, and that must change,” and advocated for mentoring, better data, networking, local-level policies and positive discrimination measures, childcare support and other community-based care programmes. “The CoR Opinion on post-2027 LEADER also calls for greater involvement of women in decision-making public. Women are less involved in LAGs decision making for instance”.

Louise Méhauden (EU4Advice project) noted that “advisory services appear as a solution for many women,” but emphasised the need for “gender disaggregated data and accurate indicators.”. She remarked that the particularities of women in value supply chains should be taken into consideration. Mar Delgado (University of Córdoba) shared insights from the MOVING and DESIRA projects, revealing that women’s needs in farming and rural areas are still poorly understood. She reflected on the usefulness of certain online platforms because some major challenges for women farmers are the lack of time, digital skills, and financing, sometimes having to return the funding. Laura Kaun (European Women’s Lobby) concluded by stressing the importance of the equality framework including gender representation, care policies, and gender budgeting.

Cristina Guarda (Member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development) also contributed to this roundtable via video message, echoing the shared view across the panel. Guarda called for gender equality to be set as a specific objective in the next CAP reform, with measurable targets, mandatory tasks to report about it, stronger coordination across EU funds, and gender-disaggregated data.

Presentations from all speakers are now available here, and the session recordings can be found on the project’s YouTube channel.

Read the Highlight Report

AEIDL and Copa-Cogeca are coordinating the European Policy Forum for women-led innovation to drive progress in women-led socio-ecological innovations within farming, rural economies, and communities. By mobilising a diverse range of stakeholders, the Forum fosters impactful dialogue and collaborative efforts toward sustainable change.

Do you want to be part? Sign up here!: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/GRASSCEILING_Forum

GRASS CEILING’s European Policy Forum showcases the role of EU Funds in supporting women in agriculture and rural areas Read More »

Reunión del Living Lab español del proyecto Grass Ceiling

Women agricultural entrepreneurs gather in Zaragoza on 8-9 April for the European GRASS CEILING project’s Spanish Living Lab meeting

Women agricultural entrepreneurs gather in Zaragoza on 8-9 April for the European GRASS CEILING project’s Spanish Living Lab meeting Read More »

The Spanish group of women entrepreneurs in the GRASS CEILING European project will convene for their eighth meeting on 8-9 April 2025 at CIHEAM Zaragoza, a member of the project consortium. Meeting agenda here.

The University of Valladolid and the agrifood cooperative Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, also consortium members, will be responsible for the academic and technical organisation of the event.

These agricultural entrepreneurs participate in the project’s Spanish Living Lab – a hub for social innovation where academics, agricultural and gender experts, and specialists in rural innovation and equality, collaborate in a network to discuss common challenges, identify needs and propose strategies for improvement.

The Spanish group focuses on initiatives in agriculture and food led by women living in less populated rural areas in the north of Spain. Their stories showcase the wide range of opportunities that the crop and livestock farming sectors can offer as key elements of rural development, food production, and the socioeconomic revitalisation of the rural area.

During their time in Zaragoza, they will be participating in several working sessions to analyse and propose support measures for women innovating in agriculture. They will also visit the Aragonese sheep cooperative Pastores Group to learn more about its organisational model where women play a prominent role as decision-makers.

The entrepreneurs share their experience though the project’s communication and dissemination channels that showcase entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives in the primary sector.

As part of this meeting, GRASS CEILING’s Spanish Living Lab will feature insights from eight entrepreneurs:

Lucía Velasco, a livestock farmer from Somiedo in Asturias, who describes herself as a guardian of the transhumant Vaqueira culture. She is also a social media influencer with over 73,000 followers on Instagram and 142,000 on Facebook.
Marta Llorente, a pig farmer and co-manager of an extensive rainfed farm and vineyard in Zazuar (Burgos). She was named Woman Entrepreneur of the year at the 2024 awards of the newspaper El Norte de Castilla.
Amada de Salas owns a rainfed cereal farm and a vineyard, and runs an underground craft winery in Dueñas (Palencia). This year, she was also a finalist for the MujerAgro 2024 award presented in Madrid in February.
Silvia González, a farmer from Palencia and owner of a rainfed cereal and oilseed crop farm in Villaconancio.
Ana María Olmo, from Collazos de Boedo (Palencia), manages a rainfed cereal farm and a small irrigated plot where she cultivates potatoes, onions and pulses. She also has a flourishing beekeeping business.
María José Velilla, from Alfamén (Aragon), is an extensive livestock farmer raising the Rasa Aragonesa sheep breed, producing high-quality meat under the Ternasco de Aragón Designation of Origin label. She is a member of the Oviaragón-Pastores cooperative.
Pilar Monferrer, owner of a family-run rainfed crop farm in Jorcas (Teruel). She also grows organic crops.
Laura Polo, who will attend the meeting online, runs the egg farm Granja Pepín in Alba de Cerrato (Palencia), raising and feeding free-range hens following the family tradition.

The meeting on 8-9 April will be led by a team of five women from academia at the University of Valladolid led by Professor Margarita Rico, together with Carmen Martínez, technical specialist from the Department of Equality of Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España. They will be joined by professionals from the public administration in different parts of the country, agricultural associations and experts in rural innovation and gender-related issues, all regular collaborators of the project.

A Spanish-language radio interview with Margarita Rico, the academic coordinator of the Spanish Living Lab, regarding their forthcoming meeting in Zaragoza

Alun Jones from CIHEAM Zaragoza was on Radio Nacional de España talking about the 8th Spanish Living Lab, which was held in Zaragoza, Spain.

Emprendedoras agrarias se reúnen el 8 y 9 de abril en Zaragoza con motivo del ‘Living Lab’ español del proyecto europeo GRASS CEILING

Spain / GC WP6

La octava reunión del grupo de emprendedoras agrarias españolas del proyecto europeo GRASS CEILING se va a celebrar los días 8 y 9 de abril de 2025 en el CIHEAM Zaragoza, entidad que forma parte del consorcio internacional de este proyecto. Ver agenda completa aquí.

La Universidad de Valladolid y Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, también miembros del consorcio, están a cargo de la organización académica del evento y comparten coliderazgo, de carácter académico en el caso de la Universidad de Valladolid y de tipo técnico en el de Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, dentro de este grupo de trabajo.

Las emprendedoras agrarias participan, dentro del proyecto, en un espacio de innovación social o laboratorio de experiencias (‘Living Lab’) en el que, de la mano de académicas y expertas en sector agrario y género, junto con otros agentes especialistas en innovación e igualdad en el medio rural, conforman una red de trabajo para debatir sobre sus intereses y necesidades y plantear posibles medidas de acción.

El grupo español está centrado en iniciativas agroalimentarias lideradas por mujeres que viven en territorios despoblados del norte españoly que representan las amplias oportunidades que ofrecen los sectores agrícola y ganadero como elementos clave en el desarrollo territorial, la producción de alimentos y la revitalización económica y social del medio rural.

En Zaragoza, se desarrollarán varias sesiones de trabajo con el objetivo de analizar y proponer medidas de apoyo a las mujeres innovadoras en el sector agrario. Además, se realizará una visita a las instalaciones de la cooperativa aragonesa Grupo Pastores, en la que se presentará el modelo cooperativo de esta organización, donde la mujer tiene un papel crucial y ocupa puestos de decisión

Asimismo, las participantes contarán su experiencia para ser publicada dentro de una tarea de difusión audiovisual del proyecto, con la que se pretende visibilizar sus iniciativas de emprendimiento e innovación dentro del sector primario.

En el ‘Living Lab’ español de GRASS CEILING participan ocho agricultoras y ganaderas (cinco castellanas y leonesas, dos aragonesas y una asturiana):

Lucía Velasco, ganadera trashumante en Somiedo, “mantenedora de la cultura vaqueira”, como ella misma dice, e influencer asturiana con más de 73.000 seguidores en Instagram o 142.000 en Facebook.
Marta Llorente, ganadera de porcino y cogestora de una explotación extensiva de secano y otra de viñedo en Zazuar (Burgos) y Mujer Emprendedora 2024 en los Premios del Campo del periódico El Norte de Castilla.
Amada de Salas es propietaria de una explotación de cereales de secano y viñedo, así como de una bodega subterránea de producción artesanal en Dueñas (Palencia). Este año, además, ha sido nominada al premio MujerAgro 2024 que se entregó el pasado mes de febrero en Madrid.
Silvia González, agricultora palentina y titular de una explotación de cultivo de secano de cereales y oleaginosas en Villaconancio.
Ana María Olmo, de Collazos de Boedo (Palencia), que gestiona una explotación de cereales de secano y una pequeña parcela de regadío donde cultiva patatas, cebollas y legumbres, además de una floreciente explotación apícola.
María José Velilla, aragonesa de Alfamén, es ganadera en extensivo de ovejas de raza Rasa Aragonesa, productora de carnes con sello de calidad y denominación de origen Ternasco de Aragón. Es socia de la cooperativa Oviaragón-Pastores.
Pilar Monferrer, titular de una explotación familiar de secano en extensivo en Jorcas (Teruel), con parte de los cultivos en manejo ecológico.
Laura Polo, que seguirá el encuentro de Zaragoza de manera virtual, es propietaria de Granja Pepín, una explotación de huevos de gallinas de corral criadas y alimentadas tal y como lo hacían nuestros abuelos en la localidad palentina de Alba de Cerrato.

La reunión del 8 y 9 de abril será conducida por cinco académicas de la Universidad de Valladolid, lideradas por la Profesora Margarita Rico, junto con Carmen Martínez, técnica del departamento de Igualdad de Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España. Participarán también profesionales pertenecientes a administraciones públicas de diverso ámbito territorial, asociaciones sectoriales y expertos en innovación y género en el ámbito rural, todos ellos colaboradores habituales del proyecto.

Entrevista radiofónica en Aragón Radio con Margarita Rico, coordinadora académica del Living Lab español, sobre la reunión que tendrá lugar en Zaragoza.

Alun Jones, responsable de la Unidad de Proyectos en CIHEAM Zaragoza, habla en Radio Nacional de España, sobre la reunión del Living Lab español en Zaragoza

Emprendedoras agrarias se reúnen el 8 y 9 de abril en Zaragoza con motivo del ‘Living Lab’ español del proyecto europeo GRASS CEILING Read More »

FADEMUR-Catalogo-Buenas-Practicas-web-2024

FADEMUR plasma en un libro las mejores iniciativas inspiradoras de mujeres rurales

FADEMUR plasma en un libro las mejores iniciativas inspiradoras de mujeres rurales Read More »

La Federación de Asociaciones de Mujeres Rurales presenta una reedición de su catálogo de buenas prácticas con historias reales de proyectos que han transformado su entorno.

FADEMUR (Federación de Asociaciones de Mujeres Rurales) ha presentado una reedición del “Catálogo de Buenas Prácticas en el Medio Rural”, una publicación que recoge las historias de catorce mujeres rurales que han desarrollado proyectos que combinan tradición, innovación y sostenibilidad, generando un alto impacto positivo en su entorno.

Se trata de historias reales que demuestran las experiencias positivas y el potencial del medio rural, impulsadas por mujeres que han sido capaces de «unir, con gran esfuerzo, tradiciones y avances”, demostrando que innovación y sostenibilidad se dan la mano en este tipo de proyectos: diferentes emprendimientos puestos en marcha por asociaciones de mujeres u organizaciones que trabajan en el territorio por el desarrollo local y comunitario.Teresa López, president of FADEMUR, describes the publication: “These pages tell the stories of our entrepreneurs and their constant efforts to achieve their goals, giving rural communities the recognition they deserve”.

Teresa López, presidenta de FADEMUR, ha destacado que “en estas páginas podemos conocer historias de vida, de nuestras emprendedoras que luchan cada día para hacer realidad los objetivos y las metas para dar el valor que realmente se merece el mundo rural”.

