The award ceremony for the winners was held on 15 October 2026, during the World Food Forum, at the seat of the FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in Rome. This date was particularly important since it is on 15 October that we celebrate International Day of Rural Women.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Stefan Krajewski nominated two Polish women farmers for the award. One of the 100 women awarded by FAO is Katarzyna Malicka, who, for many years, has been combining managing a farm with social and educational activities and promoting innovative solutions in agriculture.

– Women farmers play a significant role in the development of modern farms, building local communities and disseminating knowledge. I am happy that the achievements of Polish women farmers are appreciated and awarded by international institutions. It is particularly symbolic that we appreciate Ms Katarzyna’s achievements on the International Day of Rural Women – stressed Minister Krajewski.

Woman farmer, breeder and leader from Warmia

Katarzyna Malicka, together with her husband Daniel, manages a farm in Komalwy, in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship, with an area of about 370 ha, which combines conventional and organic production. Ms Katarzyna specialises in breeding sheep of the Kamieniecka breed. Mr Daniel is engaged in the cultivation of cereals, rapeseed and legumes. The winner is also involved in the processing of lamb and mutton, which come from her farm. In this way, she contributes to popularising and promoting these types of meat. Ms Malicka focuses on direct sales and her own-brand products. In addition, she is the president of the Regional Association of Sheep and Goat Breeders of Warmia and Mazury and is involved in social and educational initiatives. Her farm – “Owcze Klimaty na Warmii” (Sheep Vibes in Warmia) – belongs to the Polish Network of Demonstration Farms.

The 100 most influential women in agriculture

The FAO initiative has been organised in relation to the celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Its objective is to honour women who, through their daily work, entrepreneurship, innovation and social activities, influence the development of agri-food systems and improvement in the quality of life of local communities.

Awarded women from all over the world represent various environments. They are, among others, women farmers, food producers, entrepreneurs, leaders of local communities, persons involved in environmental protection and sustainable development, as well as scientists, agricultural consultants and representatives of public institutions.