Advancing Women in Agri-food Rural Environments (AWARE)

Over the past decade- females have been grossly underrepresented, with males dominating 70% of the farm to fork activity across Europe. Trends have been increasing slightly, from an average of 12% in 2000-2009 to 14% in 2010-2019 (Agri-Food Strategy 2030, 2021), which need further support and growth to be sustained (Ward et al., 2019). The European Commission has highlighted that the sector needs a generation boost, as current data shows that only 4.2% of female farmers are under the age of 35 compared to just 29.2% of men. The project was aimed to address this, boost females’ entrepreneurial skillsets and employment opportunities, create inclusion, and further reduce the gender gap in the Agri-Food sector across Europe. The main aims: this project we aim: To support the growth of women entrepreneurs by developing a specific training course and mentorship resources that focus on their needs in the Agri-Food sector; To equip current and aspiring women entrepreneurs in the Agri-food sector with the knowledge, skill, and confidence to leverage their business concepts into fruition; To provide access to entrepreneurial training and develop an understanding around business mentor(s) and their value on the journey of an Agri-Food business; To reduce the gender gap in entrepreneurship, impacting employability opportunities for women in the Agri-Food sector throughout Europe. Five key outputs were developed: 1. Curriculu; 2. Online Module Content and Digital Learning Toolkit. Online "Start your own Food Business" Training Cours; 3. A Research Report investigating the added value mentoring provides to women entrepreneurs and how it can be applied in the Agri-Food sector across Europe; 34 Digital Infographic Booklet will provide women entrepreneurs with key resources and supports specific to the Agri-Food sector; 5. A Promotional Video that will encapsulate the positive experiences of many real-life Mentors and Mentees across the Agri-Food sector.