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The DLG (German Agricultural Society) and Women in Ag Magazine have today announced the four winners and runner ups of this year's "Women in Ag Awards". Conferred by an international jury in four categories: "Agriculture", "Agribusiness", "Education" and "Technology and Research", the award recognizes the contribution of women in agriculture, agribusiness, academia and other organizations in the agricultural industry. The award ceremony will take place at Agritechnica 2025, the world's leading trade fair for agricultural machinery, on 12 November in Hanover, Germany at the DLG Stand in Hall 24 at 16:00 hrs.
150 women from 63 countries entered the award scheme, which this year is being presented for the fourth time jointly by the DLG and Women in Ag Magazine. The winners were selected by an international jury of representatives from farming, the broader agricultural industry, science, organizations, and the media. The focus of the award is on outstanding achievements that contribute to the development of regional, national, and international agriculture.
Each of the four award categories includes a first, second, and third place. This year, the category Technology and Research selected two candidates for the third-place.
Winners by category
Category: Farming
First place: Joella Buhendwa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Joëlla Buhendwa, Founder and CEO of AstiFerme, leads a circular agriculture initiative in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, that transforms household organic waste into high-quality animal feed and fertilizer through black soldier fly farming. Her model reduces pollution, replaces imported protein, cuts emissions, and boosts food security. With a background in plant production and deep community engagement, Joella empowers youth and marginalized groups through inclusive green jobs. Her work turns waste into protein, energy, and opportunity—restoring ecosystems and human dignity while driving sustainable development.
Second place: Dr. Zeinab AL-Momany, Jordan
Third place: Mary Johnson, United States
Category: Agribusiness
First place: Joyce Waithira Rugano, Kenya
Joyce Waithira Rugano is a Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of Ecorich Solutions, a climate-tech company transforming food waste into organic fertilizer using AI-powered, solar-driven Wastebot technology. Her innovation supports over 8,000 farmers, creates green jobs, and promotes circular agriculture. Joyce also leads JSmart Interior Decor and Bold and Defiant, mentoring more than 200 youth in entrepreneurship. Her work blends sustainability, tech, and empowerment, earning global recognition from Qualcomm, WFP, and others. Through Ecorich, she champions regenerative farming, climate resilience, and inclusive growth across Kenya.
Second place: Linda Kelly, Germany
Third place: Alicia Gómez Giménez, Cabo Verde
Category: Education
First place: Robyn Camille Mijares, Philippines
Robyn Camille Mijares, 24, is revolutionizing agriculture in the Philippines through youth empowerment and education. As Founder and Executive Director of YOUTH UPRISING and GROW SCHOOL Philippines—the first bamboo farm school—she has reached over 98,000 students, tackling food insecurity with sustainable farming. Robyn is the first Filipino to win the UNDRR Women’s Rising Star Award and a World Food Prize Laureate. A TEDx speaker and global advocate, she inspires youth to be changemakers in agriculture. Her mission: that Filipino youth will never be hungry, but always have the hunger for change.
Second place: Lysette Lacambra, Philippines
Third place: Anonymous Honoree
Category: Technology and Research
First place: Cécile Deterre, Austria
Cécile Deterre, a former particle physicist, now leads the Data Science & IT team at Blue Planet Ecosystems, where she develops automated, land-based aquaculture systems for sustainable seafood. She applies machine learning, computer vision, and digital twin models to optimize fish health and ecosystem dynamics. Drawing on her physics background, she designs data architectures and control logic for real-time decision-making. Her work bridges data science, automation, and sustainability to enhance food security and reduce environmental impact.
Second place: Cristina Mallor, Spain
Joint Third place: Dr. Maria Theresa M. Mutia, Philippines and Lamai Yapanan, Thailand
October 15, 2025 - DLG
