16 October 2026, Rome: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has honoured 100 women from around the world for their contributions to agrifood systems and rural development, recognizing their work in agriculture, research, entrepreneurship, biodiversity conservation and rural community development.
The initiative was launched to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 and coincided with the International Day of Rural Women on 15 October, which recognizes the role of rural women in agriculture, food security, rural development and poverty reduction.
Speaking at the ceremony at FAO headquarters in Rome, Director-General QU Dongyu highlighted the importance of women in transferring agricultural knowledge across generations and building resilient rural communities. Recalling the influence of his grandmother, who taught him farming, cooking and the values of hard work and respect for the land, he said, “Everything I learned from her, she learned from the generations of women who came before her. And that is how knowledge changes the world.”
QU recognized the honourees for their work as farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators and community leaders. Their contributions include protecting biodiversity, advancing agricultural innovation, creating economic opportunities, sharing knowledge and strengthening resilience to hunger, poverty and climate change.
“Across villages and cities, mountains and coastlines, forests and fields, you are doing extraordinary things,” QU said.
From 609 Nominations to 100 Honourees
FAO received 609 nominations from 131 Members following a global call for submissions. The selection process considered geographical balance, representation across professions and backgrounds, and transparency.
Following an initial screening based on submission requirements and country quotas, eligible candidates were assessed and ranked by FAO senior management. Shortlisted candidates then underwent two additional rounds of deliberations before the final list was approved by the Organization’s Senior Leadership Committee.
FAO announced 99 honourees in the days preceding the ceremony and revealed Yin Yuzhen of China as the 100th recipient during the event.
Yin was recognized for her decades-long efforts to restore degraded land in China’s Mu Us Sandy Land, an area threatened by desertification. Her work, which began with planting trees, has contributed to the restoration of nearly 5,000 hectares around her home and the planting of more than eight million trees across the area. These efforts have helped strengthen local ecosystems, agricultural potential and rural livelihoods.
The 100 women represent diverse regions, professions and experiences, highlighting the contribution of women throughout agrifood systems, from food production and natural resource management to scientific research, business development and the preservation of traditional knowledge.
The ceremony took place during the World Food Forum 2026 at FAO headquarters in Rome. The forum culminates in World Food Day, observed annually on 16 October.
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