“Prejudice, both from men and other women, is still an obstacle…”
Ambassadors of the 10th National Congress of Women in Agribusiness in Brazil: Carolina Brazil, journalist and presenter of a daily news show; Vanessa Leonardi, strawberry farmer and CEO of Farm Zanatto in Nova Petrópolis (RS); Carina Ayres, Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock of São José do Rio Preto; Rafaela de Nápole, agronomist, specialist in precision agriculture and commercial management; and Carminha Gatto Missio, farmer, elected by Forbes Brazil as one of the 100 most influential women in agribusiness.
AgriBrasilis – What attracted you to agribusiness?
Vanessa – I was captivated by agribusiness when I realized the strength and spirit of unity of the women working in this sector. Their courage and resilience inspired me to become part of this world.
Carminha – Agribusiness chose me. I simply followed a path that was inevitable, being the granddaughter, daughter, niece, sister, and wife of farmers. I was born in the countryside and into a family that worked with it, so there is no stronger attraction.
Carina – The love I have for agribusiness goes back to my childhood. Here, where I live and work today, my umbilical cord is literally buried. In our family, there was a tradition of burying children’s umbilical cords in the barn, believing it would make them love the land and livestock.
Rafaela – My relationship with agribusiness is very deep, as my family has a direct connection. With such strong examples, it was natural for me to also become part of this area, so important to Brazil and the world!
Carolina – The choice to make a difference in people’s lives, combining my communication experience with my family connection to the sector.
AgriBrasilis – Does agribusiness still resist female leadership?
Carolina – It’s not agribusiness that resists, but certain niches. Agribusiness is open to opportunities; what defines success is technical ability, opportunity, and knowledge in the sector. We already represent 50% of the leadership in agribusiness, both inside and outside the farm gate.
Rafaela – I’ve been graduated for 15 years, and for sure today, female leadership represents important roles leading farms, multinational companies, as managers, presidents, and owners. Still, there are those who question our capability. But we fight every day to change this reality and show our strength!
Carina – We still face many challenges for women to occupy leadership positions in agribusiness. Whether on farms, in mills, cooperatives, or public agencies related to the sector, female presence is still small. Even in family-owned businesses, it’s rare to see a woman leading management. In large companies, leadership positions are also predominantly held by men.
AgriBrasilis – What are the biggest challenges for women?
Carina – Having the courage to take a stand. Often, women are placed in a secondary position in the management of family-owned businesses. We need to break this logic and assert that we want to be successors, not just heirs. We are also held to higher standards than men, so it is essential to seek qualifications and support other women.
Carminha – Taking ownership of their own story is essential, whether in the field or the city. Often, women with inspiring stories are seen as supporting characters, behind male figures. I advocate for qualification as the key to becoming a reference in the chosen activity. Although access to qualification is a challenge, we must overcome difficulties to leave our mark.
Rafaela – We need to prove our competence twice: as professionals and as women occupying leadership positions.
Vanessa – Prejudice, both from men and other women, is still an obstacle. To stand out, resilience and determination are required, constantly proving competence and capability.
AgriBrasilis – How do you promote agribusiness?
Carolina – I give a voice to the actions of the sector, participate in entrepreneurship projects, and promote agribusiness at every opportunity.
Vanessa – I believe communicating about agribusiness to those who are not part of it is essential to break stereotypes and combat the negative view that the sector often faces. For that, I use my social media to share content about agribusiness, female participation, and events for women in the sector. I also participate in and support congresses and initiatives that strengthen this representation.
Carminha – By defending the sector and working for its strengthening, both in my business and in class entities. It’s not enough to be a farmer from the farm gate in; we need to participate in public and institutional policies, bring our demands, make ourselves heard, and also have a voice to defend the segment that drives the economy of the country and ensures global food security. I actively participate in discussions in my community, am part of associations and unions, serve as vice-president of the Agriculture Federation of Bahia, and preside over the Agricultural Institute.
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