Every year, the Women in Food & Agriculture Awards shine a spotlight on the people who are quietly, consistently and boldly shaping the future of our industry.
Across food and agriculture, we often hear the same message: the people driving real progress rarely receive the recognition they deserve. The WFA Awards are your chance to change that. By nominating a colleague, a mentor or a leader, you help ensure that their work is seen, valued and celebrated.
These awards not only celebrate achievement, but also help bring visibility to the leaders, mentors, allies and initiatives that are creating progress where it is most needed.
With nominations due to close on December 19th, here is why taking a few minutes to nominate someone truly matters.
Spotlighting the People Driving Real Change
The WFA Awards recognise individuals and programs that make the food and agriculture sector more inclusive, equitable and sustainable for the future. Each category focuses on a different type of impact:
- Mentee of the Year recognises emerging talent with drive, curiosity and commitment.
- Mentor of the Year celebrates those who lift others up and help emerging leaders grow.
- Male Ally of the Year, introduced for 2026, honours men who actively support and champion women in the industry.
- Leader of the Year highlights senior figures who set the tone for strong, diverse and equitable teams.
- Initiative of the Year showcases programs that create meaningful progress on diversity, inclusion or sustainability.
These categories reflect the many ways individuals can shape the industry, whether through guidance, leadership or systemic change.
What Last Year’s Winners Show Us
Last year’s winners came from different corners of the industry, but all demonstrated a clear commitment to progress.
Beatrice Waters, Media Relations and Social Executive at the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), was named Mentee of the Year. Judges recognised her curiosity, professionalism and drive. Her active participation in the WFA mentorship programme and her willingness to apply new ideas to her work made her a standout emerging leader.
Patrick Charlton, Vice President for Europe at Alltech, received Mentor of the Year. Patrick’s approach to mentorship goes beyond guidance. He has consistently opened doors, made valuable introductions and provided thoughtful support that has accelerated the development of his mentees.
Women in Agronomy by Yara International, winner of Initiative of the Year, demonstrated how well-designed programmes can create measurable industry change. The initiative increased female representation in agronomy through education, networking and commercial development.
Vanessa Lins Porto, Business Director for Digital Services at dsm-firmenich, was honoured as Leader of the Year. She impressed judges with her commitment to inclusive hiring, her ability to build a strong team culture and her track record of delivering significant business results.
These stories underline why the WFA Awards exist: to highlight real achievements and the people behind them.
Why You Should Nominate
- Champion someone whose work deserves attention
- Encourage others to follow their example
- Share models of leadership that benefit the whole sector
- Contribute to a more diverse and connected global community
Sometimes the people making the biggest difference are the least likely to put themselves forward. Your nomination can bring their work into the spotlight.
Nominations Are Open
Applications for the 2026 WFA Awards close on 19 December with winners will be announced at the Women in Food & Agriculture Summit in Amsterdam on 24 February.
If you know someone who is helping to move the industry forward, now is the time to recognise them. Their story might be the one that inspires the next wave of change.
You can nominate by visiting: WFA Awards – Expana
Women in food and agriculture is an initiative by Expana.
Written by Luke Bailey
