FAO Honors LandFrauen President Petra Bentkämper as a “Women Hero”
The award is part of an inaugural recognition program honoring 100 women from 131 countries
Award Presented for the First Time Goes to the President of the German LandFrauen Association, Following a Nomination by the BMLEH
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today honored Petra Bentkämper, President of the German LandFrauen Association, in Rome as one of the “100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.” With this inaugural award, the FAO honors 100 women from around the world who, through their leadership, dedication, and innovative spirit, are helping to shape agriculture, food systems, and rural communities.
Federal Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Home Affairs Alois Rainer commented: “Petra Bentkämper is a true shaper of our rural communities. She doesn’t just talk about the challenges women face in agriculture and society—she has been working for many years with great expertise, perseverance, and passion to bring about change. At the same time, she embodies what defines our rural regions: responsibility for one another, a strong culture of volunteerism, and a spirit of solidarity in action. I am delighted that this long-standing commitment is now also being recognized internationally. Dear Ms. Bentkämper, you have more than earned this award. Congratulations!”
As president of the German LandFrauen Association, Bentkämper has been advocating for the interests of women in agriculture and rural areas for years. In addition, she contributes her experience and expertise as chair of the Expert Council on Rural Development to the advisory work of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH). In this role, she advocates for rural development that integrates economic strength, social cohesion, and the local community.
The award coincides with the United Nations’ International Year of Women in Agriculture 2026, which highlights the achievements of women in agriculture and rural areas worldwide. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Home Affairs (BMLEH) had nominated Petra Bentkämper for the award. As early as 2024, the ministry honored her with the Professor Niklas Medal, the ministry’s highest distinction. This recognized her outstanding commitment to women, families, democracy, and social cohesion in rural areas and in agriculture.
Background:
The FAO will present the “100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development” award for the first time in 2026. The initiative received more than 600 nominations from 131 countries. The award honors women whose dedication strengthens communities, advances sustainable development, and helps shape agrifood systems and rural areas. The ceremony will take place on October 15, 2026, at FAO headquarters in Rome as part of the World Food Forum and on International Day of Rural Women. The initiative is also part of the United Nations’ International Year of Women in Agriculture 2026, which highlights the contributions of women in agricultural and food systems and actively helps to increase their visibility.
Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.
Other news from the department people