Este catálogo, que ha contado con el apoyo del Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico, pretende ser una guía de experiencias que inspiren en la construcción de comunidades más sostenibles, inclusivas y vivas. Este año, gracias a la colaboración de la FEMP (Federación Española de Municipios y Provincias), FADEMUR ha realizado una versión impresa del libro y los ejemplares se están distribuyendo a todos los municipios de España.

FADEMUR ha recogido estos ejemplos como modelos de “nuevas formas de hacer las cosas, comprometidas con el planeta, innovaciones desde el propio terreno, vidas que hablan de la importancia de la sostenibilidad para las personas, para nuestra tierra, para un crecimiento económico que no deje a nadie atrás”.

El catálogo cuenta en sus últimas páginas con unos vídeos donde pueden conocerse cinco de estas historias ejemplares como la de las emprendadoras de la Asociación Rural Las Moreras en Carboso (Plasencia), la de Lana Marimorena en Cortegana (Huelva o, la del Obrador Fusaiola en Insua-Villalba (Lugo).

FADEMUR publishes a collection of inspiring women-led initiatives in rural Spain

FADEMUR publishes a collection of inspiring women-led initiatives in rural Spain Read More »

The Spanish Federation of Associations of Rural Women (FADEMUR) has released a revised edition of its Catalogue of Good Practices in the Rural Environment, featuring the stories of fourteen remarkable rural women who have launched projects that combine tradition, innovation, and sustainability, making a significant positive impact on their communities.

These real-life stories of amazing experiences highlight the potential of the rural environment through initiatives led by women’s associations and grassroots organisations dedicated to local and community development. They illustrate how rural women have worked hard to combine tradition and progress, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Teresa López, president of FADEMUR, describes the publication: “These pages tell the stories of our entrepreneurs and their constant efforts to achieve their goals, giving rural communities the recognition they deserve”.

Supported by the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, this catalogue serves as an inspiring collection of experiences that will motivate others to build more sustainable, inclusive, and thriving communities. This year, thanks to collaboration with the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), FADEMUR has produced a printed edition, now being distributed to towns and villages across Spain.

Through these personal accounts from rural women, FADEMUR demonstrates how rural projects can thrive, while remaining committed to environmental responsibility and community-led management. The catalogue underlines the importance of sustainable initiatives in rural areas, ensuring that economic growth leaves no one behind.

The publication also includes video features on three of the initiatives: the Asociación Rural Las Moreras in Carboso (region of Extremadura); the Lana Merimorena in Cortegana (province of Huelva); and the Obrador Fusaiola in Insua-Villalba (Galicia).

It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the transformative role of rural women in their communities. It not only celebrates the diversity of projects taking shape across rural Spain but also demonstrates the power of innovation and sustainability in these environments.

Women in agriculture and rural economies: the EU Vision for agriculture and food and the Roadmap for women’s rights

General, Related News / GC WP6

Author: Blanca Casares (AEIDL)

Over the past month, the European Commission has presented two important instruments, the Vision for Agriculture and Food and the Roadmap for Women’s Rights. AEIDL (European Association for Innovation in Local Development), in its role of developing policy recommendations and tools within the GRASS CEILING Project, has examined these instruments to assess the opportunities they provide for advancing gender equality and supporting agricultural and rural transitions for women.

The Vision for Agriculture and Food was announced by Ursula von der Leyen in the political guidelines for her new Commission and adopted on 19 February 2025.

Building on the report of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, and in consultation with the European Board for Agriculture and Food (EBAF), the Vision presents an ambitious roadmap for 2040 on the future of farming and food in Europe aiming to secure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the EU’s farming and food sector for current and future generations.

The members of the Strategic Dialogue considered the necessity of achieving full gender equality for the future success of food systems, particularly through equal representation in leadership roles. Despite progress, gender inequalities persist, including unequal access to land, financing, services, and technology. Key recommendations includes integrating gender mainstreaming into agricultural and rural policies, ensuring legal protections and social support for women, and creating an observatory to monitor social conditions. Member States should promote women’s access to financial resources, strengthen land tenure rights, and enhance leadership opportunities in agricultural governance. The European Commission was urged to adopt gender-responsive budgeting, improve data collection on women in agriculture, and conduct a study by 2026 to explore legal status improvements and best practices across Member States.

The recently published Vision is structured around four main objectives, the Vision emphasises:

The need to build an attractive agricultural sector that ensures a fair standard of living while unlocking new income opportunities.
The importance of fostering a competitive and resilient agricultural sector capable of addressing global challenges.
The future-proofing the agri-food sector by fostering a harmonious relationship with nature.
The relevance of valuing food and fostering fair living and working conditions in vibrant rural areas.

It is worth noting from the Vision that to attract more women to farming and to allow for exchange of experience, the Commission will establish a Women in Farming platform that will strengthen women’s engagement and equal opportunities in the farming sector thanks to the actions brought about by the Platform members. It will also serve as a forum to discuss and exchange good practices.

The Commission will work towards establishing an ‘EU Observatory for Agricultural Land’, starting with a pilot project this year. It will enhance transparency and cooperation in land transactions and transfers of land use rights, price trends and market behaviour, changes in land use, and loss of agricultural and natural land. The Observatory will also help Member States take informed decisions on the regulation of their farmland markets.

The Commission is analysing further proposals at EU and at Member States level to facilitate access to land, credit and knowledge for young farmers. The Generational Renewal strategy, announced in the Vision for Agriculture and Food, will propose concrete and innovative measures in this regard.

Another key policy initiative was presented last month with the European Commission unveiling its Roadmap for Women’s Rights on March 7, just ahead of International Women’s Day.

Building on the progress achieved under the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, the Roadmap sets out a long-term vision to address gender-based violence, ensure equal pay, promote work-life balance, and advance women’s political and economic participation.

The Roadmap sets out long-term policy objectives for upholding and advancing the following key principles of women’s rights and gender equality: (1) freedom from gender-based violence; (2) the highest standards of health; (3) equal pay and economic empowerment; (4) work-life balance and care; (5) equal employment opportunities and adequate working conditions; (6) quality and inclusive education; (7) political participation and equal representation; (8) institutional mechanisms that deliver on women’s rights.

However, GRASS CEILING notes that this roadmap lacks more development and mention of the gender gap in certain sectors, as well as of the specific needs of women in rural areas.

Alongside the Roadmap, it was presented the 2025 Report on Gender Equality. It highlights that sectoral segregation is a major factor contributing to the gender pay gap. Women tend to be over represented in sectors with average lower pay, often because the jobs in these sectors are undervalued and considered ‘women’s job’, such as care and education. As highlighted also in the European care strategy, these are also sectors in which labour shortages are increasingly prominent and likely to increase with population ageing, especially in rural areas.

In the area of agriculture and rural policy, in line with growing concerns around mental health challenges in rural regions, the Commission is paying more attention to the specific factors affecting mental health within the farming community. In 2024, the Commission, in cooperation with the CAP Network, organised an event supporting the mental health of farmers. The gender dimension was very important at this workshop, as women farmers and men farmers tend to cope with mental health issues in a different way.

Read here the Factsheet: Vision for Agriculture and Food

Read here the COM(2025) 75 final A Vision for Agriculture and Food Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations

Read here the COM(2025) 97 final A Roadmap for Women’s Rights

Women in agriculture and rural economies: the EU Vision for agriculture and food and the Roadmap for women’s rights Read More »

Jenny Domås: “I want to keep things in a cycle, using all our resources efficiently”

General, Norway, Video journeys / GC WP6

Jenny, a 51-year-old entrepreneur from Grong in central Norway’s Trøndelag region, runs a diverse farm with her husband. Their business includes a small brewery, a bakery, the cultivation of ancient grains, and salmon fishing in the Namsen River. They also offer accommodation and meal services. Initially, they were dairy farmers, but ten years ago, health issues forced them to stop milking cows. “That’s when we started developing other parts of the farm”, she says. Since then, their business has grown around their commitment to sustainable and traditional practices.

One of the unique aspects of their farm is their work with ancient grains. “Not many people grow them anymore. The modern varieties dominate, but we cultivate them the ecological way”, Jenny explains. Their approach is unique because they handle every step: “We grow the grains, mill them, bake with them, and serve them”. They prefer selling their products directly in their bakery and through small local shops. “You can’t bake with these grains the same way as modern ones. If we sold them in supermarkets, people wouldn’t know how to use them”. This unique approach to farming and baking is what sets their products apart.

Jenny hasn’t felt significant differences as a female entrepreneur in Norway, but she does find the business system challenging. “There’s always pressure to grow bigger, but I don’t want it. I want to keep things in a cycle, using all our resources efficiently”. She sees her farm as a place of balance rather than endless expansion. One of her biggest challenges is structuring her work. “Being my own boss, it’s easy to postpone things that feel overwhelming”, she admits. Marketing is also tricky for her. “I love creating things but don’t dedicate enough time to marketing and I lack digital skills”.

She has found support through networks like GRASS CEILING and a local initiative called Walk Along Namsen, where small business owners collaborate. “We help each other with marketing and meet to discuss challenges.” Her advice to other women about starting a business is simple: “The hardest part is making the decision. But once you start, things begin to roll”.

Jenny Domås: “I want to keep things in a cycle, using all our resources efficiently” Read More »

Wageningen University researchers call for the modernisation of EU agriculture to include women farmers

General, Netherlands / 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.

Professor Bettina Bock (centre of the picture) with the group of Dutch participants in the Living Lab Grass Ceiling project.

Professor Valentina Materia during the 2nd Showcase event of the Grass Ceiling project in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Wageningen University researchers call for the modernisation of EU agriculture to include women farmers Read More »

Il CIHEAM Bari a EVOLIO Expo, con il dialogo “Donne, olivo e olio: energia e visione tra tradizione e innovazione”

Italy / GC WP6

Alla fiera internazionale dedicata ai produttori di olio EVO, tenutasi a Bari lo scorso gennaio, il CIHEAM Bari ha celebrato il ruolo strategico delle donne nell’intera filiera olivicola, dalla produzione alla trasformazione, evidenziando il loro contributo come motore di innovazione e sostenibilità.

Gli interventi delle relatrici hanno offerto spunti ispiratori e concreti.

Per il progetto europeo GRASS CEILING, Letizia Cuonzo, una delle otto donne partecipanti al Living Lab italiano, ha condiviso il percorso innovativo della sua azienda biologica, evidenziando il ruolo delle donne nella valorizzazione del territorio attraverso pratiche agricole sostenibili. Ha descritto, inoltre, le opportunità generate dal progetto, in primis, la possibilità concreta di trasformare il suo frantoio tradizionale in un museo agricolo interattivo. Questa idea ha preso forma, nel tempo, grazie al percorso di design thinking di cui è parte ormai da quasi due anni.

Presente anche un’altra innovatrice, Liliana Tangorra, che ha sottolineato l’importanza dell’utilizzo di linguaggi moderni, come arte digitale e mostre interattive, per promuovere il patrimonio culturale dell’olio.

Entrambe hanno arricchito il dialogo con esperienze, visioni e progetti ispiratori per il futuro del settore olivicolo, mettendo in luce il ruolo cruciale delle donne.

Il CIHEAM Bari a EVOLIO Expo, con il dialogo “Donne, olivo e olio: energia e visione tra tradizione e innovazione” Read More »

CIHEAM Bari, a partner of the GRASS CEILING project, attended the first edition of EVOLIO Expo

CIHEAM Bari, a partner of the GRASS CEILING project, attended the first edition of EVOLIO Expo Read More »

Ciheam Bari, a partner of the GRASS CEILING project, attended the first edition of EVOLIO Expo participating in the session “Women, Olives, and Oil: Energy and vision between tradition and innovation”. Held in Bari in January, the international trade fair EVOLIO Expo brought together key producers in the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) sector. CIHEAM Bari took part in the event, putting the spotlight on the strategic role of women across the entire olive supply chain –from production to processing– highlighting their contribution as drivers of innovation and sustainability.

