Men and women work in synergy, with full dedication and expertise, on traditional farms and within family businesses. Recognising their work is fully aligned with the fifth pillar of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is entirely dedicated to gender equality.
This is also the foundation of the International Year of Women Farmers, proclaimed by FAO to highlight the crucial role played by women in the agri-food sector. It is an opportunity to underline how women contribute at multiple levels to the quality, stability and future potential of apple growing in Val Venosta.
Monika Ohrwalder: leadership based on collaboration
One example is Monika Ohrwalder, director of the Mivor cooperative, who embodies the evolution of contemporary agricultural leadership.
What does leadership in an agricultural cooperative mean to you?
“For me, leadership in a cooperative means, above all, developing solutions together and continuously evolving. At the centre are transparent communication, teamwork and a climate of mutual respect. The trust of our members and employees is very important to me.”
What messages do you want to convey as a cooperative to female growers, young women and family businesses?
“Gender is not what matters, but rather competence, commitment, self-confidence and personality. I want to encourage women to be less modest, to trust their own abilities more and to actively build their own path.”
What role do women play in the quality and future of apple growing in Val Venosta?
“Women are active in all areas, from orchard care to organisational and business decisions. Their commitment, attention and awareness regarding the protection of the soil and the territory are essential factors for long-term success and for the future of apple growing in Val Venosta.”
A deep bond with the farm: Sandra Alber’s experience in the field
The practical perspective of women’s work and agricultural production is clearly reflected in the experience of Sandra Alber, future owner of the Rumplerhof farm. This historic farm, now approaching its fourth generation, is dedicated to organic apple growing and, with its upcoming official handover, will pass into female hands for the second time.
What characteristics, in your opinion, define female leadership?
“I believe women bring many qualities that are extremely useful and important in an agricultural business. These include organisation, planning, economic thinking, accounting, marketing, communication both with employees and externally with customers and organisations, social skills, perseverance, resilience and the ability to cope with the mental load. These are fundamental qualities for the business management of the future.”
What strategies could help increase the presence of women in agriculture?
“To make it easier and more natural for young women to take on responsibilities on the farm, it would certainly be useful to make women more visible in agriculture and to overcome certain prejudices, such as the idea that women are not strong enough for certain jobs or that they cannot drive a tractor well. As I have already said, when there is interest, anything can be learned. In this respect, a specific continuing education programme for women, with courses and training pathways, would also be very interesting.”
What message would you give to a woman who wants to follow the same professional path as you?
“Trust yourself and your abilities. Women can do much more than we often believe. Follow your passion and do not let others underestimate you. Today, agriculture does not only require physical effort, but also knowledge, organisation, creativity and versatility. Women can run an agricultural business just as successfully and actively help shape the future of agriculture.”
A sector moving steadily towards full equality
The transition towards an increasingly inclusive, modern and equal agricultural sector is now a structural objective for the entire fruit-growing system of the valley.
Confirming this clear strategic vision, Martin Pinzger, Director of VIP, outlines the future prospects for the whole sector in the region.
“In modern fruit growing, a high degree of mechanisation supports work that was historically physical, making it manageable regardless of gender.
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Due to the sharp increase in investment intensity and risks in fruit growing, the focus must be placed on training and business skills. In this area, women start from the same conditions as their male colleagues, with neither advantages nor disadvantages. For VIP, it is very important to set an example of equal opportunities in the agri-food sector and, for this reason, today we can proudly say that, out of the cooperative’s 69 employees, 35 are women.”
These examples show how women in Val Venosta contribute at multiple levels to the quality, stability and future capacity of apple growing on traditional farms, in family businesses and in cooperatives. This synergy between management skills and passion for the land represents the true driving force behind a modern, resilient and economically sustainable fruit and vegetable sector.
By highlighting the role of women at every level of the supply chain, VIP not only responds to global equality goals, but also strengthens the efficiency of its own production structure. The Apple Paradise is thus looking to the future, supported by a united, inclusive community that remains constantly focused on commercial and territorial excellence.
