| Agriculture

Bayer and Abag award women in agribusiness during CNMA 2024

They adopt practices aligned with ESG principles in activities on the properties and in external initiatives.

23.10.2024 | 15:29 (UTC -3)

Cultivar Magazine

Marcio Santos, president of Bayer's agricultural division in Brazil, during the award ceremony

Bayer and the Brazilian Agribusiness Association (Abag) announced the winners of the 7th edition of the Women in Agriculture Award. It took place during the first day of the 2024 National Congress of Women in Agribusiness (CNMA), held in São Paulo.

The event highlighted the work of ten women, including nine rural producers and one researcher. They adopt practices aligned with ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles, both in activities within the properties and in external initiatives.

This year's edition saw a 26,5% increase in the number of entries from small properties compared to last year. Producers from all regions of the country, aged between 19 and 67, participated in the competition.

Daniela Barros, communications director for Bayer's agricultural division in Brazil, highlighted the initiative's commitment to promoting a more inclusive agribusiness and recognizing women who work in the sector in a differentiated way.

Among the award-winning companies, the diversity of crops included honey, vanilla, coffee and grains (soy, corn and wheat). Always with practices based on innovation and sustainability. The initiatives promoted by the producers range from saving natural resources to community engagement.

Gabi Rodrigues, winner in the small property category, is the owner of Palmitolândia, in Iporanga. For almost 20 years, she has been developing practices that seek to transform the production and consumption of pupunha palm hearts, with a focus on sustainability. Her property has a photovoltaic energy system, reuses water for irrigation and uses biodegradable packaging. In addition, she promotes social and educational actions aimed at raising awareness in the community about the importance of environmental preservation.

Luiza Oliveira Macedo, winner of the medium-sized property category, is co-owner of Fazenda Tapera do Baú, in Boa Esperança (MG). She took over the leadership of the family farm in 2019 and implemented innovations focused on regenerative coffee farming. The production specializes in fine cup and specialty coffees, and the property exports to the international market. Luiza also provides training for employees and participates in initiatives that seek female empowerment in the sector.

In the large property category, the winner was Vanessa Bomm, manager of Fazenda Mareva, in Terra Roxa (PR). She continues the family legacy in the production of soybeans, corn and wheat, implementing sustainable and regenerative practices. Vanessa is also an ambassador for Pro Carbono, a project that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and regenerate the soil. In addition to field practices, she provides training for employees and supports social actions aimed at the local community.

In the science and research category, Danielle Pereira Baliza, from Minas Gerais, was the winner. The researcher is the author of more than 40 scientific articles and was one of the first in Brazil to study agroforestry systems (SAFs) with coffee. Through the project "Embaixadoras do Instituto Federal", Danielle impacted more than 2.500 female farmers, contributing to the development of capacities for autonomy and participation in the sustainable use of natural resources.

Gislaine Balbinot, executive director of Abag, highlighted that the initiatives of the award-winning companies demonstrate the possibility of combining productivity, environmental preservation and social impact, inspiring new generations to work in agribusiness. Daniela Barros reinforced the importance of promoting a sector that prioritizes environmental preservation, human development and innovation.