The event featured inspiring stories and thought-provoking insights. Letizia Cuonzo, one of eight women participating in GRASS CEILING’s Italian Living Lab, shared the innovative journey of her organic farm, emphasising the role of women in strengthening the territory through sustainable agricultural practices. She also spoke about the exciting opportunities created by the project, particularly her plan to transform a traditional oil mill into an interactive agricultural museum, an idea that has developed over nearly two years as part of the design thinking programme in which she has been involved.

Another GRASS CEILING innovator, Liliana Tangorra, pointed out the importance of modern forms of communication and language, such as digital art and interactive exhibits, in promoting the cultural heritage of olive oil.

Through their inspiring stories and by sharing their visions and projects, Cuonzo and Tangorra reinforced the essential role of women in shaping the future of the olive sector.

Juste Jankauskienė: “Family life is tricky in the summer, with more work and the children off school”

General, Human Stories, Lithuania, Video journeys / GC WP6

Juste Jankauskienė , a beekeeper from Lithuania, has chosen a life deeply connected to nature. With a focus on sustainable beekeeping, her work is not about competing with large producers but about keeping her bees happy and healthy. To achieve this, she plants specific flowers that help her bees collect high-quality honey and promotes eco-friendly practices within her community. “We’re trying to be small, but in that sense, we’re trying to keep our bees happy,” Juste explains.

In addition to caring for her bees, Juste dedicates herself to educating her community about the importance of beekeeping. She participates in local fairs, where she teaches people about the ecological role of bees, how they produce honey, and why it is crucial to protect them. This educational effort also includes promoting innovative products like whipped honey. “We’re trying to go to these fairs and explain to them what bees do, how they do it, what’s going on, and the ecological side of keeping bees.”

However, Juste’s life as a beekeeper is not without its challenges. Balancing her work in the fields with family responsibilities is particularly difficult in summer when schools and kindergartens close. “It’s a massive issue. In summer, while the bees are collecting honey, you have to look after your children, and you don’t know where to put them. Grandparents are also working… It’s chaos,” she admits. While her older children are more independent, her youngest daughter requires constant attention, adding another layer of complexity to her already busy days.

Despite the difficulties, Juste finds joy and peace in working with bees. “I love being in nature, working with the bees, and just hearing all that buzz. It makes you so relaxed. And the smell of honey… it’s amazing.”

Juste is also part of Grass Ceiling, a network of entrepreneurial women that has provided her with invaluable knowledge and support. “I’m so happy to participate in Grass Ceiling. There are so many ladies who share all their knowledge. They give you a lot of advice on how to do this or that,” she says gratefully. This community has enabled her to access information that would otherwise be scattered and hard to find, strengthening her work and confidence.

Juste shows that beekeeping is not just an economic activity but a lifestyle combining sustainability, a connection to nature, and mutual support among women. Her message underscores the importance of valuing bees and fostering strong, supportive rural communities.

Juste Jankauskienė: “Family life is tricky in the summer, with more work and the children off school” Read More »

7th Dutch LL Kamelenmelkerij Smits visit

The seventh Dutch Living Lab was a celebration of the close bonds between the women participants

General, Netherlands / GC WP6

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.

The seventh Dutch Living Lab was a celebration of the close bonds between the women participants Read More »

Bij de zevende bijeenkomst laten de vrouwelijke deelneemsters van de Nederlandse Living Lab een sterke band zien

Bij de zevende bijeenkomst laten de vrouwelijke deelneemsters van de Nederlandse Living Lab een sterke band zien Read More »

Het zevende Nederlandse Living Lab vond plaats op vrijdag 7 februari 2025 op Kamelenmelkerij Smits – de kamelenboerderij van Living Lab innovator, Dorieke en haar man . Meer specifiek, ze houden dromedarissen voor hun melk, dit zijn een bultige kamelen. Terwijl de vrouwen met hartelijke begroetingen, viel het op hoeveel contact ze buiten de Living Lab hebben; ze volgen niet alleen elkaars sociale media-updates, maar delen ook vaardigheden en advies.

Het grootste deel van de tijd in dit Lab werd geleid door stakeholder Petra Bernhard die ons door een workshop leidde om onze eigen kwaliteiten, competenties en waarden te identificeren. Het idee voor deze training was ontstaan doordat een van de innovators zich afvroeg wat haar rol en identiteit als boerin was. Wat zo bijzonder was, was dat deze groep vrouwen een oprechte openheid met elkaar heeft opgebouwd. Ze waren niet bang om zich kwetsbaar op te stellen en vertrouwden elkaar. Er waren verschillende oefeningen voor zelfreflectie, maar ook een kans om kwaliteiten voor anderen op te halen. Dit leverde leuke verrassingen op, want veel van de vernieuwers waren blind voor hun sterke punten die anderen zagen, of beschouwden kwaliteiten als een zwakte terwijl anderen het als een kracht zagen.

Misschien wel het meest relevante aspect voor Grass Ceiling was de discussie rond Leiderschap – wat maakt een goede leider? Het was vooral inspirerend om te zien hoe degenen die zichzelf niet als leider beschouwden, door anderen in de groep als zodanig werden herkend. We associëren leiderschap vaak met mannelijke kwaliteiten als kracht en directheid. Maar het werd duidelijk dat kwaliteiten als steun, empathie, inspiratie enzovoort (vrouwelijke kwaliteiten) net zo belangrijk, zo niet belangrijker, waren in een leider.

Hoewel dit Living Lab weinig theoretische training bevatte, was het ongelooflijk waardevol om tijd te besteden aan de innovators zelf als persoon. De rest van de dag werd besteed aan het delen van updates over de voortgang en planning voor de laatste twee Living Labs dit jaar – er heerst al een melancholie over het feit dat dit ooit zal eindigen. Het laatste deel van de agenda gaf een andere innovator (Albertine) de kans om haar presentatie voor Jonge Agrarische Talent te oefenen. Ze was geweldig en door dit te doen voor zo’n veilig en ondersteunend publiek groeide haar zelfvertrouwen enorm. De feedback na afloop zat vol positiviteit en oprechte steun, omdat iedereen wilde dat ze zou slagen. Om zo’n cheerleading groep te hebben is een mooie ondersteuning.

We eindigden met een rondleiding op de boerderij. Dit was het eerste bezoek aan een deelnemende innovator thuis/op het werk en iedereen was blij en geïnteresseerd. De kamelenkalveren huppelden rond terwijl we inzicht kregen in de uitdagingen en mogelijkheden die het runnen van een boerderij met zich meebrengt. En we vertrokken met chocolade gemaakt van hun kamelenmelk als kers op de taart van weer een succesvolle en inspirerende Living Lab dag.

Young rural women: driving change and development in depopulated Spain

Young rural women: driving change and development in depopulated Spain Read More »

At GRASS CEILING, we are committed to highlighting and valuing the role of women entrepreneurs, especially those who are transforming their rural communities. A recent study (see here) by the Spanish Entrepreneurship Observatory (Observatorio de Emprendimiento de España) and Reale Seguros, focusing on women aged 18 to 45 in Spanish municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, confirms the crucial impact of this group.

A key group for rural revitalisation

The report highlights that young rural woman are an essential driving force for the development and revitalisation of less populated areas. Their entrepreneurial initiatives generate a significant economic and social impact on the local territory, offering valuable opportunities for those who wish to start businesses in rural areas.

Historically, rural women have played a fundamental role in supporting their families, combining domestic tasks with agricultural and livestock work. However, they have often been excluded from management and decision-making. This study reveals a positive change, where young rural women are taking on leadership and entrepreneurial roles.

Revealing data and opportunities

Entrepreneurial participation: Young rural women participate more in entrepreneurship than rural men but less so than urban women.

Long-term success: Young rural female entrepreneurs are more successful at consolidating long-term businesses than both urban women and rural men.

Motivation: Job scarcity is the main driver of entrepreneurship for rural and urban women, as well as for rural men.

Skills and knowledge: Nine out of ten young rural women feel capable of starting a business but this is slightly lower than among urban women and rural men.

Support networks: Four out of five young rural female entrepreneurs maintain contact with other entrepreneurs.

Opportunities and perception: Although they identify fewer opportunities than urban women, most rural women see entrepreneurship as a good career option.

Economic and social impact: More than half of young rural female entrepreneurs have employees, and two thirds plan to create more jobs. Seven out of ten prioritise social and environmental impact over profitability.

Innovation and technology: Young rural female entrepreneurs use technology at a moderate to high level, with one third innovating in products and services. Forty percent export to international markets.

Sustainability: A third of rural female entrepreneurs are aware of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and many implement measures to reduce their environmental impact.

Digital adaptation: More than half of rural female entrepreneurs have adapted their use of digital technologies during the pandemic, and many plan to increase their use in the future.

GRASS CEILING: Supporting Rural Female Entrepreneurship

At GRASS CEILING, we celebrate this data and reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting women entrepreneurs in rural areas. We believe in their potential to transform their communities and build a more prosperous and sustainable future. This study provides us with valuable information to continue working on creating opportunities and strengthening support networks for these inspiring women.

This article highlights the importance of rural female entrepreneurship and how GRASS CEILING aligns with this movement.

Images: some of the rural women entrepreneurs participating in the Spanish Living Lab of this project. Cover image: Extracted from the Spanish Entrepreneurship Observatory website.

Marta Llorente, entrepreneur in the province of Burgos

Laura Polo, entrepreneur in the province of Palencia

Lucía Velasco, entrepreneur in the region of Asturias

Amada de Salas, entrepreneur in the province of Valladolid

Mujeres rurales jóvenes: motor de cambio y desarrollo en la España vaciada

Spain / GC WP6

En Grass Ceiling, nuestro compromiso es visibilizar y poner en valor el papel de las mujeres emprendedoras, especialmente aquellas que, desde el medio rural, están transformando sus comunidades. Un reciente estudio del Observatorio de Emprendimiento de España y Reale Seguros, centrado en mujeres de 18 a 45 años en municipios españoles con menos de 5000 habitantes, confirma el impacto crucial de este colectivo. (Ver estudio aquí)

Un colectivo clave para la revitalización rural

El informe destaca que las mujeres rurales jóvenes son un motor esencial para el desarrollo y la revitalización de las zonas menos pobladas. Sus iniciativas emprendedoras generan un impacto económico y social significativo en el territorio local, ofreciendo oportunidades valiosas para quienes desean emprender en el mundo rural.

Históricamente, las mujeres rurales han sido pilares fundamentales en el sostén familiar, combinando tareas domésticas con labores agrícolas y ganaderas. Sin embargo, a menudo han sido excluidas de la gestión y la toma de decisiones. Este estudio revela un cambio positivo, donde las mujeres jóvenes rurales están asumiendo roles de liderazgo y emprendimiento.

Datos reveladores y oportunidades

Participación emprendedora: Las mujeres jóvenes rurales participan más en el proceso emprendedor que los hombres rurales, aunque menos que las mujeres urbanas.

Éxito a largo plazo: Las emprendedoras rurales jóvenes tienen mayor éxito en la consolidación de negocios a largo plazo que las mujeres urbanas y los hombres rurales.

Motivación: La escasez de trabajo es la principal motivación para emprender, tanto en mujeres rurales como urbanas, y en hombres rurales.

Habilidades y conocimientos: Nueve de cada diez mujeres jóvenes rurales se sienten capacitadas para emprender, un porcentaje ligeramente inferior en mujeres urbanas y hombres rurales.

Redes de apoyo: Cuatro de cada cinco emprendedoras rurales jóvenes mantienen contacto con otros emprendedores.

Oportunidades y percepción: Aunque identifican menos oportunidades que las mujeres urbanas, la mayoría de las mujeres rurales ven el emprendimiento como una buena opción profesional.

