European Farmers’ Women Committee celebrates International Women’s Day

Speaking in Brussels, Chairwoman of Copas’ Women Committtee Lotta Folkesson said “Copa is committed to empowering women and we believe that they could contribute to a more economic, environmental and socially sustainable farm sector. Women are drivers of innovation. In particular, young women farmers who engage in farming businesses across the EU have demonstrated a new approach to EU agriculture and farming. Copa and Cogeca praise this important role of women farmers and rural business women”. 
 
More support is needed to motivate and to encourage women farmers to invest and to innovate in the agricultural sector. Women farmers represent nearly 50% of the EU’s agricultural workforce, yet only 30% of farm holders are women. In particular, young women farmers entering the sector must enjoy better policy assistance in setting up their businesses in rural areas. This needs to be taken into account in all EU, national, regional and of course at local level. The CAP plays an important role, but it must be supported by other policy tools in the EU’s common policies and in national legislation. In particular, training and access to credit are important parts of this work.

To promote the central role of women, Copa has introduced the Women Farmer’s Innovation Award in 2010. The theme of this year’s innovation award for women farmers is “Innovative solutions for farming sustainability”. Members of Copa’s Women’s Committee will also be participating in the UN debate next week to empower rural women and girls.
 
“Gender equality is important and it is crucial to have policies that promote equal pay, women’s entrepreneurial skills, more vocational training and further education. More financial advice and improving the quality and accessibility of infrastructures will boost the quality of life and promote the sustainable development of rural areas” concluded Folkesson.