General

GRASS CEILING leads dialogue on gender and innovation at RSA 2025 Read More »

During the Annual Conference 2025 of the Regional Studies Association (RSA), held from 6–9 May at the University of Porto in Portugal, gender equality in rural and regional development took centre stage in a dedicated Special Session held on 9 May. Titled Exploring Gender Equality in Policy – Regional and Rural Perspectives, the session formed part of the broader conference theme, Navigating Regional Transformation, which brought together scholars and policymakers from across Europe to share insights and research on regional science, economic development, and policy innovation.

This session, organised by the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL), in collaboration with the University of Valladolid and the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu , formed part of the Horizon Europe project GRASS CEILING. This three-year, multi-actor initiative seeks to empower rural women and expand the number of socio-ecological innovations led by women across agriculture, rural economies, and local communities.

The session shed light on a crucial yet often overlooked dimension of regional policy — the role of women in development and innovation. As we know, rural areas and regions across Europe face complex challenges from demographic decline and limited infrastructure. Within this, women play a pivotal role, not only as farmers and entrepreneurs but also as community leaders, caregivers, and changemakers.

Blanca Casares Guillén (AEIDL) opened the session by introducing the European Policy Forum for women-led innovation, highlighting how EU Funds and policy instruments can be used to advance gender equality. Fellow AEIDL representative Raquel Pastor Carretero explored gender integration in Community-Led Local Development (CLLD), focusing on LEADER and the function of Local Action Groups in shaping inclusive strategies.

The session featured a range of insights from European researchers and institutions. Marie Lalanne (Joint Research Centre, EC) provided descriptive statistical insights from Horizon-funded projects, offering a mapping of women’s participation and roles in agriculture and rural areas across Europe. Elsa Fontainha and Tanya Vianna de Araújo (ISEG, University of Lisbon) presented findings on rural-urban gender disparities from the GEPINC project. Margarita Rico (University of Valladolid) reported on women’s innovation in Spanish agriculture through the GRASS CEILING Living Lab.

Further contributions included Daria Zozulia’s (Jagiellonian University) exploration of women’s environmental activism in Poland around river protection, Cristina Amaro da Costa’s (Polytechnic Institute of Viseu) work on biocultural heritage among women farmers, and a study by Sofia Marques da Silva and Sara Faria (University of Porto) on young women returning to rural regions after higher education.

Together, these presentations explored how gender equality is not just a matter of rights, but a driver of innovation and territorial resilience.

With insights from researchers and practitioners across Europe, it is clear that mainstreaming gender in EU regional and rural policies requires a place-based, locally grounded approach. A major obstacle remains the limited availability of gender-disaggregated data and the lack of scalable tools to replicate successful initiatives across regions. Strengthening data collection, monitoring systems, and gender-sensitive indicators is essential to inform and evaluate policies effectively at sub-national levels.

Urban/rural differences exist in public attitudes toward gender equality (e.g., in politics, business, family). These attitudes impact the success of equality policies. Tailored support for women, particularly in agriculture and rural development, is necessary to address resource, service, and representation disparities. Women continue to face higher unemployment and precarious work, despite achieving higher levels of tertiary education.

Current agricultural, environmental, and regional policies often neglect gender perspectives, with sparse references to gender equality in spatial strategies. Calls for more inclusive, gender-sensitive, and territorially equitable policies are growing, especially in response to the critical roles women play in environmental stewardship and community resilience. Public policy and EU funding instruments (e.g., CAP, ESF, ERDF, EMFAF) must better integrate gender to support sustainable transformation. Several national plans have already been effectively developed using these funds. To enhance their impact, it is crucial to promote the exchange of best practices among managing authorities and provide targeted training for implementation at the governmental level. Establishing gender-responsive budgeting targets would be a key step toward ensuring the integration of gender perspectives in public spending.

Women in rural and peripheral areas are key agents of innovation and sustainability, leading initiatives in wellness, education, culture, and agroecology. Their return to home regions is frequently driven by place attachment, emotional geographies, and a desire to invest in meaningful, locally rooted projects. However, meaningful reintegration depends on supportive infrastructure, opportunities, and social recognition.

Mechanisms like LEADER and Local Action Groups (LAGs) have the potential to advance gender mainstreaming through bottom-up and participatory governance, though their effectiveness varies widely. Collaborative approaches, such as Living Labs, have shown promise in involving diverse stakeholders and co-creating practical, inclusive innovations.

Finally, while women-led activism and local engagement have had tangible impacts—raising awareness, slowing harmful developments, and building community cohesion—gender-focused rural innovation still receives limited support in EU research funding and via ESIF or national instruments implying a considerable scope to strengthen and enhance these policies.

This special session was set within a critical policy development framework, with the Long Term Vision for rural areas with targets to 2040, the recommendations of the Strategic Dialogue on Agriculture, the Vision for Agriculture and Food and the Roadmap for Women’s Rights, the new mandate of the EU Commission after 2027, the new Multiannual Financial Framework including relevant strategic areas such as Cohesion and Agriculture (2027-2034), as well as the five-year SDG compliance framework, among others.

A summary report and full presentations from the session are accessible in the dedicated section of the project website.

Do you want to be part?

Sign up here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/GRASSCEILING_Forum

For any clarification contact Blanca Casares (bca@aeidl.eu)

Marilena Ciocia: “My advice is to study and take training courses that support your idea”

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

Marilena Ciocia is a dedicated advocate for environmental protection and the inclusion of people with disabilities. As the founder of an association that focuses on these areas, her work is rooted in personal experience and a deep sense of responsibility towards vulnerable communities. Marilena’s path to this vital work began with a personal necessity: Her daughter has a disability, which fuelled her desire to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges. “I am very attentive to the needs of fragile people”, she explains, emphasising the compassion that drives her efforts.

What makes her work unique is her deep connection with the people she serves. “My job is special because of the people I work with, mainly those who are fragile. They are often naive, genuine, and special”, Marilena shares. This heartfelt approach to supporting individuals with disabilities sets her apart from others in her field.

However, being a woman in this space has not been without challenges. Marilena describes one of the main difficulties she has encountered whilst working to support disabled individuals throughout their lives, especially in terms of work inclusion. “There is still no culture of acceptance for people with disabilities”, she says. This includes societal and corporate viewpoints that must evolve to embrace greater inclusion. Marilena highlights the need for more resources, including training, easier access to credit, and increased support from public institutions and organisations. She believes this cultural shift is vital for creating an environment where people with disabilities can thrive.

Despite these challenges, Marilena finds great joy in her work. “I love to experiment”, she says, excited about the opportunities the GRASS CEILING project offers. It’s giving me valuable insights into organising the future. “The project has inspired Marilena and provided the platform and support that she needs to further her mission of advocating for people with disabilities.

Although she does not have direct experience with women’s entrepreneurial aggregation, Marilena is committed to learning and growing through her involvement with initiatives like GRASS CEILING. She encourages other women starting their businesses to embrace learning and seek support. “My advice is to study and take training courses that support your idea. While it is possible to work alone, having support makes things much easier”.

Marilena Ciocia: “My advice is to study and take training courses that support your idea” Read More »

Liliana Tangorra: “In our cooperative, women are driving change in culture and the environment”

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

Liliana Tangorra is 39 years old and serves as the vice president of the Ulixes Cooperative, an organisation with over two decades of experience in the tourism and environmental sectors. Her journey within the cooperative began eight years ago as a volunteer, later becoming an employee, and eventually taking on her current role.

The cooperative operates in a challenging territory on the outskirts of touristic cities such as Bari, Polignano, and Monopoli. For years, Bitonto had a poor reputation, making it difficult to promote its artistic and environmental heritage. Today, Ulixes is dedicated to changing that by enhancing the area’s cultural wealth, particularly its agricultural tradition linked to extra virgin olive oil production.

Being a woman in a male-dominated institutional sector has shaped her experience. To many, I am nothing more than a ‘young girl’. We are often called ‘girls’, ‘students’, or ‘young ladies’, as if our professionalism is always in question“, she explains. However, over time, she has overcome these barriers by establishing direct relationships with municipalities and public and private institutions that have gradually come to recognise her work.

Communication has been a key factor in stabilising the cooperative and making its efforts visible. Establishing their headquarters in Bitonto’s historic centre was challenging, as the area had long been considered unsafe and avoided by locals. Although it has been revitalised today, keeping it vibrant remains a complex task. Working in a community is not always straightforward, so she considers training programmes for professionals and users essential.

What she values most about her work is the freedom it provides. “It allows me to decide what I want to do based on my experience and skills, to organise my days, and to design projects that align with our vision. Additionally, my relationship with my colleagues is fundamental. We are like a family, and that, combined with our autonomy when applying for public calls, is the best part of my job”.

Ulixes is part of Confcooperative, a network of cooperatives in the Bari region that collaborates with public and private institutions, from religious organisations to municipal authorities. For her, forming alliances is essential. “Our cooperative has been fighting in this field for 20 years, proving it is possible. Ulixes was founded by three women and one man, demonstrating that women can have a significant impact on fields such as culture and the environment”.

Liliana Tangorra

Liliana Tangorra: “In our cooperative, women are driving change in culture and the environment” Read More »

Miriam del Re: “When a project becomes real, even if it’s small at first, it makes you happy”

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

Miriam, a 27-year-old hen breeder is passionate about her profession. She has made her way in the poultry industry, running a free-range hen farm. With 500 hens in her care, Miriam handles everything from feeding and cleaning the chicken coop to collecting the eggs. She even makes home deliveries, a part of her job that she particularly enjoys—interacting with customers and having direct contact with them as she delivers the fresh eggs. “That is when I can provide information about the eggs or the hen breeding process. I enjoy this close contact with my customers“, Miriam explains.

Miriam’s passion for animals started early, mainly influenced by her veterinarian aunt. Although she has a degree in Business and Economics, she was constantly drawn to starting a business with animals. After graduation, Miriam and her boyfriend decided to venture into chicken farming, choosing Colle di Seta as the location for their farm.

Miriam is very open about the obstacles she faced when starting her business, including navigation of bureaucratic issues and lack of information for people new to poultry farming. Additionally, Miriam faced scepticism from others, who questioned why she would transition from studying business to working in agriculture. “It made me feel bad at first”, she admits. However, her determination and love for animals kept her going. Another challenge was building the farm’s infrastructure with the chicken coops. Miriam had to start from scratch, but she succeeded.

Miriam’s family was one of the most valuable supports throughout these difficulties. “Talking about my project with my relatives gave me strength”, she says. Their advice was helpful, and I was lucky to have their support”. Miriam advises anyone pursuing their own business to surround themselves with people who can offer support and, most importantly, to be determined. “When a project becomes real, even if it’s small at first, it makes you happy“, she reflects.

Miriam is proud of how far she has come on her own. She credits the GRASS CEILING project for offering her new opportunities and connections with other women who share similar struggles and aspirations. “It was a great opportunity for me”, she says. “I met so many women I didn’t know before, and it helped me focus on my project and explore ways to evolve”.