Impacto económico y social: Más de la mitad de las emprendedoras rurales jóvenes tienen empleados, y dos de cada tres planean crear más empleo. Siete de cada diez priorizan el impacto social y medioambiental sobre la rentabilidad.

Innovación y tecnología: Las emprendedoras rurales jóvenes utilizan la tecnología a un nivel medio o alto, y un tercio innova en productos y servicios. Un 40% exporta a mercados internacionales.

Sostenibilidad: Un tercio de las emprendedoras rurales conocen los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de la ONU, y muchas implementan medidas para reducir su impacto medioambiental.

Adaptación digital: Más de la mitad de las emprendedoras rurales han adaptado el uso de tecnologías digitales durante la pandemia, y muchas prevén aumentar su uso en el futuro.

Grass Ceiling: Apoyando el emprendimiento femenino rural

Desde Grass Ceiling, celebramos estos datos y reafirmamos nuestro compromiso de seguir apoyando a las mujeres emprendedoras del medio rural. Creemos en su potencial para transformar sus comunidades y construir un futuro más próspero y sostenible. Este estudio nos brinda información valiosa para seguir trabajando en la creación de oportunidades y el fortalecimiento de redes de apoyo para estas mujeres inspiradoras.

Este artículo destaca la importancia del emprendimiento femenino rural y cómo Grass Ceiling se alinea con este movimiento.

En imágenes, algunas de las mujeres emprendedoras rurales que participan en el Living Lab español de este proyecto. Imagen de portada: Extraída de la página web del Observatorio de Emprendimiento de España

Amada de Salas, emprendedora en Valladolid

Mujeres rurales jóvenes: motor de cambio y desarrollo en la España vaciada Read More »

Jasminka Gršković, an inspiring blend of sustainability and tradition, in Grass Ceiling’s Croatian Living Lab

Croatia, Human Stories / GC WP6

Jasminka Gršković from the picturesque island of Krk, is a kindergarten teacher and campaigner for sustainable living. In her work, she combines education, nature and craftsmanship. She runs a family farm and makes lavender-scented wool sensory balls to strengthen hand muscles.

She also produces environmentally friendly wool dryer balls that shorten drying time, save energy and reduce waste. By using these natural alternatives, households can reduce their reliance on chemical-laden fabric softeners and opt for a more sustainable way of life. Through her work, Jasminka promotes sustainability in everyday life, especially among the younger generation, and encourages them to make conscious choices that benefit both people and the planet.

Jasminka is a driving force for positive change by showing that sustainability and tradition can coexist harmoniously. She encourages meaningful steps towards a future where nature and society thrive together, proving that even small, conscious efforts can have a big impact.

Jasminka Gršković, an inspiring blend of sustainability and tradition, in Grass Ceiling’s Croatian Living Lab Read More »

Jasminka Gršković, inspirativni spoj održivosti i tradicije, u Živom laboratoriju projekta Grass Ceiling u Hrvatskoj

Croatia, Human Stories / GC WP6

Jasminka Gršković s pitoresknog otoka Krka odgajateljica je u vrtiću i zagovornica održivog načina života. U svom radu spaja edukaciju, prirodu i rukotvorine. Vodi obiteljsko poljoprivredno gospodarstvo i razvija mirisne senzorne loptice od lavandom obogaćene vune koje pomažu jačanju mišića ruku.

Također proizvodi ekološki prihvatljive vunene kuglice za sušilicu, koje skraćuju vrijeme sušenja, štede energiju i smanjuju količinu otpada. Korištenjem ovih prirodnih alternativa kućanstva mogu smanjiti upotrebu omekšivača s kemijskim sastojcima i odabrati održiviji način života.

Kroz svoj rad Jasminka promiče održivost u svakodnevnom životu, posebice među mlađim generacijama, potičući ih na svjesne odluke koje pozitivno doprinose i ljudima i planetu. Jasminka je pokretačka snaga pozitivnih promjena, dokazujući da održivost i tradicija mogu harmonično surađivati. Svojim djelovanjem potiče značajne korake prema budućnosti u kojoj priroda i društvo napreduju zajedno, pokazujući da i mali, svjesni napori mogu imati velik utjecaj.

Jasminka Gršković, inspirativni spoj održivosti i tradicije, u Živom laboratoriju projekta Grass Ceiling u Hrvatskoj Read More »

Albertine (GRASS CEILING Living Lab) reaches Young Agricultural Talent final!

Albertine (GRASS CEILING Living Lab) reaches Young Agricultural Talent final! Read More »

Fantastic news! Albertine Ekkels – van ‘t Hoog, one of the many great women in the Dutch Living Lab, has reached the final round of Jong Agrarisch Talent (Young Agricultural Talent). She proposes a new booking system to connect groups (coaches, parties, meetings…) with farmers. She earnestly believes that everyone should benefit from and understand the nature that farmers nurture. Arranging a meeting in a rural location can help bridge the distance between the city and the countryside and give people the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful Dutch landscape by themselves.

Albertine’s idea is to set up and facilitate a booking service, making it easier to have an overview of availability for customers, and taking away the administration and promotion requirements from the farmers. Combined with her previous experience with a coach and her current role as a farmer, she is ideally positioned to bring together both of these sectors. All this after recently giving birth to her third child – she is a super woman!

After rehearsing her presentation with the Living Lab, she sparkled when presenting to the judges this week. The winner receives a €2,500 grant to help launch their idea. Now we wait and cross all fingers and toes for her, as this could be her moment to shine. Here she is explaining her concept (in Dutch) along with describing how important it is for women to ‘just try’ their ideas out and not to be scared: https://www.boerderij.nl/video-boerderijruimtes-en-platteland-zichtbaarder-maken-met-online-platform

Can you help Albertine develop this platform? Contact her directly to share your ideas and wisdom – thank you in advance!

Albertine (GRASS CEILING Living Lab) bereikt finale voor Jong Agrarisch Talent!

Albertine (GRASS CEILING Living Lab) bereikt finale voor Jong Agrarisch Talent! Read More »

Fantastisch nieuws! Albertine Ekkels – van ‘t Hoog, een van de geweldige vrouwen in de Dutch Living Lab dat doet mee met de EU Grass Ceiling project, heeft de finaleronde van Jong Agrarisch Talent bereikt. Ze stelt een nieuw boekingssysteem voor om groepen (coaches, feesten, vergaderingen etc.) te verbinden met boeren. Ze is ervan overtuigd dat iedereen moet kunnen profiteren van de natuur die boeren koesteren. Het organiseren van een bijeenkomst op een landelijke locatie kan helpen deze afstand te overbruggen en mensen de kans geven het mooie Nederlandse landschap zelf te zien.

Albertine’s idee is om een boekingsservice op te bouwen en te faciliteren, waardoor het makkelijker wordt om een overzicht te hebben van de beschikbaarheid voor klanten, en de administratie en promotie bij de boeren weg te halen. Gecombineerd met haar eerdere ervaring onder een coach en haar huidige rol als boerin, is ze in de ideale positie om beide sectoren samen te brengen. Dit alles na de geboorte van haar derde kind – ze is een supervrouw!

Na het repeteren van haar presentatie met de Living Lab, schitterde ze deze week tijdens haar presentatie voor de jury. De winnaar ontvangt een subsidie van €2.500 om zijn idee te beginnen. Nu wachten we af en kruisen onze duimen voor haar, want dit zou wel eens haar moment kunnen zijn om haar plannen te laten groeien. Hier legt ze haar concept uit (in het Nederlands) en beschrijft ze hoe belangrijk het is voor vrouwen om hun ideeën ‘gewoon uit te proberen’ en niet bang te zijn: https://www.boerderij.nl/video-boerderijruimtes-en-platteland-zichtbaarder-maken-met-online-platform

Lina Vyšniauskaitė: “The adoption of modern technologies has been essential to my business model”

General, Human Stories, Lithuania, Video journeys / GC WP6

Lina Vyšniauskaitė, a farmer from northern Lithuania, has transformed her 2006-established farm in Joniškis into a leading cold-pressed oil producer since 2019. Her primary focus is on hemp, flax, and milk thistle seed oils, which she grows and processes entirely on her family farm.

The production of these oils involves cold pressing, ensuring the preservation of their natural properties. Every stage, from seed cultivation to the final product, is meticulously supervised to guarantee exceptional quality. This commitment to excellence has positioned Lina’s oils as a healthy and natural choice for consumers seeking nutritious alternatives in their daily diets.

In addition to production, Lina is dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of these oils, which, although traditional, are less known among younger generations. Through workshops and community events, she shares knowledge about incorporating these products into everyday cooking, revitalising old recipes with a modern twist. “Currently, we are organising classes to teach people how to use products from rural areas in their daily lives, apply them in the kitchen, and use old recipes by producing something modern. For instance, we organise education events for baking tree cakes, making cheese, or cold-pressing oil.”

Family integration into farm activities is fundamental for Lina. Each family member contributes to the production process, strengthening family bonds and ensuring sustainable and efficient farm management. This family dynamic optimises production and creates a harmonious and collaborative working environment.

Lina has found that community support and lifelong learning are key to overcoming obstacles, such as initial lack of knowledge and balancing family responsibilities with work. She actively participates in the rural community of Stupurai, collaborating with other entrepreneurial women on projects that strengthen the local economy and promote social cohesion.

The adoption of modern technologies has been essential to her business model. Online sales of her products have expanded her reach, making it easier for consumers to access high-quality oils. Additionally, Lina shows a keen interest in artificial intelligence, exploring how these tools can enhance communication and efficiency in her agricultural business. “I am also highly interested in AI and have attended various courses. Believe it or not, it greatly helps communication, and I use these tools. I try to catch up with technologies. The Grass Ceiling Project has worked as a great motivation to enter online sales and start looking into new solutions, clients, and opportunities.”

Lina exemplifies how combining traditional agricultural methods with modern innovations can lead to success in the farming sector. Her dedication to quality, consumer education, and community integration makes her a remarkable role model for other farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

Lina Vyšniauskaitė: “The adoption of modern technologies has been essential to my business model” Read More »

National Dairy Awards 2024 Best Artisan Dairy Product 2024 (non cheese) IFAC Best Dairy Product Innovation 2024

Gail Daniels, Irish GRASS CEILING Living Lab participant, wins big at National Dairy Awards 2024

General, Ireland / GC WP6

Gail Daniels, a dairy farmer and founder of Bó Bar soap, a line of handmade soap made from cows’ milk produced on the family farm in the southeast of the country, won two prizes at Ireland’s 2024 National Dairy Awards. Gail took home prizes for Best Artisan Dairy Product 2024 (non-cheese) and IFAC Best Dairy Product Innovation 2024.

Gail developed Bó Bar soap when was looking for a natural treatment for her daughter’s eczema and started trading in December 2021. The soaps are free from chemicals, parabens and palm oil and are scented using essential oils. They are handmade using traditional cold press methods. All packaging -cow print, of course- is fully compostable and biodegradable.

“All of our soaps are hand-made on our farm, using the traditional cold process method. This requires all of our soap bars to be cured for at least 4 weeks but generally 5-6 weeks. As our products are genuinely handmade in small batches, each soap is unique in its size, colour, pattern & appearance, so they will vary slightly from the images shown. Our bars weigh a minimum of 95g but can range between 95 and 115g”, comments Gail from her business homepage.

Congratulations Gail from everyone at GRASS CEILING.

Pictures: The photos of the awards ceremony that illustrate this article are courtesy of the National Dairy Awards. See: www.nationaldairyawards.com

Gail Daniels, Irish GRASS CEILING Living Lab participant, wins big at National Dairy Awards 2024 Read More »

Il settimo Living Lab di Grass Ceiling: dal sogno nel cassetto alla realtà di un progetto

Italy / GC WP6

Si è svolto qualche giorno fa a Ruvo di Puglia (BA) il settimo Living Lab del progetto triennale Grass Ceiling, finanziato dal programma europeo Horizon Europe e dedicato all’innovazione femminile in contesti di lavoro rurale. Il progetto, ormai al suo ultimo anno di attività, si concluderà a dicembre.

