A ceremony in Rome has highlighted the diverse contributions women make to food systems and rural development. On 15 October, FAO honoured one hundred women selected from 609 nominations submitted by 131 members. The recognition forms part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Those selected include farmers, business owners, researchers, teachers and community leaders. Their work shows that improving agriculture involves knowledge, enterprise and environmental stewardship, not simply increasing the amount of food produced.
The final honouree announced at the event was China's Yin Yuzhen, recognized for decades of work restoring degraded land. Her efforts contributed to restoring nearly five thousand hectares around her home in the Mu Us Sandy Land. More than eight million trees have been planted across the area. FAO described a selection process involving eligibility checks and several rounds of assessment to ensure geographical balance. The wider message is that rural progress depends on recognizing people whose practical experience and leadership often receive too little attention.