The Changemaker Awards
2026 Changemaker Awards
The Changemaker Awards celebrate the bold ideas and innovative contributions that are reshaping agriculture worldwide.
Returning in 2026 for its second edition, bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever, the award proudly connects with the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer by shining a spotlight on innovators who are transforming the future of agriculture worldwide.
Award categories
The 2026 awards encourage entries that showcase initiatives advancing the vital role of women in agriculture and the efforts helping to overcome the barriers they encounter, across three specific categories:
Changemaker Award for Innovation
Changemaker Award for Community Impact
Changemaker Award for Sustainability
Changemaker Award for Innovation
Changemaker Award for Community Impact
Changemaker Award for Sustainability
Introducing the 2026 Changemaker Award category for...
What’s it about
Recognizing on-farm innovations that help women farm more effectively.
What are we looking for?
Problem solving innovations, such as new tools, apps, equipment, or technologies and stories of successful new approaches to farming.
Who should apply?
Anyone who can demonstrate measurable results (e.g., increased yield, income, productivity, reduced workload, or improved safety) that have had a tangible impact on women in agriculture.
What’s it about
Celebrating those building fair, resilient farming systems by empowering women and fostering inclusivity.
What are we looking for?
People or initiatives creating positive change in communities, e.g. stronger livelihoods, easier market access, or wellbeing measures.
Who should apply?
Anyone whose work has supported the essential role of women in agricultural communities e.g., women-led groups, community development projects, training programs or similar.
What’s it about
Recognizing systemic change toward more sustainable food and farming systems.
What are we looking for?
Sustainability projects or agri-leaders demonstrating lasting impact in agrifood systems e.g., climate-smart practices or policy initiatives resulting in improved resource management, reduced waste, increased productivity, strengthened local markets, or enhanced community resilience.
Who should apply?
Initiatives or leaders contributing to systemic sustainable change, e.g., women leaders in green entrepreneurship, driving forces behind policies supporting sustainable farming projects and sustainable change for women in agriculture.
How to apply:
Applications will open on our website on 15 January 2026. Evidence required (e.g. photos, videos, presentations, stories and graphics).
Why apply?
Credibility: Strengthen your professional profile with recognition from an international jury of sector leaders
Recognition: Place your work in the spotlight, live on stage at the AGRAYA SUMMIT 2026
Visibility: Benefit from global promotion, with shortlisted and winning applicants/initiatives featured across our channels
Community: Connect with an international network of changemakers dedicated to shaping the future of farming
Access: Receive a complimentary SUMMIT ticket if your initiative is shortlisted
Application timeline
- January 2026:
The application period opens – more details coming soon. All locations, sectors, age categories, and genders – with a focus on initiatives aligned with promoting women in agriculture – are eligible.
- May 2026:
The application period closes, and an expert jury panel (to be announced) will select the final shortlist.
- September 2026:
Shortlist campaign, promoting those who made it to the final three in each category.
- October 2026:
The winners will be announced live on stage at the SUMMIT 2026 in Bologna.
Be the next Changemaker
Applications open in January 2026. Don’t miss your chance to gain global recognition and join a powerful network of innovators shaping the future of farming!
Be the first to know when applications go live.
Celebrating the 2024 Changemakers
At the SUMMIT 2024, the Changemaker Awards launched with three trailblazing winners:
Founded in 2006, One Acre Fund aims to transform Kenyan farming communities by improving food security and creating pathways to prosperity. Through timely input distribution, market access programs, and comprehensive training, the organization supports farmers in key value chains like macadamia and avocado. By directly overseeing certification, sourcing, processing, and export, One Acre Fund increases value chain efficiency, allowing producers to earn 30–50% more than they would with brokers. Over 5,600 producers have been trained and certified, representing 70% of all GLOBALG.A.P. certified farmers in Kenya.
Kiwa Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility Route 2025 aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on sustainability and community well-being. Kiwa Ecuador’s initiatives include health and nutrition training, recycling, waste management, and eco-friendly certifications. In Guamote canton, an area with the highest child malnutrition rates in Ecuador, Kiwa Ecuador has supported around 500 families by conserving local springs and planting 550 native plants with community involvement. These efforts contribute to improving both environmental and social conditions in the region.
In 2017, SPAR launched the Rural Hub in Limpopo, South Africa, to help small-scale farmers overcome barriers like food safety compliance, finance, and infrastructure. The initiative provides technical training, access to funding, and a guaranteed market, enabling farmers to supply commercial markets. Currently supporting 15 farmers and employing over 140 people, the program aims to grow to 60 producers with over 1,000 hectares within five years. Through a customized GLOBALG.A.P. capacity building program, farmers have achieved full certification, fostering a more diverse and equitable supply chain.
These organizations set the bar high in 2024, and in 2026 we are excited to see who will carry forward the Changemaker legacy.
The Changemaker Awards is more than a prize. It is a platform for visibility, collaboration, and inspiration – giving applicants the opportunity to share their work on a global stage and connect with partners who can help scale their impact.
