Worldwide nominations are open until 31 August for women, allies and organisations contributing to stronger, more innovative and resilient food systems.
From the people producing food and building agricultural businesses to those advancing research, developing technology, improving nutrition and creating routes to market, much of the work sustaining and improving food systems happens far from the global spotlight.
The Women in Food & Agribusiness Global Awards 2026, an initiative of Women in Food & Agribusiness Innovation (WIFAI), seeks to bring greater visibility to women, allies and organisations making meaningful contributions across the food and agriculture value chain.
Nominations are open worldwide until 30 August 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony in London on 29 October.
The initiative comes at a time when food systems are under growing pressure from climate change, supply-chain disruption, food insecurity, changing consumer demands and the need to produce and distribute food more sustainably.
Against this backdrop, the awards aim to recognise not only prominent industry figures, but also founders, farmers, researchers, scientists, processors, exporters, innovators, community leaders and organisations producing measurable change within their sectors and communities.
"Recognition is not only about celebrating achievement; it is about making important work visible," said Nana Adjoa Sifa, Founder of Guzakuza and Convener of Women in Food & Agribusiness Innovation. "When good work becomes visible, it can attract partnerships, inspire replication and help connect solutions from one part of the world with opportunities in another."
20 Categories Across the Food and Agribusiness Ecosystem
The 2026 programme features 20 award categories, reflecting the breadth of people and organisations contributing to global food systems.
Categories include Agribusiness Entrepreneur of the Year, Food Brand Founder of the Year, Emerging Agripreneur Award, Outstanding Farmer Award, Commercial Farm Excellence Award, Culinary Innovation Award, Food Safety & Quality Leadership Award, Sustainable Food Manufacturing Award, AgriTech Innovation Award and FoodTech Innovation Award.
Other categories recognise contributions in Global Food & Agribusiness Export, Agricultural Finance & Investment, Food Systems Leadership, Regenerative Agriculture, Food Service & Hospitality Leadership, Nutrition, Rural Economic Empowerment, Climate & Sustainability Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion, and Agribusiness Voice & Journalism.
There is no geographic restriction on nominations.
Nominations can be submitted by colleagues, professional bodies, institutions, industry peers, community members and others familiar with a nominee's work. Eligible individuals may also put forward their own work for consideration.
Following the nomination period, eligible submissions will proceed through review and judging, with assessment considering impact, innovation, leadership, sustainability, growth and influence.
Nominations for the Women in Food & Agribusiness Global Awards 2026 close on 30 August 2026.
Award categories, eligibility requirements and nomination information are available at wifaiawards website.