Miriam’s journey teaches us that even small beginnings can lead to significant achievements. “Jump into whatever you want to do”, she advises. “Even if it’s difficult at first, it’s worth it. And always talk about your ideas, thoughts, and emotions—sharing them with others is important”.

Miriam del Re

Miriam del Re: “When a project becomes real, even if it’s small at first, it makes you happy” Read More »

The Dutch Living Lab reviews its progress, and participants are proud of the work they have done

The Dutch Living Lab reviews its progress, and participants are proud of the work they have done Read More »

The Dutch Grass Ceiling Living Lab met together on 23^rd May. The whole day was joyful. The women were so pleased to see one another and to be visiting the farm of one of the participants, Irene Beukeveld – to see her plans come true in ‘real life’. The group was joined by an extra academic lead who had only met a couple of the women earlier, but was wholeheartedly welcome. The film crew from Spain were also present the whole day and fit in easily. It was of course just a coincidence that the whole group had turned up looking splendid!

The morning began with the usual updates. Many people remarked on the progress that had been made by everyone within the last three years. To have the opportunity to stand still and look back at the beginning of the project was empowering and gave the women a chance to be proud of their achievements, but mostly for one another. The rest of the morning was lead by one of the talented participants, Lonieke de Ruiter, who gave a workshop on Canva and how to use this for your branding. She is herself working with two of the other innovators and used some of this as examples which was extra special.

Meanwhile, the innovators were interviewed individually by the film crew for a series representing all the women participation in the Living Labs across the nice countries. They all did wonderfully and their own stories and experience shone out. These videos will be released after the summer. The group photo is credited to Álvaro Sancho from Giste Producciones.

The afternoon was filled with the focus group as part of the research into the how the Living Labs worked. It was an emotional time with lots of reflection and looking back at how far everyone had come. A big conversation was about how to go forward once this trajectory has stopped. There is a genuine bond between the women and the co-leads/observers. Huge support has been exchanged over the 2.5 years so far and we are all invested in each project to see it succeed.

An interesting question is: How did this group become so strong? Is there a magic formula? We discussed this and whilst reasons such as connection, honesty and support were key, an important aspect was that of vulnerability. The women themselves created a space where they could be vulnerable, they could share new ideas, they could share failures. All without fear of being judged. This is something that everyone should have.

The day finished in the best possible way, eating an ice-cream and touring the farm and new kitchen from Irene. The weather was not favourable, but this did not taint it at all, in fact many were happy it was raining finally! Last year, fellow innovator, Petra Commijs, had shared her extensive ice-cream making knowledge with Irene and she was proudly served a taste-plate with different flavours for her approval, which was of course forthcoming with enthusiasm. This was a special moment and a full-circle example of the innovative projects that the Living Labs have enabled.

Francesca Sardano: “I often work with people who don’t always recognise women as an authority or someone who can offer valuable insights”

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

For Francesca, social work is not just a job—it’s a mission. “I’m a social worker and work for a cooperative. I manage the educational area of a therapeutic community that cares for people with drug addiction”, she explains. At 54, she has dedicated the past decade to this work and led a social farming project within the community for the last five years.

What makes her work unique is the depth of human connection: “It’s not just a material service provided in a basic way—it’s a journey”, she says. “It involves not only the person receiving care but also the professionals who support them, helping them find the motivation to break free from addiction”.

However, working in a male-dominated environment has presented challenges. “I often work with people who don’t always recognise women as an authority or someone who can offer valuable insights”, she admits. “But over time, trust and understanding break down barriers. As treatments last several months, people become more open and gradually accept the role of women within a project like social farming—an area traditionally dominated by men”.

Despite these obstacles, Francesca feels fortunate to be part of an organisation that values training and development. “The cooperative enterprise supports us by investing in worker education and actively seeking regional and European funding. We regularly apply for grants to improve our services and better support those in need. Education is crucial for our role as social workers”, she notes.

Her passion for people goes beyond her profession. “I love connecting with individuals and looking past labels and prejudices”, she says. I don’t just see the addiction or the diagnosis—I see the person. I enjoy discovering strengths in others that they may not recognise themselves”.

Francesca is also involved in several volunteer associations focused on social inclusion. “Besides the GRASS CEILING Living Lab, I participate in various voluntary organisations that support people facing difficulties. These experiences help me grow, even outside my professional work”.

Francesca Sardano

Francesca Sardano: “I often work with people who don’t always recognise women as an authority or someone who can offer valuable insights” Read More »

Catia Scarimbolo: “We need more space for women, training spaces, spaces to listen to women’s needs”

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

For Catia Scarimbolo, theatre is not just a profession but a way of preserving identity, strengthening connections, and creating space for unheard voices. “I have a touring theatre company that also manages a municipal theatre”, she explains. In her dual role, Catia leads the organisational side of the theatre while also writing the plays for her company. Her journey into theatre stems from a passion she developed in her youth. “We were about 20 years old, doing amateur dramatics at university. We decided not to leave Puglia but to continue working here. There was nothing similar back then”.

What makes her company unique is its emphasis on the audience. “Our acting is youthful but also intergenerational. The artist must always engage with the audience in the final production, during rehearsals and in the creation process. The audience is always at the centre of our attention”, she says.

While she feels fortunate to work within a supportive team, stepping outside that environment highlights women’s challenges. “Inside our group, there is great complicity and collaboration, even regarding female matters”, she shares. “But when you compare yourself with the outside world, you see the difference—especially in southern Italy. You feel alone as a woman because male figures are predominant. Sometimes what a woman does is not considered a priority or given much attention. But despite this, we are a solid presence, and we are becoming an example for other theatre companies”.

When asked about the resources needed for improvement, she is clear: “We need more opportunities for women—training opportunities, spaces to listen to women’s needs. Sometimes we don’t even recognise our needs as individuals and as workers. Creating opportunities like our Living Lab meetings is essential because they can offer impactful experiences and good practices to share”.

Her connection with the GRASS CEILING project has reinforced her belief in staying true to her roots. “We chose to stay in our region, not to leave, because we didn’t want to give up our identity. This project helped me understand our roots better—our connection to the land and countryside. Just as we produce good oil, we can also produce good theatrical performances. Our performances have a unique identity that cannot be found elsewhere”, she explains. The experience has also sparked new collaborations: “Being here with all these female colleagues has been inspiring. Now, so many ideas and projects are taking shape”. For Catia, theatre is an ever-evolving creative process. “I love that there is never a boundary between different languages. You can find connections between an agricultural company and a theatre company, or between a theatre director and a farmer. Research always brings surprises—it’s vital for me because life works like this too. Acting, much like agricultural activities, is a ritual in itself”.

Catia Scarimbolo: “We need more space for women, training spaces, spaces to listen to women’s needs” Read More »

Annalisa Pellegrini: “Women can only succeed if we are strong and self-confident”

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

Annalisa Pellegrini is not just a producer of lavender essential oil—she is an entrepreneur with a clear vision of sustainability, independence, and personal growth. “I have been in charge of the cultivation of medicinal plants, specifically lavender, for about five or six years”, she explains. Her journey into this field of work began in 2019 when she and her brother decided to use an unused piece of family land. Seeing the resilience of lavender and its minimal water consumption, she realised its potential as an agricultural crop for the future, particularly in light of climate change.

What sets her products apart is the craftsmanship and the knowledge that comes with them. “Together with the sale of the product, we always provide information to help our customers make the most of the lavender essential oil”, she says. While many people know about lavender’s relaxing properties, Annalisa highlights its holistic benefits, noting that it contains around 130 different substances that interact with the body, mind and soul.

Like many women in business, she has had to overcome challenges, though she insists that her main obstacle was economic rather than societal. “Certainly, there was scepticism from the agricultural sector, but I haven’t encountered many difficulties other than financial ones”, she admits. Unlike many entrepreneurs, she has consciously chosen not to rely on public funding. “I never believed in public financing, so I never relied on it, even if I could. A public fund pushes people to be productive immediately. However, on the contrary, I intended to study, understand, and sometimes even fail“. This approach has allowed her to experiment and refine her business at her own pace.

At present, Annalisa is focused on rebranding. Initially centred solely on lavender, her business has expanded to include other medicinal plants, requiring a complete redesign of her brand, packaging, and marketing materials. “To do the rebranding, I need economic resources, since everything—from graphic design to packaging—requires investment”, she explains. However, she is true to her philosophy and financing this change through sales rather than seeking external support.

For Annalisa, the most fulfilling aspects of her work are the human connections and the creative process. “I like the interaction with people and the fact that they benefit from my work. It’s not just a sales project; it’s an energetic exchange“, she says. Through her business, she has formed lasting friendships and found immense satisfaction in developing new products.

Her advice to women looking to start their ventures is clear: “Firstly, I recommend them to believe in themselves and not seek external help. There will be moments of discouragement and closed doors, but we can only succeed if we are strong and self-confident. So be brave! It takes a lot of courage.”

Annalisa Pellegrini: “Women can only succeed if we are strong and self-confident” Read More »

CIHEAM Zaragoza, a Spanish partner of GRASS CEILING, is organising a Symposium on Women’s Empowerment through Innovation in Mediterranean Agro-food Systems

CIHEAM Zaragoza, a Spanish partner of GRASS CEILING, is organising a Symposium on Women’s Empowerment through Innovation in Mediterranean Agro-food Systems Read More »

Zaragoza will host from 10 to12 June the International Symposium “Women’s Empowerment through Innovation in Mediterranean Agro-food Systems.”

Organised by CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), in collaboration with the CIHEAM General Secretariat and with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), this scientific, technical, and professional event will bring together representatives from FAO, IFAD, OECD, the European Commission, ICARDA, IWMI, PRIMA, Global Water Partnership Med, as well as actors from civil society, the private sector, and the field of innovation. (Register here)

This international meeting will feature a strong representation from the GRASS CEILING project.

Firstly, Alun Jones from CIHEAM Zaragoza and Patrizia Pugliese from CIHEAM Bari will be acting as rapporteurs in two of the working sessions. Furthermore, Professor Margarita Rico, from the Palencia Campus of the University of Valladolid, another of the Spanish partner organisations in the project, will be participating in the session on ‘Needs in education and economic issues for women’s empowerment and innovation‘. Finally, Professor Sally Shortall from South East Technological University (SETU) in Ireland, and the coordinator of the GRASS CEILING project, will be speaking during the session dedicated to the reading of the event’s conclusions, which will take place on the 11th of June.

Against a backdrop of climate challenges, resource scarcity and the need to feed a growing population, this symposium aims to explore the crucial role of women in transforming Mediterranean agrifood systems towards greater sustainability and equity. Recognising women as key players in these systems, the event will highlight their essential contributions to the inclusion, resilience and prosperity of communities. It aims to be a catalyst for concrete solutions to empower women.