Il Living Lab è da sempre un’occasione di confronto e apprendimento collettivo. Fino a oggi, le otto donne innovatrici coinvolte hanno lavorato a idee di business nuove e accattivanti, nell’ultimo incontro, però, è arrivato il momento di testarle sul campo. Seguendo il metodo del design thinking, il percorso è ora nella fase di prototipazione, cui seguirà un’importante fase di testing per simulare l’innovazione e definire i prossimi passi.

Le innovatrici stanno quindi sottoponendo i loro progetti al giudizio dei potenziali utenti finali. Un passaggio cruciale, che può confermare la validità delle idee o spingerle a rivedere strategie e scelte.

Il Living Lab ha mostrato loro il giusto percorso da compiere: attraverso un workshop sul Business Model Canvas con Francesco Notarangelo, le partecipanti hanno reso più concreti i loro progetti, trasformando ciò che finora era solo un’idea in un piano strutturatoEach project is thought out in detail: a museum on the history of an ancient oil mill, the rebranding of an essential oils brand, a Festival of the Seasons, these are just some of the options made up during the discussion. Each one of them aims to enhance the territory, thanks to the collaboration of the Bio-Distretto delle lame, which is following the evolution of this journey of female innovation in agriculture step by step, together with the two co-leads, Ciheam BARI and Legacoop Puglia.

Dal museo sulla storia di un antico frantoio al rebranding di un marchio di oli essenziali, fino a una Festa delle Stagioni, ogni progetto mira a valorizzare il territorio, grazie anche alla collaborazione del Bio-Distretto delle Lame che, insieme ai due co-lead, Ciheam Bari e Legacoop Puglia, segue passo dopo passo l’evoluzione di questo percorso di innovazione al femminile in agricoltura.

C’è grande entusiasmo per i prossimi, decisivi appuntamenti. Del resto, come scriveva Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: “Fai della tua vita un sogno e di un sogno una realtà”, e noi ci siamo quasi!

Il settimo Living Lab di Grass Ceiling: dal sogno nel cassetto alla realtà di un progetto Read More »

The seventh Italian Living Lab of Grass Ceiling: dreams becoming beautiful realities

The seventh Italian Living Lab of Grass Ceiling: dreams becoming beautiful realities Read More »

The seventh Living Lab of the three-year Grass Ceiling project, funded by the European Horizon Europe program and dedicated to women’s innovation in their business rural settings, took place a few days ago in Ruvo di Puglia (BA), Italy. The project is in its final year and will end in December.

The Living Lab has always been an opportunity for collective discussion and learning about rural topics. So far, the eight women innovators involved have been working on new and engaging business ideas; in the last meeting, however, the time has come to a field test.

The Living Lab showed them the right path to innovation, by means of the use of solid methodologies. Through a workshop on the Business Model Canvas, lead by Francesco Notarangelo of Ciheam BARI, the participants made their projects more concrete, transforming what was so far just an idea into a structured plan.

Each project is thought out in detail: a museum on the history of an ancient oil mill, the rebranding of an essential oils brand, a Festival of the Seasons, these are just some of the options made up during the discussion. Each one of them aims to enhance the territory, thanks to the collaboration of the Bio-Distretto delle lame, which is following the evolution of this journey of female innovation in agriculture step by step, together with the two co-leads, Ciheam BARI and Legacoop Puglia.

There is great excitement for the upcoming, decisive milestones. After all, as the famous writer as Saint-Exupéry once said “Make your life a dream and a dream a reality,” and we are nearly close!

Networking, visibility, and collaboration: key challenges for participants in GRASS CEILING Croatian Living Lab

Croatia, General / GC WP6

As the new year begins, the Living Labs within our project are reactivating after the Christmas break.

The Croatian team was the first to do so, seizing this initial meeting of the year to maintain direct contact with local stakeholders. See the meeting agenda here.

The Croatian Living Lab has set itself the task of holding the majority of Living Lab meetings in the local communities of the innovators involved in the project. Thus, on 24 January, 2025, the Living Lab meeting took place in Gospić, where Marijana Svetić, who was recently introduced on the project website https://www.grassceiling.eu/marijana-svetic-croatia-livinglab/ , comes from. The meeting with stakeholders was particularly successful, primarily due to the great interest of local stakeholders in the project and then also due to their active participation in the workshop. It was noted that the progress made over the last two decades is remarkable, but there are still many problems in the Lika region that need to be worked on to improve the status of women, especially in the areas of infrastructure, economy, politics and family. Rural poverty and the needs of the elderly population, especially older women, as well as the digital divide and the lack of microfinance were particularly highlighted. Some of the services that are lacking in the rural region of Lika are kindergartens, facilities for the elderly, microfinance for small crafts, businesses and family farms, more accessible public transportation and fast network signals.

Representatives from Lika-Senj County Development Centre (the host), The Croatian Chamber of Economy, the Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, the Croatian Employment Service (Gospić branch), the Association GTF-Initiative for Sustainable Growth, City of Gospić, Polytechnic “Nikola Tesla”, LAG Lika and Lika-Senj County itself, had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the Grass Ceiling project and, more specifically, how it is impacting rural Croatia through the group of women entrepreneurs participating in it.

Professor Nataša Bokan from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Zagreb was responsible for presenting the project’s content and the Living Lab methodology being implemented in various parts of the country.

Innovation training took place in the afternoon session, focusing on the testing phase of the innovation process as part of the design thinking methodology. In an open discussion, the innovators shared their experiences of testing their products with the customers. The innovators reported that they received constructive critical feedback with new perspectives on their products or approach. The final session was an open discussion about the overall innovation process and their own progress (personal and business) that they have made so far in the Grass Ceiling project. The most important outcome for them is support and networking. In second place is learning about the innovation process and realising that their own perspective is not enough and how important it is to talk to others and incorporate their opinions into their own ideas/projects.

This meeting spanned over two days and included, among other activities, a visit to the Nikola Tesla Memorial Center. The gathering also served as an opportunity to share with all the women participating in the project the results of the 2nd showcase event, which took place in late November 2024 in Vilnius (Lithuania) and was attended by Ines Dundović.

Networking, visibility, and collaboration: key challenges for participants in GRASS CEILING Croatian Living Lab Read More »

Ključni izazovi za sudionice hrvatskog Living Laba GRASS CEILING: umrežavanje, vidljivost i suradnja

Croatia / GC WP6

S početkom nove godine Živi laboratoriji (Living lab) u okviru našeg projekta ponovno se aktiviraju nakon božićnih praznika.

Hrvatski tim bio je prvi koji je to učinio, iskoristivši ovaj prvi ovogodišnji sastanak za održavanje izravnog kontakta s lokalnim dionicima. Dnevni red sastanka pogledajte ovdje.

Hrvatski Living lab si je zadao zadatak da velik dio svojih sastanaka održi u lokalnim zajednicama inovatorica uključenih u projekt. Tako se 24. siječnja 2025. održao susret Living Lab-a u Gospiću, odakle dolazi Marijana Svetić, koja je nedavno predstavljena na web stranici projekta (https://www.grassceiling.eu/marijana-svetic-croatia-livinglab/. Sastanak s dionicima bio je posebno uspješan, prvenstveno zbog velikog interesa lokalnih dionika za projekt, a zatim i zbog njihovog aktivnog sudjelovanja u radionici. Istaknuto je da su pomaci ostvareni u posljednja dva desetljeća veliki, ali da u Lici još uvijek ima mnogo problema na kojima treba raditi kako bi se poboljšao položaj žena, posebice u područjima infrastrukture, gospodarstva, politike i obitelji. Posebno je istaknuto ruralno siromaštvo i potrebe starijeg stanovništva, posebice starijih žena, te digitalni jaz i nedostatak mikrofinanciranja. Neke od usluga koje nedostaju ruralnom području Like su dječji vrtići, domovi i sadržaji za starije osobe, mikrofinanciranje malih obrta, poduzeća i OPG-ova, dostupniji javni prijevoz i brzi mrežni signal.

Predstavnici Razvojnog centra Ličko-senjske županije (koji je bio domaćin skupa), Hrvatske gospodarske komore, Instituta društvenih znanosti Ivo Pilar, Hrvatskog zavoda za zapošljavanje (podružnica Gospić), Udruge GTF-Inicijativa za održivi rast, Grada Gospića, Veleučilišta “Nikola Tesla”, LAG-a Lika i same Ličko-senjske županije, imali su priliku iz prve ruke upoznati projekt Grass Ceiling te čuti kako on utječe na ruralnu Hrvatsku kroz skupinu poduzetnica koje u njemu sudjeluju.

Profesorica Nataša Bokan s Agronomskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu bila je zadužena za predstavljanje sadržaja projekta i metodologije Living lab-a koja se provodi u različitim dijelovima zemlje.

U poslijepodnevnoj sesiji održana je obuka o inovacijama, s fokusom na fazu testiranja inovacijskog procesa kao dio metodologije dizajnerskog mišljenja. U otvorenoj raspravi inovatorice su podijelile vlastita iskustva testiranja svojih proizvoda s kupcima. Inovatorice su izvijestile da su dobile konstruktivne kritičke povratne informacije s novim pogledima na svoje proizvode. Završna sesija bila je otvorena rasprava o ukupnom procesu inovacija i vlastitom napretku (osobnom i poslovnom) koji su inovatorice do sada ostvarile u projektu Grass Ceiling. Najvažniji rezultat za njih je podrška i umrežavanje. Na drugom mjestu je učenje o procesu inovacija i shvaćanje da vlastita perspektiva nije dovoljna te koliko je važno razgovarati s drugima i njihovo mišljenje ugraditi u vlastite ideje/projekte.

Susret je trajao dva dana i uključivao je, između ostalog, posjet Memorijalnom centru Nikola Tesla. Okupljanje je također poslužilo kao prilika da se sa svim ženama koje sudjeluju u projektu podijele rezultati 2. showcase event-a koji se održao krajem studenog 2024. u Vilniusu (Litva), a na kojem je sudjelovala Ines Dundović.

Ključni izazovi za sudionice hrvatskog Living Laba GRASS CEILING: umrežavanje, vidljivost i suradnja Read More »

The GRASS CEILING Croatian Living Lab kicks off 2025 with its seventh gathering of innovative women and local stakeholders.

Croatia, General / GC WP6

As the new year begins, the Living Labs within our project are reactivating after the Christmas break.

The Croatian team was the first to do so, seizing this initial meeting of the year to maintain direct contact with local stakeholders. See the meeting agenda here.

Representatives from entities such as the Lika-Senj County Development Centre, the Croatian Chamber of Economy, the Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, the Croatian Employment Service (Gospić branch), the Lika-Senj County Development Agency, the company GTF-Initiative for Sustainable Growth, and Lika-Senj County itself, had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the Grass Ceiling project and, more specifically, how it is impacting rural Croatia through the group of women entrepreneurs participating in it.

Professor Natasa Bokan from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Zagreb was responsible for explaining the project’s content and the Living Lab methodology being implemented in various parts of the country.

This initial meeting spanned two days in January and included, among other activities, a visit to the Nikola Tesla Memorial Center. The gathering also served as an opportunity to share with all the women participating in the project the results of the 2nd showcase event, which took place in late November 2024 in Vilnius (Lithuania) and was attended by Inés Dundovic.

In the coming days, we will expand on this information with more details about everything discussed during this seventh meeting of the Croatian Living Lab of the Grass Ceiling project.

