The Strong Hands of Agriculture: Rising Prosperity with Women Farmers

Globally, women make up 43% of the agricultural workforce and contribute to more than half of food production. In Türkiye, agriculture is the only sector where women and men are employed in nearly equal numbers. According to data, the total number of people employed in agriculture is 4.77 million, with women representing 41.86%, or approximately 1.98 million. Women’s contributions to agriculture are vital; their labor is the backbone of agricultural production and rural life.

However, women in the agricultural sector are underrepresented and face challenges, especially in accessing technology and financial resources.

Empowering Women Farmers with the 1000 Farmers Endless Prosperity Program

Since 2019, our program has touched the lives of farmers across different regions of Türkiye, implementing numerous initiatives to support the sustainability of agriculture. This year, we focused on women farmers. As of 2024, we have added a new module to our program to provide even more tangible support to women farmers.

So far, 214 women have participated in our program, and in 2024, we welcomed 100 more. This year, we included women olive growers in addition to those growing corn, sunflower, and canola.

In the coming years, we plan to involve women farmers cultivating various crops, tripling the number of women participants annually. By doing so, the 1000 Farmers Endless Prosperity Program will not only increase diversity but also support women’s strength in agriculture, contributing to gender equality.

Women in Agriculture: Stories from Our Farmers

The women in our program shared their experiences and how the program's training and support have impacted their agricultural practices.

“No production without women”
Ceylan Karaoğlan, İzmir:
"I’ve been farming in Tire, İzmir, for 31 years, and I’ve been part of the 1000 Farmers Endless Prosperity Program since 2019. I used to grow vegetables and cotton; now I’m focused on corn farming and livestock. Thanks to the program, I’ve learned how to farm more efficiently and make informed decisions about fertilization through soil analysis. It’s given me confidence. I believe there’s no production without women. Women are the invisible strength of agriculture, improving the quality of production with their careful and clean work."

"A determined woman always succeeds!"
Deniz Tekeli, Adana:
"For 12 years, I’ve been farming in Yüreğir, Adana, growing corn, soy, citrus, and now trialing a new variety of cherries. The program has allowed me to learn not only from my region but also from other regions. As my knowledge grows, I’ve become more efficient in fertilization and harvesting, and I’ve improved my financial literacy. Women farmers are detail-oriented and dedicated to their work. I believe in the power of women in agriculture. A determined woman always succeeds!"

"The future will see more women leading in farming!"
Zerrin Gürel Yeşildal, Tekirdağ:
"I’ve been farming in Tekirdağ for 18 years, growing wheat, barley, canola, and sunflowers. Although men dominate the sector, women are more active in horticulture and aromatic plant cultivation. With good farming practices, no one can judge you. I believe there will be more women and young farmers in the future."

A Stronger Future with Women Farmers

As part of the 1000 Farmers Endless Prosperity Program, we aim to increase both the number and the capacity of women farmers in Türkiye. Through dedicated modules and training, we will help women take on more active roles in the sector. This initiative not only makes women more visible in agricultural production but also contributes to gender equality. Thanks to women farmers, we will foster innovative and sustainable solutions that will make Turkish agriculture stronger and more competitive.

Women are shaping the future of agriculture, and the 1000 Farmers Endless Prosperity Program will continue to support them on this journey.

Looking at our plans for the program:

• Filiz Sensor Stations: Measure soil moisture and temperature, monitoring soil and weather conditions to optimize irrigation and detect diseases.
• PestTrap: Automated pest detection for early warnings against the olive moth, preventing unnecessary pesticide use.
• Flowmeter: Real-time monitoring of irrigation and total water usage, optimizing water consumption in conjunction with Filiz.
• Digital soil analysis and fertilization program: Provides personalized advice based on digital soil composition measurements, creating a tailored fertilization plan.
• Field visits by our agricultural engineers: Offer advice on activity development and regenerative agricultural practices.
• Olive Product Sales and Marketing Training: Teaches farmers how to produce value-added olives and how to market and sell them effectively using digital tools and social media.
• Value-Added Sales Support Line: A platform supporting sales alongside the Technical Support Line.
• Portal: Records all data and activities for program management, planning, coordination, and activity reporting.

We proudly celebrate the contributions of women farmers in agriculture! We thank all the women who have participated in our program and made a difference in production, and we believe that their determination and perseverance will lead to a more sustainable and stronger future for agriculture.

Together, to many more years of success!