Key objectives of the symposium

To identify and examine the main obstacles encountered by women in entrepreneurship and innovation in agricultural and rural contexts, in order to develop innovative and sustainable projects
Analyse international and national work programmes aimed at stimulating women-led innovation ecosystems
Strengthening alliances between international organisations, public institutions, civil society and the private sector to influence innovation through cooperation

A rich and diverse programme focused on solutions

The symposium will offer a comprehensive and dynamic programme, firmly focused on identifying and promoting effective solutions for empowering women in the Mediterranean agri-food sector. It will include:

Plenary conferences with high-level experts from international and national organisations, including FAO, IFAD, OECD, European Commission, ICARDA, IWMI, as well as leading representatives from civil society and the business world.
Round tables addressing the major challenges facing women in the Mediterranean agrifood sector, as well as the educational, economic and access to resources needs to empower them.
Case studies highlighting inspiring examples of women’s empowerment and innovation in the agrifood sector in Spain and the Mediterranean region, with a particular focus on initiatives led by women entrepreneurs.
An interactive workshop dedicated to social and technological innovation for women entrepreneurs in the agrifood value chain. This workshop will provide a forum for presenting innovative solutions, sharing experiences and networking, including a pitch session where entrepreneurial initiatives led by women will be highlighted.
Field trips to discover local initiatives led by women, offering concrete examples of success and impact, and illustrating the potential of women as agents of change in their communities.

A call for cooperation and action to find concrete solutions

This symposium is intended to be a catalyst for cooperation and action, promoting dialogue and partnerships between all the players involved. By bringing together key players from the public and private sectors, international organisations, research institutions, representatives of civil society, entrepreneurs and professionals, the event aims to strengthen synergies and promote concrete, sustainable solutions for the empowerment of women and innovation in Mediterranean agrifood systems.

About the Symposium

Draft programme: Women’s Empowerment through Innovation in Mediterranean Agro-food Systems

Date: 10-12 June 2025

Place: CIHEAM Zaragoza, Spain

Participation: The symposium is open for in-person participation and online

Working language: English, Spanish

Ireland’s 8th Living Lab celebrates sustainability and local produce while highlighting critical issues for women innovators in the region

General, Ireland / GC WP6

A visit to Bean & Goose Chocolate Bar café

Ireland’s 8^th Living Lab took place on April 30 (see meeting agenda) at Bean & Goose Chocolate Bar café, owned by Living Lab participant Karen Keane and her sister Natalie, located in Gorey, in the south east of the country.

Karen and Natalie founded Bean and Goose Chocolate in a home kitchen in Gorey in 2014. Now operating from a 3500sq ft factory at Ballyloughan Business Park in the town, they have expanded to become a team of 11 staff members. 2024 was a big year for the sisters when they launched onsite The Chocolate Bar Café. The flavours of Bean and Goose chocolate are inspired by the local landscape, particularly the coastal areas nearby. The company prioritises sustainability and carefully sources its cocoa beans so that producers are supported, and the environment is protected. Bean and Goose partner with Original Beans to source their cacao, ranked the world’s most sustainable chocolate producer in the Good Egg Awards in 2023 and 2024.

Starting the day with a tour

The day began with a tour of the chocolate workshop, adjacent to the café. Karen showed participants the process of making chocolate and developing different flavours. This was the first time an Irish Living Lab was held at an innovator’s place of work, so everyone had many questions for Karen and Natalie and, of course, also enjoyed tasting the range of treats provided: Salt Rock Dairy Yogurt, Bean & Goose Chocolate Granola and counter treats including cookies, chocolate brownies, and energy balls.

A notable feature for GRASS CEILING is that the milk and yoghurt used in the Chocolate Bar Café is provided by another Living Lab Ireland participant, Catherine Kinsella of Salt Rock Dairy. Catherine has established a direct sales model for milk produced on the family farm located in Gorey, also. Participants were delighted to see her milk trailer parked outside the café and to have the opportunity to visit it and see how it works. Catherine has recently expanded her online sales offer to include butter, yoghurt and kefir. Her innovations have been featured in the television programme Ear to the Ground, broadcast on Ireland’s national television station RTÉ.

Critical issues: Challenges in accessing funding, difficulties finding suitable mentorship and inequalities in caring responsibilities

Following the tour, Aisling Floyd, from Lab partner, Macra na Feirme, led a discussion with the women on key issues: their motivations to innovate, critical challenges faced and how they manage to achieve a work-life balance.

Participants spotlighted issues with accessing funding, including complicated bureaucracy, prohibitive terms and conditions and repetitive applications. They noted difficulties accessing effective mentorship and the need for Local Enterprise Offices to have a dedicated Rural Innovator Officer to more effectively understand their needs. Social and cultural factors were also discussed, and chief amongst these was childcare. The women reflected on how the traditionally unequal division of childcare in Ireland has impacted their capacity to innovate.

What next?

This session was a wonderful opportunity to see women-led innovations in operation and to hear about the specific challenges and opportunities faced by Living Lab participants in the Irish context. The women expressed satisfaction with the policy recommendations being generated by GRASS CEILING and their desire to contribute to the development a more positive and inclusive innovation environment for women. The day concluded with a brainstorming session to identify strategic stakeholders for the panel discussions in the final Living Lab in October, emphasising the importance of joining forces to advocate for change in policy and practice.

Ireland’s 8th Living Lab celebrates sustainability and local produce while highlighting critical issues for women innovators in the region Read More »

Letizia Cuonzo: “If more incentives were given to encourage organic farming, we could create larger organic areas”

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

For Letizia Cuonzo, olive trees symbolise more than just agriculture—they represent resilience. At 45, she owns Azienda Cuonzo, an organic olive farm in Palombaio, a suburb of Bitonto. Her father founded the business in the early 1970s, installing a traditional oil mill. When he passed the company on to her in 2010, she boldly decided to convert the entire farm to organic agriculture. “My business is special because of the organic nature of my product“, she says. But it’s not just about producing high-quality olive oil—Letizia has also opened her farm to tourists and schoolchildren. “I want people to see first-hand the journey of our oil, from harvesting to bottling, and to understand the stories behind the product they buy”.

Taking over a male-dominated business was not easy. “I wasn’t just a businesswoman—I was also a mother”, she explains. “Managing everything was complicated, especially since I inherited a farm that men had always run. I had to change the mindset of my employees and everyone in the company. I had to balance my work with my family life, my children’s schedules, and the demanding nature of running a business”. Bureaucracy has also been a significant challenge. “Financial support is crucial, but Italy’s slow bureaucratic system makes it difficult”, she notes. “Applying for funding often means facing endless paperwork, which slows down our progress. Regional and European public grants help, especially for young and female entrepreneurs, but the process needs to be simplified”.

Despite these challenges, Letizia is committed to staying ahead through knowledge and innovation. “I’ve implemented a state-of-the-art olive planting system to improve oil quality and make my business more competitive. Keeping up with industry advancements is key”.

Letizia is generally optimistic about EU agricultural policies but sees room for improvement. Policies should do more to support organic conversion. “It’s not ideal for small organic farms like mine to have non-organic farms nearby—we must constantly be on alert for cross-contamination. If more incentives were given to encourage organic farming, we could create larger organic areas, adding value to our work, and strengthening the reputation of Italian and Puglian olive oil”.

What Letizia loves most about her work is the human connection. “I enjoy the care that goes into every step of production—monitoring the harvest, overseeing the bottling process. But even more than that, I love sharing our story”, she says. My farm isn’t just about oil—culture and tradition. I open my business to those who want to learn, hear about my family’s journey, and recover and preserve the history of our region”.

Letizia is part of Biodistretto delle Lame, an organisation of organic farms. But the GRASS CEILING project has been of great significance to her. “Meeting seven other female innovators has been an incredible experience. I realised that the struggles I faced were not mine alone—other women had gone through the same. It was a moment of growth, inspiring us to think about future collaborations and business networks”.

Her ultimate advice? Learn from olive trees. They withstand storms, adapt, and endure. That’s what makes them extraordinary. So be like the olive tree—resilient, strong, and unwavering in the pursuit of your dreams”.

Letizia Cuonzo

Letizia Cuonzo: “If more incentives were given to encourage organic farming, we could create larger organic areas” Read More »

De sleutel tot vrouwelijk leiderschap? Boerinnenkracht!

De sleutel tot vrouwelijk leiderschap? Boerinnenkracht! Read More »

Wat is de kracht van de vrouwelijke agrarisch ondernemer in de nabije toekomst?

Die vraag stond centraal tijdens de jaarlijkse netwerkdag van LTO Noord Vrouw & Bedrijf. Vrijdag 4 april 2025 was een dag vol inspiratie, interactie en ontmoeting. Met als doel het opdoen van kennis en samen nadenken over de toekomst. Bettina Bock (bijzonder hoogleraar inclusieve plattelandsontwikkeling) en Marloes van Schaik (melkveehoudster en strategisch beleidsadviseur Multifunctionele Landbouw) verzorgden een workshop over vrouwelijk leiderschap en Grass Ceiling project.

Het thema van de netwerkdag werd uitgewerkt in vijf inspirerende workshops.

Bettina Bock en Marloes van Schaik zochten met de deelnemers op een actieve manier naar de sleutel van vrouwelijk leiderschap en wat vrouwen nodig hebben om hun boerinnenkracht optimaal in te zetten. In twee workshoprondes is opgehaald wat agrarische vrouwen al aan vrijwilligerswerk doen, wat hen hierin motiveert en wat hen juist belemmert. Bij het bespreken leverde dat veel herkenning op. Er was discussie over het wel of niet inzetten van een KPI (% vrouwen in het bestuur) en hoe een vacaturetekst opgezet zou moeten worden om vooral vrouwen te kunnen aanspreken.

Vervolgens vertelde Marloes als deelneemster aan de living lab van Grass Ceiling over haar onderwerp; meer vrouwen in agrarische besturen. Bettina sloot af met een presentatie over de opzet van het project en de stand van zaken rondom de kennis over vrouwelijk ondernemerschap. Met in beide workshops ook de vraag of Grass Ceiling een vervolg gaat krijgen. Want er waren meerdere geïnteresseerden. We kijken terug op een waardevolle dag!

The key to female leadership? Female farming power!

The key to female leadership? Female farming power! Read More »

What is the strength of female agricultural entrepreneurs in the immediate future?

That question was central during the annual networking day of LTO Noord Vrouw & Bedrijf (LTO North Women & Business). Friday, 4 April 2025, was a day full of inspiration, interaction, and connections. The goal was to gain knowledge and think about the future together. Bettina Bock (professor of inclusive rural development) and Marloes van Schaik (dairy farmer and strategic policy advisor for Multifunctional Agriculture) led a workshop on female leadership and the GRASS CEILING project.

The theme of the networking day was explored in five inspiring workshops.

Bettina Bock and Marloes van Schaik actively sought the key to female leadership with the participants and what women need to make the most of their strength as female farmers. In two rounds of workshops, the participants discussed what agricultural women already do in terms of volunteer work, what motivates them, and what holds them back. This sparked strong recognition and resonance among participants during the discussion. They debated about whether to use KPIs (% of women on the board) and how a job vacancy should be worded in order to appeal to women in particular.

Marloes, a participant in the GRASS CEILING Living Lab, then spoke about her topic: how to get more women on agricultural boards. Bettina concluded with a presentation on the structure of the project and the current state of knowledge about female entrepreneurship. Both workshops also addressed the question of whether GRASS CEILING will be continued, as there were several interested parties. It was a valuable day!

