One of the most persistent myths in New Zealand is that women support farming, rather than also lead it.
As the country marks the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 (IYWF 2026), industry leaders have challenged that misconception, noting that women have already been shaping the country’s agrifood system as growers, orchard managers, exporters, researchers, traders, and business owners.
Led by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), IYWF 2026 has aimed to build global awareness of the significant contribution of women farmers and to call for increased investment in their empowerment through research, capacity development, innovation and stronger partnerships.
“The idea that women are simply supporting roles in farming is outdated and inaccurate,” said Stephanie Wrathall from Women in Horticulture New Zealand (WiH).
“Women are leading businesses and making critical decisions right across the agrifood system, not just on farms, but across the horticulture industry.
This has made women’s leadership critical to food security, climate resilience and economic growth, particularly as the sector adapts to environmental pressures, labour challenges and shifting global markets.
“If we want resilient, future-focused food systems, we need to recognise women as leaders.”
Wrathall said common perceptions about horticulture don’t always match reality.
“Modern horticulture relies on communication, planning and team management as much as physical labour, and women are doing that work across the sector.”
Myths WiH have committed to debunking:
Farming has been visually framed as male
For decades, the public image of “a farmer” has been a man on a tractor or in a paddock. Advertising, media stories, awards and even children’s books reinforced that single image.
Women’s work, whether in orchards, packhouses, research, finance, compliance, or export, was less visible, even when it was absolutely essential.
Women’s leadership was often unnamed
Women have long managed businesses, staff, finances, and risk, yet their roles were often described as “helping or admin” rather than as leading. Leadership was happening; it simply wasn’t recognised or labelled as such.
Decision-making roles weren’t always public
Many women led behind the scenes: negotiating contracts, managing compliance, overseeing sustainability and driving innovation. Because leadership wasn’t always happening in visible, formal titles, it was easier for outsiders to miss.
Narrow definitions of “farming”
We often define farming as what happens on the land rather than across the whole value chain. That leaves out huge areas where women dominate or lead: horticulture and post-harvest systems, biosecurity and science, export, marketing and trade, as well as workforce development and governance.
Structural barriers reinforced the story
For a long time, women had less access to land ownership, capital and credit, governance roles and tailored training. Wrathall said those barriers limited visibility, which reinforced the perception that women support farming rather than lead it, creating a loop that was hard to break.
IYWF 2026 will raise awareness and promote actions to close the gender gaps and improve women’s livelihoods worldwide.
“That’s why IYWF 2026 matters. It’s about recognising women currently in leadership roles and working on developing potential leaders in future, backing and scaling the leadership that already exists.”
Read the stories of more women leading F+B Tech across Oceania here