The GRASS CEILING Croatian Living Lab kicks off 2025 with its seventh gathering of innovative women and local stakeholders. Read More »

Ina Grecka - Grass Ceiling Living Lab participant - Lithuania

Ina Grecka (GRASS CEILING participant): Empowering through education and innovation on a Lithuanian farm

General, Human Stories, Lithuania, Video journeys / GC WP6

Ina Grecka, originally from Vilnius, founded “Yellow Boots,” a family farm just 15 minutes from Lithuania’s capital. Despite its proximity to the bustling city, the farm offers a retreat into nature, where Ina and her family grow various products, including vines, blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, shiitake mushrooms, and fish from their pond.

The farm began its journey four years ago when Ina and her family bought a plot of land in poor condition, without any farming equipment or experience. Ina recalls how, as a woman from the city, she faced scepticism from locals when seeking help to prepare the land. “You’re from the city, and you’re a girl. You want to start a farm business?” they would say, dismissing her at first. However, their perspective changed over time as Ina proved her resilience and commitment to the farm.

The European Union supported the farm’s initial funding through a programme for young farmers. This financial assistance allowed Ina and her family to start the business when they had no money left after purchasing the land. Despite facing challenges, including a lack of equipment and needing to connect with others for help, Ina persevered. Ina likes to participate in programmes and would like to form more bonds with the community. “We are very small in our country, so we cannot survive alone. We need to connect,” she notes.

Balancing motherhood and running a business has not been easy, especially when her children were young. With two boys still in secondary school, Ina credits the support of her mother and her husband’s mother for helping her manage the farm and childcare. “If I didn’t have any help, I think our business would have been delayed until the children grew up,” she reflects.

Innovation is central to the farm’s operations, from the equipment Ina and her husband seek out at fairs to enhance productivity to the educational programmes they offer visitors. “It’s very easy for people from the city to visit us, and they learn about nature and farming,” she says. Schoolchildren, corporate teams, and other groups come to the farm to experience the hands-on activities and taste the farm’s produce. During harvest season, particularly for grapes, the farm becomes a lively festival where visitors can join in the excitement of gathering crops.

The farm’s connection to the GRASS CEILING programme has provided Ina valuable training, particularly in marketing. “Marketing is very difficult, but the training helped me understand how to promote ourselves better,” she shares. Through this programme, Ina learned strategies that have directly benefited her business.

Ina’s advice to women considering a career in farming is clear: “Don’t be afraid. You can do everything. Start little by little, step by step. If you sit and think, life will pass you by. We have only one life.” Her message is one of courage, patience, and persistence, and this mindset has helped her farm thrive.

Ina Grecka (GRASS CEILING participant): Empowering through education and innovation on a Lithuanian farm Read More »

Empowering women in rural areas: a key to rural development

General, Related News / GC WP6

GRASS CEILING partner Blanca Casares, Policy Expert at AEIDL (European Association for Innovation in Local Development), was interviewed by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) for a series of videos on women in politics, together with Ellen Nauta Van-Moorsel, member of the EU CoR and mayor of the municipality of Hof van Twente, in which they discussed the role of women in rural areas.

Women play a crucial role in sustaining, conserving, and developing rural areas, both culturally and economically. They are key to preserving and transmitting traditions and form a significant part of the agricultural workforce, supporting rural development amidst ongoing depopulation. However, they face substantial challenges due to prevalent issues in rural areas such as unemployment, poverty, inadequate transport, and the lack of essential, healthcare, and educational and social services. These difficulties are compounded by traditional mindsets that impose stereotypical roles, relegating women to subordinate positions in both private and public spheres.

Blanca Casares emphasized that women understanding of local needs positions them to create and drive initiatives that boost the local economy and enhance quality of life. Blanca noted the growing adoption of community involvement approaches in areas such as social innovation, new governance structures, and grassroots innovation. However, she highlighted a significant data gap, with few gender-differentiated statistics and no comparative studies on rural women across Europe. This lack of data hampers effective gender mainstreaming, obscuring the baseline needed to establish policy goals for supporting rural women. She stressed the importance of reviewing EU policies through a rural lens, incorporating rural and gender proofing to ensure these policies effectively address the unique challenges faced by rural women. Integrating a gender perspective into EU policies is essential for promoting gender equality and empowerment, particularly in regions grappling with depopulation. Strengthening women’s roles in public life should be prioritized, including the formulation of a new EU Gender Equality Strategy post-2025.

Have a look at the video.

Empowering women in rural areas: a key to rural development Read More »

Eglė Valuckaitė-Stašauskienė: “Networks like GRASS CEILING are vital for women facing these challenges.”

General, Human Stories, Lithuania, Video journeys / GC WP6

Eglė Valuckaitė-Stašauskienė lives in a small village in the Kedainiai district of Lithuania, where she established her farm two years ago. She cultivates vegetables free from agrochemicals and processes them into jams, sauces, spices, and other healthy foods on her land. Her work focuses on offering natural, high-quality products tailored especially for children and families.

Eglė and her family moved to the countryside a decade ago for a healthier lifestyle. What started as a small garden to feed her family eventually became their livelihood. Today, they cultivate over 200 varieties of tomatoes and 20 types of peppers, among other products. “Everything started exactly because of the children so they could eat more delicious, higher-quality food without excessive agrochemicals,” she explains.

Eglė’s approach revolves around producing chemical-free food and processing it to make it healthier. Among her products are sugar-free food and low-salt crackers designed for children. She also uses social media to showcase the transparency of her practices and connect with her customers, promoting the consumption of local and sustainable products. “This is our unique selling point, and I always try to show on Facebook and Instagram how we manage this,” she tells us.

However, the journey has not been easy. Eglė faces the challenge of balancing work with the demands of family life and her professional responsibilities. Despite having the support of her husband, who helps care for their children, managing a farm while being a mother and wife remains a complex task. “The kids, the husband, the household chores… everything falls on the woman. But I’m very happy that my husband supports me and helps me and my children understand how hard you must work to make a living,” she says, highlighting her family’s essential role in her success.

Thanks to European subsidies, Eglė has significantly improved her farm by installing a greenhouse and a well. Recently, she received support to purchase a dehydrator, enabling her to process her products more efficiently. For Eglė, these grants are essential for modernising and expanding small farms, and she encourages other women to take advantage of such opportunities, even offering her help in completing applications.

Eglė also emphasises the importance of female community networks. As a member of “Grass Ceiling,” she finds support, idea-sharing, and motivation to
overcome challenges. According to her, these networks are crucial, as women are
better equipped to understand the unique difficulties of juggling roles as
mothers, wives, and professionals. “Only a woman can understand another woman and her feelings. Only they know what it takes to be a mother, daughter,
wife…” she states with conviction.

Although rural ageing and depopulation threaten businesses like hers, Eglė has found ways to adapt, bringing her products to urban markets in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Trakai. Her ability to innovate and her commitment to sustainable agriculture have made her farm a model to follow.

For Eglė, success lies in her agricultural work and her ability to inspire other women. Her message is clear: with effort, mutual support, and a strong community, any challenge can be overcome.

Eglė Valuckaitė-Stašauskienė

Eglė Valuckaitė-Stašauskienė: “Networks like GRASS CEILING are vital for women facing these challenges.” Read More »

Lithuanian research team meeting Grass Ceiling

Lithuanian study reveals “GRASS CEILING” for women in agriculture: Societal norms, family burdens, and bureaucracy hold back innovation

General, Lithuania / GC WP6

Why do women often remain on the “margins” of innovation?

The Lithuanian research team of the Grass Ceiling project—T. Baležentis, V. Dabkienė, I. Šikšnelytė-Butkienė, D. Štreimikienė, and V. Šapolaitė—explores this question in their article From glass to grass ceiling: addressing gender barriers in agricultural innovation.

The article not only highlights the obstacles women face to establish themselves in agricultural innovation but also points at broader systemic shortcomings that impact all agricultural innovators.https://www.ekvi.lt/mokslo-darbuotojas/dalia-streimikiene

Barriers of Social and Domestic Responsibilities
The study reveals that women often bear a disproportionate share of household chores, childcare, and other family obligations. As respondents note:

When you drop out for a few years because you have children, it is a challenge to catch up, because the skills are lost, you have to update your knowledge.

If kids are sick, it is impossible to work.

All the burden of the household falls on the woman, so there is no time to generate new ideas.

Societal Norms
Deeply ingrained perceptions that agricultural innovation is a “men’s field” sometimes do women and make it challenging for them to gain recognition as equal partners or innovators in this area.

Bureaucracy
Another significant obstacle is bureaucracy, which currently poses particular challenges for innovation implementation in Lithuania. Respondents emphasized that bureaucracy should be minimized, and greater flexibility should be introduced into all processes to facilitate breakthroughs in the sector.

Access to Information
The study underscores another critical area for improvement: creating a clear, user-friendly, and targeted information dissemination system. This issue affects not only women but also men—indeed, all agricultural innovators and farmers wishing to participate in various agricultural innovation support programs and initiatives.

Lithuanian study reveals “GRASS CEILING” for women in agriculture: Societal norms, family burdens, and bureaucracy hold back innovation Read More »

Rasa Prusakova: “advisory services to support women farmers are needed”

General, Human Stories, Lithuania, Video journeys / GC WP6

Rasa Prusakova, a farmer in the Šiauliai region of Lithuania, has managed her small farm with creativity and dedication, turning it into an example of sustainable agriculture. Her approach combines technological innovation and a passion for overcoming the challenges of rural life.

Managing a small farm poses significant challenges, mainly when no additional employees exist. Rasa highlights the difficulty of juggling multiple responsibilities, such as caring for children, planting crops and organising sales. “Tackling everything is not easy for one person,” she explains. She emphasises the importance of advisory services to support farmers (especially women) from the very beginning, for whom a clear and practical plan can be crucial in ensuring the success and sustainability of their ventures.

Despite managing a small farm, Rasa has made innovation her main ally. She consistently strives to incorporate the latest solutions at every stage of the farming process, from seeding to harvesting. “As this is a small farm and our labour force is limited, it is essential to embark on innovation. Every time, we look for the newest solutions that could be applied on our farm, from seeding to weeding and harvesting.”

However, her journey has not been without its challenges. These include barriers to entrepreneurship in rural communities due to an ageing population and, at times, a lack of interest in improvement; operating within an individualistic social context that doesn’t always foster synergies through cooperatives or associations; excessive bureaucracy that reduces the time available for productive activities; the difficulty for traditional family businesses to compete with large multinational corporations; a scarcity of sufficient incentives for medium- and long-term investments, coupled with high taxation; and a lack of qualified personnel for jobs related to agriculture and tourism.

Given the lack of technological suppliers in the Lithuanian market, Rasa often imports equipment from countries such as France, Germany, or the United States, which allows her to reduce manual labour and optimise resources. Additionally, her commitment to sustainability is evident in her use of solar panels to power the farm—a tangible example of integrating eco-friendly practices into daily operations.

What Rasa enjoys the most is interacting with people. She is passionate about selling her products at the local market and receiving positive customer feedback. This connection with the community reinforces her motivation to keep going and gives her a clear purpose: producing food that people expect and need. Here is where Rasa finds the most challenging part of her work. “We would love to know what products will be in demand a season before planting them so we can plan ahead. There’s a disconnection between production and sales—some products are requested too late to plant, while others that we grow are difficult to sell. We’d greatly appreciate guidance in this area”.

When asked what advice she would give other women looking to start a business, Rasa is clear: don’t be afraid. She recommends careful planning followed by decisive action, showing that even in a demanding environment like farming, finding opportunities to innovate, thrive, and create a positive impact is possible.

Rasa Prusakova: “advisory services to support women farmers are needed” Read More »

GRASS CEILING rural entrepreneur Amada de Salas nominated for MujerAGRO Award 2024

General, Human Stories, Spain / GC WP6

Amada de Salas, a rural entrepreneur and member of the Spanish Living Lab within the Grass Ceiling project, has been nominated as one of the eight women in the running for the Mujer 2024 award at the 7th annual MujerAGRO Awards.

