SmartVitiNet presented at the Women in Business and Beyond Conference

Did you know that women make up only 28% of the global agricultural workforce — and often face more limited access to land, training, and technology compared to their male counterparts? In Europe, while women account for around 30% of farm managers, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles, agri-tech innovation, and policymaking.

That’s why the Women in Business and Beyond Conference was such a powerful moment for the SmartVitiNet project. During the event, Anna Palaiologk from Future Needs led an engaging workshop that explored how to bring more women into traditionally male-dominated sectors, with funding opportunities.

The session sparked thoughtful conversations around:

• Breaking down barriers for women entering agri-tech and sustainable farming

• Funding opportunities in the agricultural sector

Anna also introduced the SmartVitiNet Competence Centre — a free platform supporting professionals in viticulture with training modules, best practices, and networking opportunities across Europe. The Competence Centre is open to everyone, but we especially hope to see more women take advantage of these resources to build confidence, gain skills, and lead projects in smart and sustainable agriculture.

“Promoting diversity in the industry is not just about equality—it’s about unlocking innovation through fresh perspectives,” Anna shared during the session.

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