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Stephanie Wrathall
As New Zealand marks the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 (IYWF 2026), industry leaders are challenging the misconception that women only support farming.
Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), IYWF 2026 aims 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“The idea that women are simply supporting roles in farming is outdated and inaccurate,” says Stephanie Wrathall from Women in Horticulture New Zealand (WiH).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," she says.
This makes 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” says Wrathall.
One women with 20 seasons of experience in horticulture is Whitney Conder, who began her career as a fruit picker during her university summers.
Conder is now Orchard Manager at Central Pac and says she leads through problem‑solving, time management, and people development.
“Leadership shouldn't be defined by a title; it’s about shaping decisions and guiding outcomes every day, choosing adaptation over rigid planning. Women are already driving innovation and resilience throughout our industry, and I’m proud to be a part of the shift toward visible, recognised leadership."
Wrathall says 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.”
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,” says Wrathall.
As New Zealand marks International Day of Rural Women today, women from across the horticulture sector are calling attention to the crucial role they play in building a more sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient industry.
To mark International Rural Women's Day on 15 October, Women in Horticulture (WiH) and United Fresh New Zealand Inc. are sponsoring the Inspiring Wāhine Conference 2025.
This International Women's Day, there are calls to address a reported gender disparity gap between men women New Zealand's horticulture industry leadership.
An initiative that supports networking and career progression of women in horticulture has received state funding.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
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