De Salas is a winegrower from Castile and León region, owning a dryland cereal and vineyard farm in Dueñas (Palencia). She also manages the family winery, where they process grapes and sell wine. “My main responsibilities include task planning, staff coordination, and winery management. Within the winery, I am responsible for tasks related to enological decision-making and wine tastings, as well as providing personalised attention to wine tourism visitors,” explains De Salas in her presentation within the Grass Ceiling project.

Recently, Amada de Salas joined, together with eight other women from various European countries, the 2nd Showcase Event of women-led rural enterprises, held in Vilnius, Lithuania, and organised by Grass Ceiling project. During her participation, she showcased the core principles of her innovative approach: integrating primary production, processing, and distribution, covering all stages of the food chain; conserving ancestral knowledge adapted to current market demands; complementing agricultural activity with wine tourism; and committing to rural development through active participation in fairs, conferences, and other promotional events.

Despite these obstacles, De Salas has a clear vision: “My goal has always been to strike a balance between ancestral wisdom and the demands of today’s society. Authenticity in agricultural production should be an inspiration as we move towards the future. We have a social responsibility to preserve our agricultural heritage for the sake of future generations.”

The women finalists represent sectors such as wine growing, plant nutrition, olive growing, livestock farming, rural development, beekeeping, and education.

De Salas’ candidacy competes with those of Camino García de Morentín, Christina Fischer Aguirre, Esther Ferrero González, Macarena Díaz González, Matilde Esteo Domínguez, Raquel Adalid Botía and Rosa Gallardo Cobos.

As stated by the MujerAGRO award organisers, “today, being a woman and a role model for others in the field of equality is of exceptional value. It is these women who, with great capacity, talent, and drive, are demonstrating that goals and challenges can be achieved, and dreams can be fulfilled within a traditionally male-dominated sector such as agri-food.”

The MujerAGRO project is a professional network of women, men, and organisations committed to the empowerment of women in agricultural professions, increasing their visibility within the agri-food sector and its entire value chain, with the ultimate goal of achieving real equality in this field. It is an open, plural space for communication, awareness-raising, and action to achieve equal opportunities for professional women, facilitate their socio-professional integration, and promote diversity within the agri-food sector.

Amada de Salas intervention – Vilnius (Lituania)

GRASS CEILING rural entrepreneur Amada de Salas nominated for MujerAGRO Award 2024 Read More »

Amada de Salas, integrante del Living Lab español de GRASS CEILING, nominada al Premio MujerAGRO 2024

Human Stories, Spain / GC WP6

Amada de Salas, emprendedora rural e integrante del Living Lab español del proyecto Grass Ceiling ha sido nominada como una de las ocho mujeres que en la VII edición de los Premios MujerAGRO podrían recibir el premio en la categoría Mujer 2024.

Amada de Salas es una viticultora castellano leonesa propietaria de una explotación de cereal de secano y viñedo situada en Dueñas (Palencia). Además, dirige la bodega familiar donde transforman la uva y venden el vino. “Mis principales responsabilidades incluyen la planificación de tareas, la coordinación de personal y la gestión de la bodega. Dentro de la bodega, me encargo de las tareas relacionadas con la toma de decisiones enológicas y las catas de vino, así como de la atención personalizada a los visitantes de enoturismo”, según explica Amada en su presentación en el marco del proyecto Grass Ceiling.

Recientemente, Amada de Salas, participó junto con otras ocho mujeres de diferentes países europeos, en el II Certamen de Demostración de emprendimientos impulsados por mujeres desde el medio rural, que se celebró en Vilna (Lituania), organizado por el proyecto Grass Ceiling.

Durante su participación en este evento Amanda demostró los principales pilares sobre los que se asienta su viaje innovador: la integración de la producción primaria, la transformación y la distribución, abarcando todos los eslabones de la cadena alimentaria; la conservación de conocimientos ancestrales, adaptados a las demandas actuales del mercado; la actividad agrícola complementada con el enoturismo y, además, el compromiso con el desarrollo rural a través de la participación activa en ferias, jornadas y otros eventos de promoción y visibilidad.

Eso sí, un viaje no exento de obstáculos como las barreras a la iniciativa empresarial en la sociedad rural debido al envejecimiento de la población y, en ocasiones, a la falta de interés por mejorar; el emprendimiento desarrollado en un contexto social individualista que no siempre busca sinergias a través de cooperativas o asociaciones; la excesiva burocracia que reduce el tiempo disponible para actividades productivas en las empresas; la dificultad como empresa familiar tradicional para competir con grandes empresas multinacionales; la escasez de incentivos suficientes para las inversiones a medio y largo plazo y una fuerte presión fiscal y, la falta de personal cualificado para los trabajos relacionados con la agricultura y el turismo.

Y frente a todo esto, Amada tiene muy claro lo que quiere: “Mi objetivo siempre ha sido lograr un equilibrio entre la sabiduría ancestral y las exigencias de la sociedad actual. La autenticidad en la producción agrícola debe ser una inspiración a medida que avanzamos hacia el futuro. Tenemos la responsabilidad social de preservar nuestro patrimonio agrícola por el bien de las generaciones futuras”.

Las mujeres finalistas representan a sectores como el vitivinícola, la nutrición vegetal, el olivar, la ganadería, el desarrollo rural, la apicultura y la educación.

La candidatura de Amada de Salas compite con la de Camino García de Morentín, Christina Fischer Aguirre, Esther Ferrero González, Macarena Díaz González, Matilde Esteo Domínguez, Raquel Adalid Botía y Rosa Gallardo Cobos.

Tal y como indica la organización del premio, MujerAgro, “hoy ser mujer y referente para otras en el ámbito de la igualdad es algo que tiene un valor excepcional. Pues son ellas, las que con gran capacidad, talento e impulso están demostrando que se puede llegar, que son alcanzables las metas y los retos, cumplir los sueños dentro de un ámbito, como el agroalimentario, que tradicionalmente ha sido un sector tan masculinizado”.

El proyecto MujerAGRO es una red profesional de mujeres, hombres y entidades con vocación hacia el empoderamiento de la mujer agroprofesional, visibilizar su presencia en el sector agroalimentario y toda la cadena de valor, con el fin último de lograr una igualdad real en dicho ámbito.

Un espacio abierto, plural de comunicación, sensibilización y acción para conseguir la igualdad de oportunidades para las mujeres profesionales, facilitar su integración socio-laboral y fomentar la diversidad dentro del sector agroalimentario.

Amada de Salas, durante su reciente intervención en Vilna (Lituania)

Presentación de la intervención de Amada de Salas en Vilna (Lituania)

Amada de Salas, integrante del Living Lab español de GRASS CEILING, nominada al Premio MujerAGRO 2024 Read More »

GRASS CEILING Irish Living Lab participant centre stage at the Just Transition Platform Conference in Brussels

General, Ireland / GC WP6

Aileen Barron, Managing Director of Green Acre Marketing and a participant in GRASS CEILING’s Irish Living Labs, was part of a female entrepreneurship panel at the Just Transition Platform conference, co-hosted by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER), which took place in Brussels in October.

At the event, Aileen discussed the challenges and opportunities for women innovators, specifically in the Irish context. She also spoke about her participation in the GRASS CEILING’s Irish Living Labs which take place primarily in the GrowthHub at South East Technological University Waterford campus.

The session, moderated by Catherine Wendt, Head of Unit for Smart and Sustainable Growth, DG REGIO, European Commission, focused on exploring issues and supports for women innovators when establishing and scaling up their businesses.

Aileen started Green Acre Marketing, a full service marketing and public relations enterprise focused on the agribusiness sector, in 2013. She currently leads a team of seven and works with a portfolio of clients that includes national and international brands.

Aileen Barron at the Just Transition Platform Conference – Photo: T. Monasse / Babylonia – Creative Affairs Bureau

GRASS CEILING Irish Living Lab participant centre stage at the Just Transition Platform Conference in Brussels Read More »

Nine European women entrepreneurs presented their projects at the 2nd GRASS CEILING Showcase Event held in Vilnius, Lithuania.

General, Showcase events / GC WP6

On November 26th, the second edition of the Grass Ceiling Showcase Event took place in Vilnius. It brought together women participants from the nine partner countries in the programme. This event was part of the AgriFood Lithuania 2024 Forum, Lithuania’s leading primary sector event, which attracted hundreds
of attendees. Positioning the Showcase Event within this programme was a significant achievement, as it showcased the project’s existence to the entire
Lithuanian primary sector and helped disseminate the success stories of the participating women widely.

The participants included Ines Dundović (Croatia), Karen Keane (Ireland), Annalisa Pellegrini (Italy), Justė Jankauskienė (Lithuania), Anita Rennemo Galåen (Norway), Aoife Gould (Scotland), Amada de Salas (Spain), Emma Hartelius (Sweden), and Irene Beukeveld-Evers (Netherlands). They explained their projects and challenges to the audience during a pitch session.

“Participating in events like this is very positive for me, as it allows me to meet entrepreneurial women from different fields, learn how they work, and share experiences,” said Anita Galåen, Farm CEO of Galåvolden Gård. (See bellow: Grass Ceiling Youtube channel)

“Grass Ceiling has been revolutionary for me. It has given me the confidence to trust in my project and turn it from a hobby into my livelihood,” shared Aoife Gould, a farmer from the Scottish Highlands with her sustainable project, Dun Flashadder Cottage Croft. (See bellow: Grass Ceiling Youtube channel)

The Showcase Event had a packed agenda. In addition to the various project pitches, the event hosted several talks where attendants from all countries discussed the main milestones and objectives of the project represented by the different Work Packages. Coordinators and academics leading each WP presented the latest findings in rural innovation, barriers to female entrepreneurship, and the content of the EU Policy Forum, which began on October 7th and has included the organisation of various workshops throughout the project’s duration.

“The main conclusion we have drawn is the importance of empowering these women through various means, such as education, access to funding, and training,” said Kristina Šermukšnytė-Alešiūnienė, Director of AgriFood Lithuania and host of the event.

“Women are taking significant steps in the primary sector and making a great contribution to rural communities,” concluded Branwen, co-organiser of the event and Senior Policy Advisor at Copa-Cogeca.

Ines Dundović (Croatia) and Emma Hartelius (Sweden)

Nine European women entrepreneurs presented their projects at the 2nd GRASS CEILING Showcase Event held in Vilnius, Lithuania. Read More »

Marta Llorente, participante del Living Lab español de GRASS CEILING, Mujer Emprendedora 2024 por los Premios del Campo del periódico El Norte de Castilla

Human Stories, Spain / GC WP6

Marta Llorente, una de las 8 participantes en el Living Lab español del proyecto GRASS CEILING acaba de ser galardonada con el Premio del Campo a la Mujer Emprendedora del año por el periódico El Norte de Castilla, decano de la prensa castellana.

Marta, criadora de cerdos en la localidad de Zazuar (Burgos), dijo en su discurso de agradecimiento al recoger el premio que muchas veces la han calificado de valiente por haber emprendido en el sector primario y haber dejado la ciudad para volverse a vivir a un pueblo de la provincia de Burgos, pero yo creo que “los valientes somos todos los que apostamos por este trabajo, que más que un trabajo es una forma de vida. Valientes somos todos los que vivimos en el medio rural y los que sabemos reponernos a las adversidades”.

Según el jurado que ha galardonado a Marta Llorente, esta emprendedora rural conjuga a la perfección su labor ganadera con la gestión, junto con su marido, de una explotación de 70 hectáreas de cultivos extensivos, con más de 20 hectáreas de viñedo. Además, considera que Marta hace una importante labor de divulgación a través de las redes sociales y está muy comprometida con la visibilización de la mujer en el ámbito rural.