Jasminka Gršković: Creating a sustainable business from recycled sheep wool

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

Jasminka Gršković, a 50-year-old family farm manager, has built a unique business that combines tradition, sustainability, and innovation. She specialises in processing sheep wool into eco-friendly products such as dryer balls and lavender-scented anti-stress balls for therapeutic use. In addition, she produces high-quality extra virgin olive oil, making the most of the natural resources available on her farm.

Her journey into entrepreneurship began eight years ago when she noticed something most people overlooked—the vast amount of wool discarded after sheep shearing. “I watched my husband shear the sheep and throw away the wool, considering it useless because it was smelly and dirty”, she recalls. “That’s when I realised this so-called waste could be turned into something valuable”. Driven by this idea, she started working on ways to process the wool and officially launched her business that same year. She then took the next step and decided to brand her products, ensuring they stood out in the market.

However, running a small business comes with challenges; for Jasminka, bureaucracy has been one of the biggest obstacles. “I am often told that my business is too small to receive any kind of support or encouragement”, she says. The complex administrative procedures required to access funding and assistance make it difficult for small producers like her to expand or maintain their operations. When asked about the support she needs to overcome these challenges, she highlights several key areas: “Balancing family life and business is a constant struggle. I also need further training to develop new skills, and most importantly, I wish the paperwork and bureaucracy could be reduced. I don’t want to become a large-scale business—I just want to sustain my small enterprise without unnecessary hurdles”.

Despite these difficulties, her love for her work keeps her going. “I love spending most of my time in nature and especially enjoy working with children through wool workshops. It’s gratifying to teach them about traditional crafts and sustainability. I also love that my business is based on reusing waste in an environmentally friendly way”.

One of the most significant advantages of her participation in the GRASS CEILING project has been the opportunity to connect with other women entrepreneurs in her area. “Thanks to this initiative, I’ve strengthened my relationships with other women farmers and business owners. It has helped me stay informed and solve problems more quickly.”

Jasminka Gršković

Jasminka Gršković: Creating a sustainable business from recycled sheep wool Read More »

From left to right: Dr Martina Roche, Dr Mary Curtin, Dr Muireann Prendergast, Dr Aisling Murtagh

Irish Sociology Conference: gender data gaps, male dominance in farm ownership and ineffective gender mainstreaming in EU and national policies

General, Ireland / GC WP6

The Sociological Association of Ireland held its annual conference on May 8^that University College Cork. At the conference, Dr Muireann Prendergast, GRASS CEILING’s Postdoctoral Researcher at SETU, Waterford, led a panel entitled “Changing the Gender (In)equality Landscape in Agriculture and Rural Areas in Ireland: Challenges, Innovations and Opportunities.” (Conference Schedule here)

The panel was comprised of researchers working on sister projects: Dr Aisling Murtagh, University of Galway, representing the Horizon Europe-funded FLIARA project; Dr Martina Roche, Maynooth University, Principal Investigator of HER-SELF (Highlighting pathways to Empower Rural women to have Sustainable and Equitable Livelihoods in Farming) funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM); and Dr Mary Curtin, University of Limerick, who is involved in several projects and researching farm ownership through a gender lens. (Header picture: from left to right: Dr Martina Roche, Dr Mary Curtin, Dr Muireann Prendergast, Dr Aisling Murtagh)

Panellists discussed the current landscape for farm and rural women in European and national contexts, the different approaches to innovation being taken by women and the importance of sustainability, short supply chains, local communities and resources for these women.

Critical challenges explored included the factors sustaining male dominance in farm ownership and land transfer in Ireland, the implications of the lack of gender-disaggregated data available on women’s activities in farm and rural communities and economies and the problems experienced by women when attempting to access loans and funding programmes.

Speakers also highlighted inadequacies in representations of farm and rural women in EU and national policy, where they are often treated as a special category and framed with a discourse of vulnerability, and in national media platforms, where their contribution to agriculture and rural communities has traditionally been overlooked. Issues with gender mainstreaming at European and national levels were also spotlighted.

Concluding with a positive outlook, panellists noted the significance of the research findings on display and the timeliness of the recommendations produced during the consultation period for new national policy documents on agriculture and rural development.

Irish Sociology Conference: gender data gaps, male dominance in farm ownership and ineffective gender mainstreaming in EU and national policies Read More »

Silvija Terlević, Weekend Food Festival Rovinj

Croatian Living Lab member Silvija Terlević takes part in a panel discussion on ‘From Farm to Hotel’ at the Weekend Food Festival in Rovinj.

Croatia, General / GC WP6

Silvija Terlević, a farmer from Istria, preserves the tradition and identity of the Istrian region through her work in breeding the indigenous Boškarin cattle.

Speaking at the “From Farm to Hotel” panel during the Weekend Food Festival in Rovinj, Croatia she emphasised that local stories and quality are the key to an authentic tourism offer.

She highlighted the high demand for Boškarin meat among tourists, but also stressed the need for better organisation, more accessible farmland, and stronger support for producers to enable further growth.

Silvija believes that small producers hold the power to tell big stories about Croatian food – stories that guests remember and return for.

Through her dedication, she demonstrates how passion, local roots, and perseverance can connect farming and hospitality, enriching the tourist experience with the authentic flavours of Croatia.

Croatian Living Lab member Silvija Terlević takes part in a panel discussion on ‘From Farm to Hotel’ at the Weekend Food Festival in Rovinj. Read More »

Ana Kovačić: “GRASS CEILING is eye-opening because it connects us with decision-makers”

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

Ana Kovačić, a farmer and artisan from Zagreb and one of the Croatian Living Lab women participants, runs a farm in Vrbovec on the city’s outskirts, where she cultivates berries and aromatic plants. Passionate about tradition, she processes her fruits at home, using old family recipes to create unique, handcrafted products.

Her farming journey began in 2009, driven by necessity after losing her job. “There was no work for me, so I started my plantation. Soon after the first harvest, I realised that selling raw fruit wasn’t financially viable, so I turned to processing”, she explains. From there, her business evolved organically, one product at a time.

According to Ana, what sets her work apart is the deep connection to heritage: “I produce something beautiful and natural—something people love. All our products are made using my grandmother’s recipes”. She also personalises her products with hand-painted bottles and eco-friendly packaging, ensuring that every item is both delicious and visually captivating. However, her biggest challenge was introducing her product to a market that didn’t yet appreciate them. “At the time, blueberries weren’t well-known or valued in Croatia. I had to teach people about their benefits and convince them that my products were worth trying”.

Ana’s business grew through word-of-mouth marketing, reaching customers of all ages—from children to older people. Now she wants to expand further by opening a tasting point but faces challenges due to a lack of support from the local government. “I need backing from the local administration to take that next step”, she explains. Despite her dedication, she struggles to access EU agricultural funding due to the small scale of her business. “I would love to receive support, but I don’t qualify. Being part of the GRASS CEILING project is eye-opening because it connects us with decision-makers. I hope we can find solutions together”.

Ana is deeply engaged in supporting other women in agriculture. She serves on committees for women, youth, and fruit producers. In 2018, she was recognised as an Exemplary Rural Woman by the City of Zagreb. “From these positions, I help other women by sharing experiences and creating opportunities for collaboration.”

Ana Kovačić: “GRASS CEILING is eye-opening because it connects us with decision-makers” Read More »

Building gender-inclusive futures: insights from GRASS CEILING

General / GC WP6

by Lucia Palmioli, University of Pisa

Imagining rural areas in 2040

How can we imagine rural areas in 2040 where women lead innovation, shape local economies, and build inclusive communities? That’s the question GRASS CEILING addressed through a participatory foresight exercise involving women entrepreneurs across Europe. At the core of this process were nine Living Labs (Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Croatia, Spain, Scotland, Norway, Ireland, Lithuania), designed to explore future scenarios, identify challenges, and co-create pathways for inclusive rural transformation.

A Gendered and Grounded Process

This foresight exercise—designed not only to explore futures but to involve those most affected by them—offered both methodological depth and strategic relevance. Participants took part in structured workshops where they were invited to step into the shoes of personas: fictional yet realistic characters inspired by real women in rural settings. Although not originally required, the use of personas quickly became central to the process. It helped participants translate abstract megatrends into tangible, lived realities, allowing them to build more vivid and grounded scenarios.

Barriers That Persist

Through this participatory approach, four future scenarios emerged, developed along two main axes: demographic change and public investment. Across all scenarios, women identified common barriers such as limited access to services, entrenched social norms, and weak policy frameworks.

“Even when support exists, women like me often don’t hear about it until it’s too late or can’t access it because of bureaucratic hurdles.” Social and domestic responsibilities were also a recurring theme: “I want to grow my agri-tourism business, but the lack of childcare and the distance to schools make it very hard to manage both work and family.”

Others highlighted the social isolation that affects women’s ability to innovate: “We feel more and more alone. You can be innovative, but if there’s no one around to support you, it’s like shouting into the void.”

What Makes a Difference

Despite these barriers, the workshops also highlighted key enablers as levers for transformation. Access to digital tools, inclusive education and training, peer networks, and community-led initiatives were repeatedly cited as powerful drivers of change. These elements were often described not only as practical supports, but as sources of resilience and solidarity.

Reimagining the Future

The foresight had also surfaced a set of megatrends likely to shape rural areas over the coming decades: resource scarcity, climate change, demographic shifts, technological acceleration, evolving social norms, and gender inequality. These trends were discussed and reimagined through the lived experiences of the participants, through a gender-sensitive lens.

A Way Forward

By combining participatory methods with scenario thinking, this process made clear that the structural challenges women face in rural areas are not peripheral, but central to the future of innovation. As the project moves forward, these findings can help inform more inclusive and responsive policies, ensuring that women’s voices and realities are integrated into rural development strategies at local, national, and EU level.

For further details on the process, scenarios, and key findings, the full report is available here.

This article is part of Deliverable 1.2 of the Grass Ceiling project. It is an informative summary of the contents of the document entitled ‘Policy brief on megatrends and foresight on women-led innovation in rural areas’, prepared by the academic team of the University of Pisa, led by Professor Sabrina Arcuri. This deliverable is part of Work Package 1, led by Professor Tomas Balezentis of the Lietuvos Socialiniu Mokslu Centras (LCSS), focusing on ‘Women’s role in the future of agriculture, rural economies and communities across Europe’.

Lithuanian research team meeting Grass Ceiling

Building gender-inclusive futures: insights from GRASS CEILING Read More »

Ines Dundović: “We all have innovative ideas, but the key is determination”

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

Ines Dundović, a passionate agronomist from Croatia and participant in the Croatian Living Lab of the GRASS CEILING project, has dedicated her career to sustainable vegetable production, processing, and distribution. At 38—almost 39—she has built a business around locally grown food, ensuring that fresh, high-quality produce reaches the tables of families, kindergartens, and schools in her community.

Her journey began in 2015 when she and her family purchased an estate and cultivated vegetables. “Growing food locally was always my goal,” she explains. “I wanted local citizens to have access to fresh, healthy food and, at the same time, encourage others to do the same. It’s not just about farming—it’s about changing awareness and fostering a stronger agricultural community”.

