Join the WorldFMC Academy Studio Session | 14 July 2026
Women are the backbone of local food systems. They cultivate the land, preserve agricultural traditions, drive innovation, nourish communities, and strengthen local economies. Yet despite their indispensable contributions, women farmers continue to face significant barriers in accessing land, finance, training, technology, and markets.
In recognition of the United Nations International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, the World Farmers Markets Coalition (WorldFMC) Academy invites farmers, market managers, policymakers, researchers, and food system practitioners to join a special Studio Session exploring the powerful relationship between women farmers and Farmers Markets.
Date: 14 July 2026
Time: 3:00 PM CET
Duration: 75 minutes
Format: Online (Zoom)
Languages: English with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Italian, and French
Why this conversation matters
Around the world, women play a fundamental role in producing, processing, marketing, and preparing food. Their work is essential to food security, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods. However, structural inequalities often limit their opportunities to thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders within food systems.
Farmers Markets offer an alternative model. By creating direct connections between producers and consumers, they shorten supply chains, increase farmers’ incomes, foster community engagement, and provide accessible spaces where women can grow their businesses, build networks, and strengthen their economic independence.
The relationship is reciprocal. While Farmers Markets create opportunities for women, women themselves have been instrumental in shaping the success of these markets—as producers, market managers, entrepreneurs, community organisers, and advocates for sustainable local food systems.
Insights from the FMCOUNT! Campaign
Evidence from the World Farmers Markets Coalition’s FMCOUNT! campaign demonstrates the central role women play within Farmers Markets worldwide.
Preliminary findings from the 2025 global survey, conducted across 34 Farmers Markets in 11 countries, revealed that:
- 56% of interviewed farmers were women.
- 91% of respondents owned their farms.
- Farmers Markets provide stable, accessible, and economically meaningful spaces where producers can sell directly to consumers while building resilient livelihoods.
These findings reinforce what many markets already know: supporting women farmers means strengthening local food systems, communities, and economies.
What you will learn
This interactive Studio Session will bring together perspectives from different regions to explore research, experiences, and practical examples of women’s leadership in Farmers Markets.
Participants will gain insights into:
- The contribution of women farmers to sustainable and resilient food systems.
- How Farmers Markets support women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion.
- Inspiring examples of women-led Farmers Market initiatives from around the world.
- Policies and practical approaches that can strengthen women’s participation and leadership in local food systems.
- The broader global dialogue surrounding the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
Meet the Speakers
The session will feature distinguished experts, practitioners, and women leaders who are shaping more inclusive and sustainable food systems around the world.
Moderator
J. Robin Moon
Welcome and introduction.
Keynote Speakers
Ibtihal Khreesha
Agricultural Attaché and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations Agencies in Rome.
Tacko Ndiaye
Gender Team Leader, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Guest Speakers
Shatha Al-Azzeh
Dalia Association & Rihannah Association, Palestine.
Magdalena Fueres
Comité Central de la UNORCAC, Ecuador.
Sophy Kate Njue
Del’s Farm | Farmers Market Nairobi, Kenya.
Discussion
An interactive Questions & Answers session will provide participants with the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, exchange experiences, and discuss practical solutions for strengthening women’s leadership and participation in local food systems.
Closing Remarks
Richard McCarthy
President, World Farmers Markets Coalition.
Be part of the conversation
Building more inclusive and resilient food systems requires recognising and supporting the people who make them possible. This Studio Session offers an opportunity to learn from global experiences, exchange ideas, and celebrate the women who continue to shape the future of local food systems through Farmers Markets.
Whether you are a farmer, market organiser, policymaker, researcher, student, or simply passionate about sustainable food systems, we invite you to join this timely and inspiring discussion.
Together, let us celebrate the leadership of women farmers and explore how Farmers Markets can continue to build more equitable, resilient, and thriving local food systems.
