Begoña Pérez-Villarreal Recognised as One of the Women Leaders in Agrifood 25

2025’s recognition ceremony took place on 5 July at the Smart Agrifood Summit in Fundão, Portugal, where 13 women — including 10 newly appointed Portuguese leaders — were honoured for their outstanding contributions to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive food system transformation. Although Pérez Villarreal attended online, she remarked on the powerful sense of sisterhood and shared commitment that defined the event.

• Cátia Pinto – Smart Farm CoLab, engineering and innovation for Portugal’s digital farming transformation.
• Maria da Graça Carvalho – Minister for the Environment, science-based policymaking with a focus on sustainability and inclusion.
• Sara Martins – Portugal Bugs, a pioneer in insect protein and sustainable food innovation.
• Ana Fernandes – Agrenatus, agricultural regeneration through biodiversity and local impact.
• Isabel Ferreira – Former Secretary of State for the Interior, promoting science and rural development with a cohesion-focused vision.
• Carla Ramos – Real Vines, circular economy and wine sector valorisation with a business lens.
• Isabel Jonet – Bancos Alimentares, leading ethical and social action against food waste across Europe.
• Madalena Motta – Gorreana Tea Factory, preserving tradition and resilience in Europe’s oldest tea plantation.
• Eng. Carmo Martins – COTHN, driving technical knowledge transfer in the fruit and vegetable sector.
• Sonia Marroyo – Quinta do Pomar, crafting globally awarded cheese with artisanal excellence.

Women Leaders in Agrifood is a European initiative designed to celebrate, connect, and empower women who are leading innovation and transformation in the agrifood sector. Through collaboration, visibility, and cross-sector exchange, the network seeks to strengthen female leadership and accelerate the transition towards more sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems.

The Women Leaders in Agrifood network was launched in 2024 in Seville to raise the visibility of women leading the transition towards sustainable and inclusive food systems. With this expansion, it now includes trailblazers from Spain, Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, the United States, and beyond.