What makes her business unique is its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and local supply chains. By prioritising short distribution routes, she ensures that her produce maintains its nutritional value while reducing environmental impact. More importantly, her work serves as a model for others, proving that small-scale farming can thrive when integrated into local food systems.

However, the road to success has not been without challenges. “When I first started, agriculture in my area was dominated by older men,” she recalls. “As a young woman, I wasn’t taken seriously. When I got on a tractor for the first time, people assumed I was just pretending. They thought I didn’t belong.” Over time, however, attitudes shifted. As more women entered the industry and proved their capabilities, the landscape of Croatian agriculture began to change.

Despite this progress, bureaucratic hurdles remain one of the biggest obstacles for small farmers. “Paperwork and long administrative processes slow everything down. Many great projects have failed because it can take a year or two just to get approval. By then, many farmers run out of financial resources or lose motivation,” she says. While her location in Križ, just 20 km from Zagreb, provides good logistical connections, access to funding remains a critical issue. “Local funds exist, but they’re small. National and EU agricultural funds are available, but they are underutilised. Farmers need more support”.

For Ines, the most rewarding part of her work is knowing that she is contributing to the health of her community. “I produce healthy food, and I see the impact it has. We always say that food is the best form of prevention—eating fresh, local food keeps us healthy and reduces the need for medicine. I love knowing that people recognise what we’re doing and that others are starting to follow the same path”.

She is also well-connected with other women in agriculture. “Many female farmers are in our area, and we support each other. Initially, some of them were sceptical about how I was doing things, but now we collaborate and share our experiences”. Across Croatia, more and more women are stepping into leadership roles in agriculture, proving that farming is no longer just a man’s world.

Her advice to other women looking to start their businesses? “Find your idea and believe in it. We all have innovative ideas, but the key is determination. Start doing, don’t give up, and keep pushing forward. The challenges will come, but so will the rewards.”

Ines Dundović

Ines Dundović: “We all have innovative ideas, but the key is determination” Read More »

Regional and rural Gender Equality policies: GRASS CEILING’s focus at RSA annual conference

Regional and rural Gender Equality policies: GRASS CEILING’s focus at RSA annual conference Read More »

The Regional Studies Association’s Annual Conference 2025 is being held in partnership with the School of Economics and Management at the University of Porto, Portugal. Under the topic Navigating Regional Transformation, this four-day conference brings together academics and policymakers to exchange news, views and research findings from the fields of regional studies and science, regional and economic development, policy and planning.

The European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL), the University Valladolid and the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu organised a Special session on Exploring Gender Equality in Policy Regional and Rural Perspectives (SS13). (Further information and agenda here)

The special session is part of the Horizon Europe project GRASS CEILING (Gender Equality in Rural and Agricultural Innovation Systems), which is a multi-actor three-year project, aiming to empower rural women and increase the number of socio-ecological innovations led by women in agriculture, the rural economy and rural communities.

The session seeks to create a space for reflection on the needs, possibilities and opportunities for mainstreaming gender in European regional policies. It also seeks to inspire rethinking of monitoring systems for (a) gender equality progress, (b) the development of policies and initiatives that prioritise women’s needs for public support and (c) examine impact of changes.

This special session is set within a critical policy development framework, with the Long Term Vision for rural areas with targets to 2040, the recommendations of the Strategic Dialogue on Agriculture, the Vision for Agriculture and Food and the Roadmap for women’s rights, the new mandate of the EU Commission after 2027, the new Multiannual Financial Framework including relevant strategic areas such as Cohesion and Agriculture (2027-2034), as well as the five-year SDG compliance framework, among others.

The discussion will examine the extent to which gender mainstreaming has been integrated into European regional policies, explore the unique challenges faced by women in these areas, highlighting disparities in access to resources, public services, training, representation, and the impact of policies on their economic and social well-being.

The discussion aims to promote dialogue on proposals and solutions for the policy cycle with various stakeholders.

Panelists and the audience will reflect on key challenges in order to adequately monitor both women’s needs and the effectiveness of policies. Important challenges to examine the nature and impacts of political, economic, social and environmental changes are: (i) Lack of gender-disaggregated dat; (ii) Limited comparative studies on rural women across Europe and (iii) Absence of identification and tools/support to replicability of best practices from certain areas making it difficult to scale successful initiatives

Why the European Commission must embed rural realities in the gender equality strategy 2026–2030

Why the European Commission must embed rural realities in the gender equality strategy 2026–2030 Read More »

by Blanca Casares Guillén, policy expert and project manager (AEIDL). Coordinator of the European Policy Forum for women-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas

As the European Union prepares to shape its next Gender Equality Strategy (2026–2030), it is essential that the framework recognises the specific realities of women in rural areas and systematically integrates urban–rural disparities into policy design. Gender equality challenges are not uniformly experienced across Europe; they are shaped by geography, access, and demographic patterns—factors that often disproportionately affect women in rural territories.

Recent data from Eurostat underscores that labour market participation data highlights persistent gaps. In 2023, the EU employment rate for women aged 20–64 years in rural areas stood at 69.7%, slightly below the 70.2% average across all degrees of urbanisation. More striking is the gender disparity in part-time work: 26.5% of rural women were employed part-time compared to only 6.0% of rural men, exposing a 20.5 percentage point gap. This reflects deep-rooted structural inequalities, often tied to the availability of care services and social expectations about women’s roles in the household and community.

Women in rural areas are also more vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion, with 22.5% of rural women at risk in 2023, compared to 20.4% of men.

In terms of education, rural women and men face critical challenges that affect lifelong opportunities. In 2023, 13.4% of young rural women and 16.5% of young rural men had at most lower secondary education. The share of rural women with tertiary education was just 38.4%—10 percentage points below the EU average across all degrees of urbanisation (48.8%). Early school leaving is also more prevalent in rural areas, with 8.3% of young women and 11.2% of young men affected, limiting their access to quality employment.

These figures point to intersecting barriers that rural women face: geographic isolation, fewer educational and professional opportunities, limited service provision (e.g. childcare, transport), and entrenched gender roles. Without a rural-sensitive and intersectional approach, the Gender Equality Strategy risks reinforcing these gaps rather than closing them.

On 10 April 2025, the FEMM Committee considered a draft opinion on the Gender Equality Strategy 2025 presented by rapporteur Marko Vešligaj, where he calls on the Commission to present an ambitious strategy with concrete tangible legislative and non-legislative measures in a number of key areas, such as gender-based violence, women’s empowerment in the world of work, or equal representation and political participation. The draft report also calls for efforts to advance gender equality through the principles of intersectionality and gender mainstreaming, and to ensure that a gender perspective is integrated into all Commission proposals, including budgetary procedures.

Importantly, this draff report on the Gender Equality Strategy post-2025 already affirms the need for gender mainstreaming and intersectionality. However, rural women are not visible within this framework. Recognising their realities would align with broader EU goals, such as the Rural Vision 2040, the European Pillar of Social Rights, and commitments to territorial cohesion.

Based on findings from the GRASS CEILING project (Gender Equality in Rural and Agricultural Innovation Systems), funded under Horizon Europe, it is clear that the post-2026 Gender Equality Strategy must take a comprehensive and rural-sensitive approach to ensure no woman is left behind. For Europe to become truly inclusive and resilient, the Gender Equality Strategy must not only reflect diversity in gender—but also territorial diversity. By explicitly addressing rural realities, the next Gender Equality Strategy can ensure that no woman is left behind, regardless of where she lives.

For that, to build a truly inclusive and resilient Europe, the Strategy should prioritise actions that address the unique challenges faced by rural women, including: combating gender-based violence in isolated areas and promoting rural women’s entrepreneurship. It must also recognise and support informal and agricultural work, which is often unprotected and undervalued, by ensuring access to social security, parental leave, and other benefits. Bridging the digital divide through investments in broadband and digital literacy for rural communities is essential. The European Care Strategy must be adapted to consider rural infrastructure limitations, such as transportation and staffing as well as the development of community-based care models that are affordable and accessible. Moreover, rural women’s active participation in local governance should be fostered, and all EU data collection related to gender equality must include rural–urban disaggregation to properly reflect territorial disparities and inform targeted policy solutions.

Silvija Terlević: “Women need to be well informed about opportunities and resources”

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

Silvija Terlević, a farmer from the Poreč area in Istria, has dedicated her life to breeding autochthonous livestock. She raises the Istrian Boškarin cattle breed and the Croatian Coldblood horse, both deeply rooted in the region’s heritage. She is one of the Croatian Living Lab members of the GRASS CEILING project.

Her farming journey began after closing the fruit and vegetable shops she had run for years. “When we closed the shops, we started the farm with Istrian cattle breeds. It completely changed our way of life”, she explains. By focusing on these traditional breeds, she continues the legacy of her ancestors, ensuring the survival of animals that were once essential to Istrian agriculture. One of the biggest challenges she has faced is securing land. “The hardest part was obtaining land from Croatian forests or agricultural land from the municipality. That was the main struggle”, she recalls. Resource access remains a significant barrier for many small farmers, particularly women.

Silvija believes better access to information would be the most valuable support for women in agriculture. “You can never have too much information. Women need to be well informed about opportunities and resources”, she emphasises. Education, training, and guidance on agricultural policies could significantly improve conditions for female entrepreneurs in rural areas. She sees collaboration with other women as an essential part of progress. “It’s always easier to find solutions through communication with women. Working together would be motivating and encouraging”, she notes. Strengthening networks among female farmers could lead to new opportunities and shared solutions to common challenges.

What she loves most about her work is her deep connection with animals. “I love my animals, being with them day and night. I love to ride, hug the horses, and feed them. You can’t describe it; you have to experience it”, she says. Her passion for farm life reflects a broader commitment to preserving traditional rural practices.

Her advice for those considering starting a rural business is clear: “Life in the countryside, working with animals, is a great choice, and also an important one. If there are no villages, there is no life.” Her words highlight the importance of maintaining rural communities and traditions, ensuring they remain vibrant for future generations.

Silvija Terlević

Silvija Terlević: “Women need to be well informed about opportunities and resources” Read More »

Cultivating change: how small-scale women entrepreneurs in agriculture are naturally seeding a blueprint for social sustainability

General, Ireland, Netherlands / GC WP6

by Klaudia Pasik, MSc Student Wageningen University

In the face of intensifying social inequalities, the traditional growth-driven economy is increasingly scrutinised for it’s transactional and unsustainable narrative. In spite of these exclusionary systems a powerful but often underestimated force is quietly shaping the economic landscape: small-scale women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector. By intrinsically and unconsciously embracing principles of degrowth—a transformative approach advocating for equitable downscaling of production, prioritisation of community well-being, and local resilience, these visionary women entrepreneurs offer a compelling alternative economic future.

