Giving a voice to women in agriculture: an imperative for the future

During the tasting held at the French Senate on May 21, a rich and meaningful discussion took place between Senator Marie-Pierre Monier and the AVPA team on a fundamental issue: the role of women in agriculture.

Nathalie Barrère, Perles de Gascogne

Although women have always been present on farms, their contributions have long remained invisible.

Often relegated to the status of “supportive spouses,” they have taken on key responsibilities—management, logistics, machinery operation, production—all without recognition or official status. A reality still too often overlooked.

The discussion particularly emphasized how women have consistently brought essential added value in tasks often overlooked or considered secondary, yet crucial to the effective management of farms.

Today, things are evolving. More and more women are farm owners, tasters, or rural entrepreneurs. And yet, the feeling of illegitimacy remains strong. The conversation revealed that women often have to work twice as hard to be acknowledged, prove their competence, and justify their legitimacy, creating constant pressure.

The senator’s words during this exchange echoed a sentiment widely shared among women farmers. The burden of having to constantly justify their place is heavy. Gender stereotypes, still deeply rooted, assign fixed roles to everyone, far from the realities on the ground.

In light of this, promoting female role models stands out as a key lever. Showcasing women who manage farms, develop agricultural innovations, and evaluate high-quality products is crucial.

This is exactly the spirit in which AVPA operates: highlighting women producers of oils, coffees, and teas; giving a voice to female experts; and helping inspiring figures emerge.

Ultimately, transforming agriculture also means transforming how we educate, recognize, and value contributions. And this requires spaces like the May 21 event—spaces for dialogue, visibility, and transformation.

 Macchia Verde Bio, De la Abu su Secreto, Bio Co