Licenciada en Administración y Finanzas, dejó Madrid al finalizar sus estudios para instalarse en Zazuar (Burgos), el pueblo de su familia. Tras ser madre, decidió dar un giro a su vida y asumir las tierras de sus progenitores en el pueblo. Y ahí empezó su andadura, primero por la agricultura a través del cultivo de la vid y, posteriormente, poniendo al frente de una granja de cebo de porcino. No es habitual ver a una mujer al frente de una ganadería porcina, pero Marta lo ha conseguido no sin antes formarse y prepararse para ello.

Durante la entrega del premio, en su discurso de agradecimiento, ha querido reconocer también las trabas que le pone la propia administración pública con el exceso de burocracia a la que tienen que hacer frente explotaciones como la suya: “las tareas burocráticas merman nuestra capacidad productiva”, ha recalcado Llorente. Tal y como le reconoció a El Norte de Castilla, “de cara al futuro, la búsqueda de la calidad y conseguir crecer de manera sostenida son los retos más inminentes que se plantea dentro de su granja de cebo de porcino”.

Al recoger el premio Marta ha querido hacer un llamamiento a toda la sociedad para pedirle que siga valorando el esfuerzo de quienes se dedican a producir alimentos y a criar animales “para llenar nuestras mesas de productos sanos, saludables y seguros. El campo español es la mejor garantía de seguridad alimentaria”, ha dicho.

Los Premios del Campo suman seis categorías y en este 2024 se conmemora el 170 aniversario del decano de la prensa en España. Entre los premiados de este año merece también una mención especial el otorgado a URCACYL, la Unión Regional de Cooperativas de Castilla y León, organización que forma parte del proyecto GRASS CEILING a través de nuestro Socio Cooperativas Agroalimentarias de España.

URCACYL ha recibido el premio Miguel Delibes al Desarrollo Rural de los XI Premios del Campo de El Norte de Castilla , entre otras razones por la defensa que hace del sector cooperativo ante la Administración, la industria y otros agentes clave o la promoción de un modelo de economía social que impulsa el desarrollo rural y fortalece el tejido económico de la región.

Si quieres seguir a Marta Llorente en redes: X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram y Linkedin

Las imágenes que ilustran este artículo, correspondientes a la entrega de premios, son propiedad de El Norte de Castilla. Las imágenes de Marta Llorente en su granja, son propiedad de la protagonista de esta historia.

Marta Llorente, participante del Living Lab español de GRASS CEILING, Mujer Emprendedora 2024 por los Premios del Campo del periódico El Norte de Castilla Read More »

Marta Llorente, participant in the Spanish GRASS CEILING living lab, wins female entrepreneur of the year at El Norte de Castilla Rural Awards

General, Human Stories, Spain / GC WP6

Marta Llorente, a pig farmer from Zazuar in Burgos and one of eight participants in the Spanish Living Lab of the GRASS CEILING project has been named Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2024 El Norte de Castilla Rural Awards. The awards, which recognise achievements across six categories, are organised by El Norte de Castilla, one of Spain’s leading regional newspapers.

In her acceptance speech, Marta reflected on the challenges and rewards of her decision to leave Madrid and return to her family’s village. “Many people have called me brave for venturing into the primary sector, leaving the city to return to rural Burgos. But I believe that real bravery lies with everyone who commits to this work – it’s not just a job; it’s a way of life. All of those who live in rural areas and know how to recover from adversity are brave”.

The awards jury praised this rural entrepreneur for balancing her livestock business with the management of a 70-hectare extensive crop farm, with more than 20 hectares of vineyards. They also praised Marta for her outreach through social media and her commitment to making the work of rural women visible.

With a degree in Administration and Finance, Llorente left Madrid to settle in Zazuar and after becoming a mother took over her parents’ land. She began with viticulture before training to run a pig-fattening farm, an unconventional role for a woman in the livestock industry. But Marta achieved it through her determination.

During the ceremony she highlighted the administrative obstacles that women farmers have to overcome. She criticised the excessive bureaucracy imposed on farms which, she said “reduces our productive capacity”. Looking to the future, she stressed the importance of focusing on quality and achieving sustainable growth for her business.

Marta concluded her acceptance speech with a broader message for society, urging people to continue to appreciate the dedication of the crop and livestock farmers “that fill our tables with healthy, safe and wholesome products. The Spanish countryside is the best guarantee of food security,” she said.

This year’s El Norte de Castilla Rural Awards coincide with the newspaper’s 170th anniversary. Among the winners was an affiliate of GRASS CEILING – the Regional Union of Cooperatives of Castilla y León URCACYL, that participate in the project through our partner Cooperativas Agroalimentarias de España.

URCACYL received the Miguel Delibes Rural Development Award in recognition of its support of the cooperative sector, its work with the administration, industry, and other stakeholders, as well as its promotion of a social economy model that strengthens rural development and the economy of the region.

To follow Marta Llorente on social media: X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin

Copyright of the photographs from the Rural Awards gala belongs to El Norte de Castilla. Copyright of the photographs of Marta Llorente and her farm belongs to Marta Llorente.

Marta Llorente, participant in the Spanish GRASS CEILING living lab, wins female entrepreneur of the year at El Norte de Castilla Rural Awards Read More »

GRASS CEILING project: Empowering and innovating women in rural areas, disseminated in Italy by our local partners

GRASS CEILING project: Empowering and innovating women in rural areas, disseminated in Italy by our local partners Read More »

The unique journey of the Grass Ceiling Project was presented last week at an event organised by CREA’s Center for Policy and Bioeconomics, in collaboration with the University of Bari and the University of Calabria. The meeting highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary vision to tackle the challenges related to social sustainability in agriculture, with a special focus on gender issues.

In her speech, Raffaella Bucci, a representative of the Biodistretto delle lame which collaborates in the implementation of the activities, together with the two co-leads Legacoop Puglia and Ciheam Bari, explained how the Living Lab, as a collective learning laboratory, has been crucial in supporting the eight participants from different backgrounds (from agricultural producers to female entrepreneurs and cultural workers). She stated: “The Living Lab represents a unique space for discussion and growth, where participants share experiences and challenges and also create innovative solutions to improve the area”.

The project has helped strengthen ties and collaborations that go far beyond the duration of the project itself. A concrete example of this continuity is a new project promoted by the Municipality of Ruvo di Puglia, a kind of spin off involving GRASS CEILING partipants with the goal of creating a connection between the countryside and the city, in order to strengthen the link between rural areas and urban centres.

Vilnius (Lithuania) hosts the second annual GRASS CEILING consortium meeting

General / GC WP6

A key consortium meeting of the Grass Ceiling project took place in Vilnius, Lithuania. Bringing together representatives from all nine partner countries, the meeting provided an opportunity to review project activities and discuss future plans for each work package.

The meeting was part of a broader work trip to Lithuania, as the day before, the project held its second Showcase Event as part of the agenda of Agri Food Lithuania 2024. During the Showcase, nine women participants from each partner country presented their business projects and received professional and academic feedback. These women participated in the Consortium Meeting, enriching the resulting debates and learning about the project’s conclusions and results.https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBURAb

The purpose of the consortium meeting was to present, discuss, and update the progress of the overall project, focusing on the status of each Work Package. Sally Shortall, the project’s general coordinator from Newcastle University, facilitated the meeting: Grass Ceiling is a play on ‘glass ceiling,’ and the objective is to assist rural and farm women in achieving equality in leading socio-ecological innovations across Europe, Shortall said.

In total, the meeting reviewed the seven Work Packages of the project, with a particular focus on Work Package 6: Online Training Academy and MOOC Modules Workshop, where Laura Quijano, from CIHEAM Zaragoza (Spain) presented the progress and proposed a work plan for the learning platform. This platform will include academic and scientific resources in various formats, such as presentations and training videos.

Professor Shortall highlighted at the end of the meeting that the main goal of the project is to be able to conduct a comparative analysis of the situation in the different participating countries: “so it’s very helpful to see how policies operate in one country differently to another”. The GRASS CEILING coordinator emphasized that “the European Commission can assume that there is a perfectly matched national document that is implementing their policies”, and used the example of the Common Agricultural Policy, where each country has its own national plan, but it isn’t the case for the Green Deal or Farm to Fork strategy: “while there is an assumption that these are being translated at the national level, that is not always the case. This may be one of the most important findings that our project has shown.”

Finally, Sally Shortall emphasized the need to collaborate with men to understand how they socialize in environments where women are absent and they do not perceive this as an issue, “while they’re missing out on an understanding of half the population”, Shortall concluded.

GRASS CEILING will carry on throughout 2025, advancing its research, overseeing the Living Labs involving 72 women across 9 European nations. The project will also highlight the development of these women’s entrepreneurial ventures, all of which are centred around female empowerment in rural areas and territorial conservation.

Vilnius (Lithuania) hosts the second annual GRASS CEILING consortium meeting Read More »

GRASS CEILING Irish Living Labs end 2024 on a high note

General, Ireland / GC WP6

Ireland’s 6^th Living Lab and the final session of 2024 took place in the GrowthHub at South East Technological University Waterford campus on December 4^th.

Lab participants were first invited to a Business Breakfast Seminar on the theme of “innovation in micro firms,” where three local entrepreneurs shared experiences of their innovation journeys, followed by a lively Q&A session where challenges faced, lessons learned and opportunities for development were discussed.

In the Lab session itself GRASS CEILING project leader, Professor Sally Shortall, brought participants up to date on progress made in GRASS CEILING and the findings emerging across the different work packages. Led by Dr Leana Reinl, the women innovators told of their progress during 2024 which included prizes won, internationalisation projects and an exciting development for the group’s (no longer) aspirating entrepreneur.

Conversations continued over lunch with lab partner Macra Na Ferime at the award-winning Momo restaurant in Waterford city where plans for 2025 were shared. This brought to a conclusion a very successful 2024 for the Irish living Labs and the women innovators involved.

GRASS CEILING Irish Living Labs end 2024 on a high note Read More »

GRASS CEILING conducts workshop at Netherlands Rural Network: Female entrepreneurship in agriculture and the role of women on boards

GRASS CEILING conducts workshop at Netherlands Rural Network: Female entrepreneurship in agriculture and the role of women on boards Read More »

During the Network Countryside (https://www.netwerkplatteland.nl/) Workshop on 15 November, several workshops were organised for those involved in and living in rural areas. The Rural Network inspires and connects knowledge, people and projects to work together on future-proof agriculture, strengthening nature and a liveable countryside. Bettina Bock (professor for inclusive rural development) and Marloes van Schaik (dairy farmer and strategic policy advisor on multifunctional Agriculture) provided a workshop for Grass Ceiling (https://www.grassceiling.eu/) and shared the lessons learned so far.

Nearly twenty women participated in the workshop. These were mostly officials, but also a number of agricultural entrepreneurs and policy-makers. Bettina started with a presentation on the design of the project and the state of knowledge on female entrepreneurship. Then Marloes took over and as a participant in the living lab she talked about her topic which looks to create a greater role for women in administrative processes.

The presentation was followed by a lively discussion, which gathered input for Grass Ceiling research. There was a lot of engagement on the topic. The living lab concept was seen as a nice method to engage women and there was the question of how we could scale this up further. Of course, it would be nice to start several living labs, for example one per province, but it is also good to put the female entrepreneurship that is already there in the spotlight in the media; Sharing role models are a good start. Marloes presented five needs that women generally want to see fulfilled before they take on a role on a board. These needs touch on providing security, and role models/cultivators of women directors can certainly play a role in that as well. Furthermore, the significant lack of data on female entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector is a disappointment. Measurements = knowledge, which was agreed by all. Women are more often engaged in socio-economic innovations, such as a second branch on the farm. Support for this in the form of subsidies, for example, is badly needed. The focus is now mainly on technical innovations. All in all, we look back on a valuable afternoon!

Marloes Sonja en Bettina at Platteland network

Vrouwelijk ondernemerschap in de landbouw en de rol van vrouwen in besturen