The United Nations have declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). This year is all about recognising the contributions of women in the agrifood sector, putting the spotlight on the essential roles that women play in the agrifood sector. As the UN states, women farmers and women who work in the agrifood sector are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience.
This week we continue our reflections on International Year of the Woman Farmer as Lucy takes time to reflect on what this means for her, as well as celebrating 3 women in our sector who deserve recognition.
Lucy's reflections on International Year of the Woman Farmer
The contributions of women to the agrifood sector are as diverse as the women who take on these roles. The way which women contribute to our sector is also diverse, from those who work on farm day in, day out, to those who work in advisory roles, advocacy roles, and other sector roles. International Year of the Woman Farmer has made me think about what it means to be a woman in agriculture. Beck’s reflections really made me stop and think about how we can go about celebrating women and their contributions while at the same time not romanticising the often heavy load that women in the sector bear.
While I grew up on a farm, I never had any aspiration to be involved in agriculture. It wasn’t something that I saw myself reflected in, whether that be physically or culturally. I didn’t think that who I was was someone who was likely to be welcomed by the rural sector and that my diversity would be something that was frowned upon. Having spent the last couple of years working in the sector in various capacities, from tertiary education, to coaching, to catchment group co-ordination, I have seen a different side to agriculture and that has largely been down to the women who I have come across who are living and working in this space.
I see a real strength in the community of women in New Zealand’s agricultural sector, and in the willingness to help each other out, to mentor, to talk, and to support. There is strength in the power of our connections. There is strength in our shared experiences, or in learning from those who have had experiences different to that of our own. There is strength in a culture of women rising by lifting others around them at the same time.
Lucy has chosen to celebrate the following three women:
Jordi Hoult
Jordi epitomizes someone who is all in on the agrifood sector, and her contributions are multi-faceted and wide-reaching. Having worked in various past roles at the Ministry for Primary Industries, Jordi is now working for the Department of Conservation as Commercial and Industry Lead – Wild Animals in a role that was created to unlock opportunities where biodiversity, agriculture, commercial value and food security intersect.
In addition to her day-to-day role, Jordi wears may hats with governance or advisory roles with OSPRI, Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance, Environment Hubs Aotearoa, and the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Her strength lies in her desire to dig deeper, think big, and challenge us to think differently about the challenges and opportunities that we face in the agrifood sector.
Jordi has been recognised as the 2025 New Zealand Young Veterinarian of the Year, and was also a finalist for the Primary Industries New Zealand Emerging Leader Award in 2024. This recognition is a testament to the work and influence that Jordi has on our sector through her various contributions. Additionally, Jordi is also a Kellogg’s scholar, completing the Rural Leadership Programme in 2025, undertaking her research titled ‘Growing Leaders, Growing Impact: Empowering the missing middle in Aotearoa agrifood leadership’.
I think that Jordi is very deserving of recognition for the role she plays in the sector. Jordi brings enthusiasm and energy, an ability to connect and find common ground with anyone, a desire to challenge the status quo, and a genuine want to see the sector thrive now and into the future.
Maddie Ford
Maddie is someone who is only starting out in her agrifood professional journey, but is someone who holds immense potential for the impact that she will have on our sector. She has recently graduated from the University of Otago where she studied a Bachelor of Applied Science in Molecular Biotechnology and Agricultural Innovation, endorsed with First Class Honours. Since graduating, Maddie has transitioned from an intern role into a full-time role as a Farm Systems Technician at Leaft Foods, where she supports crop monitoring, processing operations, and R&D project work.
Maddie has experience across different aspects of our sector through internships she held during her time as a student, spending time with Comvita as a Mānuka breeding and biodiversity intern, as well as spending time with Bioprotection Aotearoa where she researched soil microbes and carbon. She is someone who is also a deep thinker, who is innovative in her approach, and who truly values sustainability now and into the future.
I think that Maddie is deserving of recognition due to the waves that she will make in the sector as she continues to grow in a professional context. Maddie was an influential and applied student in the Agricultural Innovation degree programme at the University of Otago and I am excited to see her continue to grow in her new professional role, as well as her personal pursuits.
Becks Smith
Becks Smith is all about inspiring sustainable change from the ground up. She is someone who gives so much to the agrifood sector, whether that be on the farm, in her veterinary expertise, sustainability leadership, governance roles, or being an entrepreneur. Becks wears many hats which has meant her impact has had ripples to various corners of the sector at both the local and national scale.
As Founder and CEO of the Whole Story, Becks is deeply passionate about sustainability, agriculture, and how they intersect. Her mission is to inspire sustainability and empower farmers. This has seen her co-found Solayer, a business that is developing integrated agricultural energy solutions for farmers. Beck’s approach is a ‘by farmers, for farmers’ approach, which she is deeply grounded in through running a sheep, beef, and deer enterprise with her husband in Ranfurly, Central Otago.
Becks has been recognised as a Zanda McDonald Award finalist in 2021, and in 2024 won the New Zealand Veterinary Association Environmental Sustainability Award. She also serves her community and the sector through governance roles, previously being the Chair of Quorum Sense, and is currently a Beef and Lamb Farmer Councillor, as well as being on the steering committee for Otago Catchment Community.
I think that Becks deserves recognition because her role in the sector should not be understated. Becks embodies someone who wants the best for the future of the sector, who is willing to roll her sleeves up and take things on, but is also someone who wants the best for the people around her. She is a big believer that a rising tide lifts all boats, and she makes sure that she always lifts others up with her.