This article provides an overview of a study conducted through Wageningen University, in collaboration with the team involved in the Grass Ceiling project. The content reflects the experiences of 11 small-scale rural woman entrepreneurs involved in the Acorns network across Ireland. These women’s entrepreneurial approaches highlight an intrinsically socially conscious business blueprint, casting essential light on the crucial role women play in forging pathways toward sustainable economic transformation. But how exactly do these women entrepreneurs enact these transformative practices in their daily business operations?

Rooted in Values: Ethical Decision-Making is an Action

The interviewed small-scale women entrepreneurs naturally ground their business decisions in deeply held personal ethics, prioritizing empathy, local culture, and environmental integrity over purely financial considerations. Their intuitive and resilient approach to decisions promotes community resilience and long-term sustainability. For instance, one bakery owner consciously turned down profitable contracts with large supermarkets due to her unwavering stance against food waste. As she puts it, “I refuse waste… I always make less than I know I’m going to sell. I always sell out, and I never throw anything away.” Another entrepreneur similarly exemplifies these intrinsic values by instinctively choosing sustainable glass packaging for her beetroot juice, remarking simply, “I wouldn’t even think of using plastic. It just doesn’t fit our values.”

Seeding Innovation: Reinventing Tradition in Harmony with Nature

Rather than pursuing radical technological disruptions, these women redefine innovation by thoughtfully adapting traditional processes and aligning their products closely with local needs and values. Their innovation is a nurturing act, focused on authenticity, meaningful impact, and operational efficiency. One oyster farmer creatively responded to the challenge of tourists wanting to take home oysters—a product difficult to transport. By introducing an oyster pickle, she cleverly reinvented tradition while meeting her customers’ unique needs. This thoughtful adaptation was celebrated, as she later won Ireland’s top seafood innovation award, demonstrating how genuine connection to customers can inspire authentic innovation.

Growing Together: Embedding Social Sustainability in Practices

The businesses actively cultivate social sustainability through empowering local employment, prioritizing employee welfare, and investing in community relationships. Collaboration, mentorship, and inclusive practices deepen their roots within the community, creating robust networks of support and shared prosperity. A small café owner located in a village of only 300 residents explained how her business serves as the community’s “living room,” becoming a safe, welcoming space for elderly locals. Another entrepreneur emphasized her responsibility towards her employees, noting, “Everyone’s on their journey… I try to give them a good experience. To me, that means I’ve done a good job.” This genuine concern for community, staff, and social cohesion significantly contributes to regional resilience and collective well-being.

Weathering the Economic Storm: Overcoming Structural Challenges Together

Despite their vital contributions, these women entrepreneurs face significant headwinds, including societal undervaluation of manual labour, persistent gender biases, limited institutional support, and unclear financial pathways. These barriers threaten their capacity to thrive and expand their transformative impact. One artisan food producer highlighted cultural biases undervaluing manual labour, lamenting how Irish flour was inadequate for quality bread production, compelling her to source ingredients internationally. Another entrepreneur vividly described a situation of gender-based intimidation during a business meeting, underscoring the persistent sexism and discrimination women in business still endure. Institutional supports also often fall short, leaving these women entrepreneurs feeling isolated and overlooked by the very structures intended to foster their growth.

Nurturing Potential: The Essential Support for the Flourishing of Degrowth-Focused Agrifood

To enable these women-led enterprises to flourish, targeted supports are essential, including clear pathways to funding, improved vocational training, educational initiatives promoting the value of local agriculture, and increased recognition of their non-financial contributions. Investing in these supports ensures the sustainable growth of an economic model that benefits society, the environment, and local communities. An entrepreneur called for clearer, more transparent grant processes, noting frustration that her local café, despite employing ten locals and acting as a community hub, was unable to secure institutional funding without portraying itself differently—such as a tourism venture. Another entrepreneur passionately argued for educational programs starting at school-level, advocating for broader respect and recognition of vocational and manual labour as critical to Ireland’s future sustainability and economic resilience.

The Key Takeaway

Small-scale women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector intrinsically embody degrowth, naturally prioritizing community resilience, environmental responsibility, and social well-being over traditional growth metrics. However, to truly harness this transformative potential, these entrepreneurs require targeted support including clearer pathways to funding, recognition of their non-financial contributions, advanced vocational training, and meaningful institutional backing. Recognizing and nurturing these women-led, socially conscious businesses not only empowers local communities but presents a compelling, sustainable economic blueprint worth pursuing for a more equitable and resilient future.

By addressing these barriers and providing the necessary supports, society can ensure these naturally sustainable enterprises not only survive but flourish, setting a powerful precedent for sustainable economic transformation led by small-scale women entrepreneurs.

The author of the article has included an infographic outlining the key elements of her work, which is reproduced below.

Klaudia_FemaleEntrepreneurshipDegrowth_InfographicThesisOutcomes_page-0001 (1) (1)

Cultivating change: how small-scale women entrepreneurs in agriculture are naturally seeding a blueprint for social sustainability Read More »

El programa ‘Tempero’ de Aragón TV dedica un reportaje a la situación de la mujer rural española desde el proyecto GRASS CEILING

El programa ‘Tempero’ de Aragón TV dedica un reportaje a la situación de la mujer rural española desde el proyecto GRASS CEILING Read More »

El programa ‘Tempero’ de Aragón TV ha cubierto la octava reunión del ‘Living Lab’ español GRASS CEILING.

Esta reunión tuvo lugar en el CIHEAM Zaragoza – Instituto Agronómico Mediterráneo de Zaragoza, y fue organizada por los tres socios españoles del proyecto: la Universidad de Valladolid – Campus de Palencia, Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España, y CIHEAM Zaragoza.

Un equipo del programa “Tempero” de Aragón Televisión se desplazó para hacer un reportaje sobre la situación de las mujeres emprendedoras rurales en España y en el resto de Europa.

“Tempero” es un programa que comparte y promueve la actualidad del sector agroalimentario y ganadero de Aragón. El programa se centra en el sector rural y el medio natural, prestando especial atención a las personas involucradas y a su futuro.

Puedes ver el programa completo aquí.

También hemos incluido un enlace en nuestro canal de YouTube donde puedes acceder directamente a este reportaje: https://youtu.be/SO5Ml_9PJtM?si=j9k5ImiLS2ZOH6iB

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Aragón TV’s programme ‘Tempero’ has covered the eighth meeting of the Spanish GRASS CEILING ‘Living Lab’

Aragón TV’s programme ‘Tempero’ has covered the eighth meeting of the Spanish GRASS CEILING ‘Living Lab’ Read More »

Aragon TV’s programme ‘Tempero’ has covered the eighth meeting of the Spanish GRASS CEILING ‘Living Lab’.

This meeting took place at the CIHEAM Zaragoza – Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza (Spain), and was organised by the three Spanish project partners: the University of Valladolid – Campus of Palencia, Agri-food Cooperatives of Spain, and CIHEAM Zaragoza.

A crew from Aragón Televisión’s “Tempero” programme came along to do a report on the situation of rural women entrepreneurs in Spain and across the rest of Europe.

“Tempero” is a programme that shares and promotes current affairs in Aragon region agri-food and livestock sector. The programme focuses on the rural sector and the natural environment, paying particular attention to the people involved and their future.

You can watch the full programme here: https://alacarta.aragontelevision.es/… We’ve also popped a link on our YouTube channel where you can get straight to this report: https://youtu.be/SO5Ml_9PJtM?si=j9k5ImiLS2ZOH6iB

Vesna Jakić: “the most important thing is networking, learning from others, and having support when facing challenges”

Croatia, General, Human Stories / GC WP6

Vesna Jakić, a textile designer from the Croatian island of Cres, has been working on wool-related projects for 24 years. Her journey began in 2000 with the Ruta Association. “Sheep wool in Croatia is still wasted; it is not properly processed and is only seen in a few woollen jackets and hats”, she explains. Determined to change this, Vesna introduced felting techniques, demonstrating wool’s potential beyond traditional uses.

Education is at the heart of her work. She organises workshops for children and adults, teaching them wool processing, creativity, and sustainability. “By processing wool and using new designs, we show that all kinds of things can be made”. She goes on to say, “These workshops preserve traditional skills and promote sustainable practices”.

She recalls that building her business was not easy. “No one understood, accepted, or supported it at first. Progress was slow in introducing innovative ways to work with wool”. Despite these challenges, she expanded her network, gained experience, and eventually founded her brand, Ruta Wool & Design.

Vesna explains that she comes from an artistic background, and has had to learn business skills to sustain her enterprise. “I had to master finances, which was essential for my business. But the most important thing is networking—meeting people, learning from their experiences, and having support when facing challenges”.

Actively involved in rural development projects, particularly those supporting women, Vesna believes in paving the way for future generations. “We create a new path, carry out our projects, and make way for others, so eventually, discussions about gender will no longer be needed”.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of her work is sharing knowledge. She teaches children, design students, and even tourism students about the importance of craftsmanship. “It’s essential to show visitors who we are and what we do”.

Her advice for women starting their own business is clear: “What you know now is not enough. You need time to learn many things. The key is patience and having a strong network. Every challenge is part of your personal and professional growth.”

Vesna Jakić

Vesna Jakić: “the most important thing is networking, learning from others, and having support when facing challenges” Read More »

Women of the Future: GRASS CEILING at the Women & Food Event in the Netherlands

Women of the Future: GRASS CEILING at the Women & Food Event in the Netherlands Read More »

As a festive prelude to International Women’s Day, an inspiring event was held on Friday, March 7th by the Women & Food Network at the Provincial House in Den Bosch the Netherlands. This year’s theme was Woman of the Future — a powerful invitation to reflect on the role of women in the food transition, agriculture and nature, both now and in the future.

The Dutch GRASS CEILING team was proudly present in large numbers at the event — not only as participants, but also with two impactful workshops led by women from our network, each embodying the theme in their own unique way.

Sonja vhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sonjavanuden/an Uden led an in-depth workshop on finding a sustainable balance between people and nature. With her knowledge and experience, she demonstrated how essential it is for women in this field to make their voices heard and to build a livable future through connection and care.

Dorieke Goodijk-Smits hosted a session on female leadership in the agricultural sector. How can women ‘flourish’ in their roles? Which experiences and knowledge from the past can help them in the future? With practical insights and engaging discussions, she inspired other women to claim and embrace their place.

The event also provided a valuable opportunity to broaden the search for connection — even when perspectives differ within the agricultural sector and rural areas. The open conversations and shared experiences highlighted how important it is, just like within the Grass Ceiling project, to remain in dialogue and to build bridges within a diverse network.

The event was a powerful reminder that the future is full of female influences — and that we are shaping that future together. The Dutch GRASS CEILING participants look back with pride on this day full of connection, reflection, and forward-thinking.

Marijana Svetić: “to improve my products, I need better engraving equipment, but access to funding can be complicated”

Croatia, General, Human Stories / GC WP6

Marijana Svetić is a multifaceted entrepreneur from the village of Lički Novi in Lika-Senj County, Croatia. At 40, she balances multiple roles—mother, student, civil service officer, and manager of a family farm. Established in 2017, the farm focuses on cattle breeding, vegetable production, and, more recently, the creation of handcrafted wooden products.

