Silvia González, a woman with a deep commitment to her vocation, shares her journey in the rural agricultural sector. At 40 years old, she manages an agriculture business located in Villaconancio, a small village in the province of Palencia, Spain. Silvia operates an extensive rainfed farming operation, specialising in herbaceous crops. Her path into agriculture began 13 years ago, after completing her university studies in agricultural engineering. Silvia’s decision to enter the agricultural business coincided with her mother’s retirement. As an only child, this presented an opportunity for Silvia to take over the family farm as part of a generational transition. “It was a natural progression, taking on the responsibility of the farm at the same time that I finished my degree”, she says.
Despite the lack of cutting-edge technology, Silvia’s agricultural knowledge has been crucial to optimising her production process. “We don’t have access to irrigation, so we rely heavily on weather conditions, which makes our operation quite vulnerable”, she explains. Her educational background and the experience passed down from her mother have allowed her to make informed decisions that maximise her land’s potential.
Silvia is actively involved in various agricultural and rural development associations. She is part of ASAJA Palencia (Association of Young Farmers), a trade union organisation dedicated to promoting participation and leadership in the rural world. Through this association, she works on projects that aim to empower local women and foster sustainable agricultural practices.
Silvia believes that improving infrastructure in rural areas would be one of the key ways to help businesses like hers thrive. “Better roads, internet access, and access to healthcare are all things that make rural life more bearable and make it easier for us to focus on our work,” she states. Additionally, providing more financial support, such as loans and grants, to women entrepreneurs in agriculture could make a significant difference.
Silvia also expresses her frustration with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), stating that she dislikes being told what to cultivate. She believes the PAC imposes restrictions that don’t always align with the needs of her land or her farming practices, and she feels that these directives often limit her ability to make independent decisions about what is best for her farm.
Despite the difficulties she faces, Silvia finds great satisfaction in her work. “What I love most about my job is that every day brings something new. The cycle of planting and watching crops grow gives me a sense of accomplishment and a connection to the land,” she says. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding”.