The business began with livestock, including the native Buša cattle, a small, autochthonous breed known for its rich but limited milk production. Over time, the farm expanded into greenhouse vegetables and later into woodworking. “We started making wooden table lamps from old oak beams, incorporating engraved images and quotes from Nikola Tesla. Living just 10 kilometres from his birthplace, it felt natural to honour him in our designs,” Marijana explains. This unique touch has set her products apart and highlights the cultural significance of her region.

Like many rural entrepreneurs, she has faced significant challenges. “Balancing family, work, and business is demanding, but I see it as a normal part of life rather than an obstacle,” she says. However, financial constraints remain a significant hurdle. “To improve my products, I need better engraving equipment, but accessing funding can be complicated.” She has previously used EU agricultural funds for greenhouse development and remains optimistic about future opportunities despite the bureaucratic barriers.

Marijana finds greatest fulfilment in passing knowledge and skills to her children. “My 15-year-old daughter is now the main producer of our lamps. She’s taken pride in what I started, and seeing her enthusiasm makes every challenge worthwhile”. This intergenerational transfer of skills is key to preserving traditional craftsmanship while fostering innovation.

Networking is another vital element of her success. She is an active member of Cluster Lika Destination, an organisation promoting local businesses and agricultural ventures. “It helps connect farmers and artisans, making our products more visible,” she notes. However, she points out the absence of specialised local women’s associations, which led her to seek external opportunities like the GRASS CEILING Project. Her advice to women starting a business is clear: “If you have a strong idea and believe in your product, don’t give up. The desire to succeed will push you past obstacles. Persistence is key—sooner or later, the community will recognise your effort and dedication.”

Marijana Svetić

Marijana Svetić: “to improve my products, I need better engraving equipment, but access to funding can be complicated” Read More »

8ª reunión Living Lab español en CIHEAM Zaragoza

Spanish women entrepreneurs in agriculture and the rural world confront lack of infrastructure, excessive bureaucracy, and leadership inequality

Spanish women entrepreneurs in agriculture and the rural world confront lack of infrastructure, excessive bureaucracy, and leadership inequality Read More »

CIHEAM Zaragoza hosts the eighth meeting of Spain’s agricultural entrepreneurs under the GRASS CEILING project on 8-9 April, organized by Campus de Palencia of the University of Valladolid and Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España.

The latest meeting of the Spanish Living Lab, part of the European GRASS CEILING project, has concluded today. During the two-day event, participants have echoed sentiments shared across the project’s international network, highlighting that the gender gap remains a persistent obstacle in rural areas and the agricultural sector. Despite their vital role, women entrepreneurs continue to face significant barriers, even though they bring expertise, innovation and meaningful contribution to local economies and social development.

As a member of the GRASS CEILING consortium, CIHEAM Zaragoza hosted the two-day event, which brought together twenty Living Lab members and stakeholders, including eight women entrepreneurs leading agrifood businesses in scarcely populated territories of Aragon, Asturias, Castile and León.

These entrepreneurs are implementing innovative processes on their farms, ranging from the adoption of high-tech equipment to the digitalisation of technical operations, and management and administrative processes. They are also incorporating new crop rotations to promote environmental sustainability.

A notable distinction in their approach, compared to many of their male peers, is the integration of social innovation. These women are working actively to increase the visibility of women’s roles in rural life by establishing networks, offering training opportunities and facilitating knowledge exchange. Several participants are already involved in such initiatives and others are planning to do so in the near future.

Environmental stewardship is another defining feature of their work. Many women are creating sustainable business models that make use of local materials and food products, often delivering direct to customers so as to minimise dependence on complex and costly supply chains.

The women gathered in Zaragoza have demonstrated that women-led businesses help local communities to thrive. However, they continue to face deep-rooted stereotypes and traditional gender roles that make their work invisible. Many also struggle to find time to develop their businesses, either because of the demands of farm work or because they have to tend to family responsibilities.

Women in the farming sector also have to address a number of specific issues that hinder their innovation work. The high costs of advanced agricultural technology, together with structural difficulties in the sector such as volatile markets, rising production costs, and complex European regulations, etc. deter many women from investing in innovation because of the technical and economic risks involved.

During the meeting they also discussed the lack of telecommunication infrastructures in rural areas, inadequate general services, the burden of excessive bureaucracy and inappropriate regulations for rural areas.

The women explored ways to overcome these obstacles and studied a range of potential public and private support mechanisms, exchanging ideas on how institutions could be reinforced or reoriented to improve the welfare of rural women and integrate more women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. The support mechanisms are based on four pillars: individual empowerment to break down stereotypes and traditional expectations; improved rural services and infrastructure; financial support for women in agriculture; and reforms to governance and agricultural policies.

Other topics debated during the meeting included the importance of training and advisory services in sustainable innovation, the value of collaborative work via associations, cooperatives and support networks, the need for greater representation of women in decision-making roles, promotion of shared family responsibilities, and actions to elevate the status and quality of life in rural areas.

How does GRASS CEILING contribute to the EU gender equality objectives?

The project offers practical solutions for rural and gender policy-making by identifying inequalities in agriculture and rural communities across the EU. It is drawing up policy recommendations based on in-depth analysis to help the European Commission better deliver on its gender equality commitments. The Living Lab model supports innovating women and helps to create employment in remote rural areas and improve the situation of women running their own business.

GRASS CEILING has worked closely with women from local communities in the nine countries engaged in the project, developing a model that provides access to training, mentorship, resources, and a platform for debate and exchange of ideas. This participatory research approach empowers women to develop new business ideas and strengthen the local economic and social fabric of their regions. The Living Labs are an essential part of the GRASS CEILING project. They are interactive innovation hubs, led by and for women. They support women entrepreneurs as well as policy-makers and support organisations in the countries involved in the consortium and across the EU.

La escasez de infraestructuras rurales, la falta de liderazgo femenino o la excesiva burocracia del sector agrario: grandes retos para la mujer emprendedora rural en España

La escasez de infraestructuras rurales, la falta de liderazgo femenino o la excesiva burocracia del sector agrario: grandes retos para la mujer emprendedora rural en España Read More »

El CIHEAM Zaragoza ha acogido los días 8 y 9 de abril la octava reunión del grupo de emprendedoras agrarias españolas del proyecto europeo GRASS CEILING, organizada por el Campus de Palencia de la Universidad de Valladolid y por Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España.

La reunión del ‘Living Lab’ español del proyecto europeo GRASS CEILING ha concluido hoy poniendo de manifiesto, como ocurre en el resto de países que integran el consorcio del proyecto, que la brecha de género persiste cuando se habla de territorio rural y sector agrario. Las mujeres emprendedoras en áreas rurales enfrentan desventajas significativas, a pesar de que representan un importante papel debido a su formación cualificada, sus ideas innovadoras y su contribución al mantenimiento económico y social del entorno rural.

El encuentro se ha celebrado durante los días 8 y 9 de abril en el CIHEAM Zaragoza, entidad que forma parte del consorcio internacional de este proyecto, y ha reunido a una veintena de personas, incluidas ocho emprendedoras que lideran iniciativas agroalimentarias en territorios despoblados de Aragón, Asturias y Castilla y León.

Las mujeres participantes en el proyecto están desarrollando en la actualidad procesos innovadores en sus explotaciones, que conllevan el empleo de maquinaria de tecnología avanzada y digitalización de procesos técnicos y también administrativos y de gestión. Asimismo, tienden hacia la búsqueda de nuevos cultivos para realizar rotaciones en el terreno y conseguir así una mayor sostenibilidad.

Una característica que diferencia su proceso innovador en relación con emprendedores masculinos en este mismo sector es que las mujeres destacan la necesidad de llevar a cabo innovaciones de tipo social, apoyando la visibilización del colectivo femenino en el campo, creando redes de trabajo o facilitando la adquisición de formación e información. Varias de las mujeres del proyecto están llevando a cabo innovaciones sociales en este ámbito o tienen planeado ponerlas en marcha en un futuro próximo.

Otro elemento importante a destacar del modelo de emprendimiento rural femenino es que, cada vez más, las mujeres están desarrollando iniciativas respetuosas con el medio ambiente, por ejemplo, utilizando métodos sostenibles para crear productos a partir de materiales y alimentos locales, que en muchas ocasiones suministran directamente a los clientes para minimizar los costes de cadenas de distribución complejas.

El grupo de mujeres reunidas en Zaragoza han constatado que las empresas dirigidas por mujeres ayudan a que las comunidades locales prosperen, a pesar de que actualmente aún existen estereotipos y roles asignados a las mujeres rurales que hacen que su trabajo no sea suficientemente valorado. Otra barrera personal con la que las mujeres reconocen enfrentarse a la hora de poner en marcha una innovación en su explotación agraria está relacionada con la falta de tiempo (bien por un exceso de trabajo en la propia explotación o por sus responsabilidades familiares).

Existen también una serie de problemas específicos que encuentran en el sector agrícola y ganadero y que les frena en el proceso de innovación. Una de esas limitaciones son los elevados costes que supone la adquisición de instalaciones y maquinaria de alta tecnología. Este problema financiero se magnifica debido a los problemas estructurales a los que se enfrenta el sector agrario (mercados inestables, costes de producción crecientes, dependencia de exigente normativa europea, etc.), lo que hace que en muchas ocasiones no compense asumir el riesgo técnico y económico que conlleva una innovación.

La falta de infraestructuras de telecomunicaciones en el ámbito rural y en general la escasa dotación de servicios básicos en estas zonas, es otro de los problemas que mencionan. También manifiestan que la excesiva burocracia y la existencia de normativa no adecuada al medio rural son otros frenos a tener en cuenta.

Por todo ello, en este encuentro se han debatido las principales medidas de apoyo que desde diferentes estamentos públicos y privados habría que reforzar o reconducir para mejorar el bienestar de las mujeres del campo y conseguir una mayor incorporación de emprendedoras al sector agrario. Estas medidas se han estructurado en torno a cuatro ejes: medidas de apoyo personal a las mujeres para derribar roles y estereotipos; medidas relacionadas con la falta de servicios e infraestructuras rurales; medidas relacionadas con el sector agrario de especial trascendencia para las mujeres; y medidas relacionadas con la gobernanza y las actuales políticas agrarias.

La formación y el asesoramiento en nuevos manejos innovadores y sostenibles, el fomento del trabajo colaborativo (asociaciones, cooperativas y redes de apoyo), los mayores niveles de liderazgo de las mujeres en puestos de toma de decisiones, la corresponsabilidad de las tareas familiares, las medidas de apoyo al medio rural, o las acciones de apoyo para lograr una mayor dignificación del campo, han sido alguno de los aspectos acerca de los cuales se ha debatido más intensamente a lo largo de estas dos jornadas de trabajo.

¿Qué aporta GRASS CEILING a los objetivos de igualdad de género de la UE?

Este proyecto aporta soluciones prácticas para la política rural y de género. Ha identificado las disparidades de género existentes en la agricultura y las comunidades rurales de toda la UE. Formula recomendaciones de política basadas en análisis profundos que destacan cómo la Comisión Europea puede cumplir su compromiso con la igualdad de género de forma más eficaz. Los ‘Living Labs’ o laboratorios de experiencias son un modelo que trabaja con mujeres innovadoras y ayuda a la creación de empleo en zonas rurales remotas y a mejorar la situación de las mujeres que ya se encuentran al frente de su propia empresa.

En GRASS CEILING se ha trabajado estrechamente con mujeres de comunidades locales en los nueve países participantes para desarrollar un modelo que proporcione a las mujeres formación, acceso a recursos, tutoría y un foro de debate y de opinión. Este enfoque participativo de la investigación apoya a las mujeres para desarrollar nuevas innovaciones empresariales y fortalecer el tejido económico y social de las regiones locales. Los laboratorios de experiencias de GRASS CEILING, que son parte indispensable y fundamental de este proyecto, son iniciativas de innovación interactivas, dirigidas por y para mujeres, que aumentarán el conocimiento y proporcionarán herramientas para ayudar a las innovadoras y a las organizaciones de apoyo y políticas a nivel de los Estados que conforman el consorcio y del resto de países de la UE.

Marthe Kilen: “My husband has been a crucial partner, taking care of our young children so I could focus on my passion”

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

Marthe Kilen, the founder of Frühnelik, is a pastry chef with a deep passion for creating cakes, chocolates, and sweets. At 37 years old, Marthe has spent over a decade honing her skills in the kitchen. She began her business 11 years ago after realising her talent was baking and pastry-making. “It’s always been my passion making food”, she explains, noting that her transition into the world of cakes and pastries felt like a natural progression.

For Marthe, quality is at the heart of everything she makes. She prioritises using the best ingredients and sourcing locally whenever possible. Her cakes boast exceptional taste and feature creative designs and playful names, making them stand out in a competitive market. Her attention to detail in flavour and presentation has earned her a loyal customer base.

Marthe has faced few challenges as a woman in the business world. “I just have positive things to say”, she asserts. Despite being a mother of two, Marthe credits her supportive husband for helping balance her career and family life. While many entrepreneurs face difficulties in managing work and home life, Marthe has found that her husband has been an essential partner, allowing her to focus on her passion while he took care of their children when they were younger. “I think I married the best man in the world”, she says, laughing with gratitude.

When it comes to developing her business, Marthe believes the key to success is focusing on what she does best. As her business grew, Marthe recognised the importance of delegating tasks that didn’t align with her strengths. “I have to pay someone to help me with the marketing, financial economics, and everything else that comes with the business”, she says. By focusing her time and energy in the kitchen, she can maintain the quality and creativity her customers expect.

Despite the challenges of running a small business in a rural area, Marthe thrives in a close-knit community of entrepreneurs. “We are very good at using and helping each other”, she explains. Marthe has a network of people in the area she can turn to for help, whether it is delivering goods or offering advice. Her collaboration with other local businesses has been instrumental in getting her products to a broader market, including partnerships with different shops that distribute her sweets.

Marthe also credits the GRASS CEILING Project with connecting her with other women entrepreneurs. This initiative has enabled her to exchange knowledge and experiences with other women in various industries. Despite the differences in their businesses, Marthe notes that the challenges they face are often quite similar. “We can debate and talk about it and find a solution to many problems together”, she says, highlighting the value of collaboration in overcoming the obstacles of entrepreneurship.

Marthe Kilen: “My husband has been a crucial partner, taking care of our young children so I could focus on my passion” Read More »

Liv Aas: “Using high-quality, local ingredients provides the beers with a unique flavour profile, which mass-produced malts do not give”

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

Liv Aas is a manager at Hognobring Croft Brewery, a small brewery located just south of Trondheim in Norway. They specialise in crafting beer with local ingredients, using locally sourced grains from nearby farms. The brewery, which started in 2016, was initially a hobby that Liv and her co-founder, who left his job in the oil industry, turned into a business driven by the desire to create local jobs and offer high-quality, locally produced beer. Liv, who left her previous career in farming and accounting, was able to turn her passion for craft beer into a successful business venture.

Liv’s brewery stands out for its commitment to using local malts and real fruits, avoiding additives, and not pasteurising its beers. This results in a fuller, richer taste than many industrially produced beers. Liv explains that the brewery’s focus on these natural ingredients differentiates its products from others in the market. She emphasises that using high-quality, local ingredients provides its beers with a unique flavour profile that isn’t possible with mass-produced malts. This unique flavour profile is what entices beer enthusiasts to try their products.

Despite working in an industry traditionally dominated by men, Liv has not faced significant challenges as a female entrepreneur. Her product knowledge helps her gain recognition, which counters potential gender bias. One of the biggest hurdles for Liv and her business is navigating the strict regulations and high fees associated with selling beer in grocery stores in Norway. She explains that most sales must go through wholesalers, significantly reducing their profit margins and making it challenging to grow the business financially. Because of this, Liv is dedicated to expanding the brewery, diversifying its beer offerings, and improving access to the market. In addition to selling her beers, Liv actively collaborates with other local businesses. They work with food producers, restaurants, and caterers to create complete event experiences, from conferences to dinners, pairing their beers with regional cuisine. These collaborations are a valuable way to promote their beers and expand their reach while building relationships with other entrepreneurs in the community. Liv believes such partnerships strengthen local businesses and create more opportunities for everyone.

Liv also participates in the GRASS CEILING Project, which has been instrumental in helping her connect with other women in similar positions. Through the project, she has been able to share experiences and receive advice on how to overcome challenges. She highlights the support network within the GRASS CEILING Project, where women can reach out to each other for advice and solutions to problems, making them feel less isolated in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Liv Aas: “Using high-quality, local ingredients provides the beers with a unique flavour profile, which mass-produced malts do not give” Read More »

Inside the 7th Scottish Living Lab: showcase, training, and future steps

General, Scotland / GC WP6

The 7th meeting of the Scottish Living Lab took place on 20 March. This is the report sent by our academic and technical team in Scotland about the contents, and the participation of the women entrepreneurs during the meeting. See the agenda meeting here

The showcase
The session opened with reflections on the showcase event in Vilnius. Aoife (a crofter from the Isle of Skye) and Donna (a stakeholder from the Scottish Crofting Federation) shared their experiences of presenting, learning more about the Grass Ceiling project, building an understanding of Lithuanian culture and farming, and hearing more about European policy. Aoife also explained the Pecha Kucha exercise, which all the women in the Scottish Living Lab will carry out in our June session, and which Aoife will lead. The atmosphere was celebratory and supportive, and highlighted how successful businesses might not fall into standard measures of success but that the collaborative nature of the businesses really stood out at the showcase. Those who attended reported feeling proud, inspired, and moved by each other’s work, and pleased to have met participants and co-leads from the other labs.

Training
The training session this time focused on prototyping and testing, in particular how these steps fit in alongside empathy mapping, personal maps, point of view statements, and business planning. Some tools to test new products or approaches were shared, and advice on how to get started, including highlighting examples of where the women had already prototyped and tested, but didn’t recognise it as such. The session emphasised realistic planning and small, manageable steps, including keeping prototypes cheap, and not getting too attached to them. The women raised interesting questions, such as whether you have to love your product or service in order to sell it, and how to avoid getting attached to prototypes when these are interwoven with their lives and cultures as crofters. Participants shared ideas and encouraged each other, reflecting the high level of peer support and growing confidence in the group.

Updates from the group
Then we moved onto updates from the women, including past experiences prototyping and testing, current developments such as new products and services, and successes since the last lab. There was a sense of momentum and of reflection on how far the businesses have come. The group also helped support one woman to choose images for the branding of her new series of craft workshops, and set her pricing levels.

Finance speaker
A guest speaker delivered an accessible session on managing finances, covering budgeting, separating business and personal accounts, VAT and expenses. Feedback was positive and the women found the advice to be clear and practical. Many said that they felt less overwhelmed, and that they would take steps such as speaking with an accountant who works with other crofters in the group, and who understands the nuances of crofting and finance.

Focus group The session closed with a focus group led by Sally to understand the women’s experiences during the project, the one-to-one mentoring, and the involvement of stakeholders. It found that the Living Lab provided a supportive space where women innovators could gain confidence, build networks, and explore their business and personal growth in a safe environment, with many describing the value of in-person sessions, mentoring, and peer support over time. However, challenges around confidence, funding, childcare, rural isolation, and the need for ongoing, practical support, particularly peer-to-peer learning and long-term continuation of the women’s network, were highlighted.

Next steps will include one-to-one mentoring sessions in May, and our next Living Lab in June, which will include filming and a round of Pecha Kuchas.

Inside the 7th Scottish Living Lab: showcase, training, and future steps Read More »

Norwegian Living Lab delivers concrete solutions and expert insights

General, Norway / GC WP6

A productive and insightful day unfolded at the Living Lab meeting in Norway, where women entrepreneurs gathered to tackle business challenges and gain valuable input from a panel of experts. The event, running from 10:00 to 16:00, provided a structured platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

The day began with the usual warm welcome, allowing participants to settle in, sign the participant list and enjoy a coffee. Following introductions from Eduardo/Giste Producciones and a rundown of the day’s programme, the session kicked off with a “check-in” around the table. This familiar exercise allowed each participant to share their progress and any developments that had taken place since the last meeting, providing valuable context for the day’s discussions.

Anita spoke about the showcase event in Vilnius, offering her insights and reflections, before giving the floor to Rita who gave instructions about the reflection tool that they would be using during the pitching exercise.

Lunch was held at Borgstua, providing a relaxed setting for further networking, interviews and photos to capture the event’s atmosphere before returning for the pitching exercise and panel discussion in the afternoon.

The pitching exercise was a resounding success. Each woman had five minutes to present her case and outline the specific challenges she faced in her business. Each presentation was followed by two minutes of silent reflection enabling everyone to consider potential solutions before engaging in a 15-minute brainstorming session.

This exercise had been previously implemented internally within the Living Lab, but this time the format included guests who enhanced the experience by contributing additional input and feedback as well as a wide range of perspectives. In fact, the participants highlighted this session as one of the most effective LL activities.

The panel of experts was composed of:

Åslaug Hennissen, Senior Advisor, Department of Business, Trondheim Municipality;
Gunn Turid Kvam, Research Leader, Ruralis;
Asbjørn Karlsen, Professor in Economic Geography, NTNU;
Sonia Ahmadi, PhD Candidate, NTNU Entrepreneurship and Education;
Aslaug Rustad, General Manager, Oi! Trøndersk Mat og Drikke.

Their contributions enriched the discussions, offering valuable insights and practical solutions. The diverse expertise of these guests, spanning local government, research, academia, and industry, ensured a well-rounded and impactful session.

The Norwegian Living Lab meeting was a successful example of a collaborative environment, delivering tangible results and empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and support needed to overcome their business challenges. The combination of structured exercises and expert input proved to be a powerful formula for success.

Norwegian Living Lab delivers concrete solutions and expert insights Read More »

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

General, Italy / GC WP6

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.

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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.“

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

Read the Highlight Report

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.

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

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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.

FADEMUR-Catalogo-Buenas-Practicas-web-2024

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

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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

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

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

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”.

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