The Changemaker Awards
Applications now open! Deadline: 15 May 2026
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.
What are the Changemaker Awards?
Far more than a trophy, the Changemaker Awards program is a launchpad for visibility and global connection.
Backed by the credibility of an international jury of sector leaders, shortlisted initiatives will be celebrated live at the AGRAYA SUMMIT 2026 – gaining powerful visibility across our global channels.
As an applicant, you’ll join a vibrant community of Changemakers shaping the future of farming. If your initiative is shortlisted, you’ll also receive a complimentary SUMMIT ticket to connect, learn, and showcase your achievements in person.
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
UN International Year of the Woman Farmer
The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). The aim of this declaration is to spotlight the essential and often unrecognized roles that women play across agrifood systems from production to trade.
At Agraya, we aim to advance farmer empowerment and agency, drive equitable value chains, and promote inclusive technology and innovation.
Women farmers are central to these focus areas, which is why this edition of the Changemaker Awards connects with the IYWF 2026. Although the program is open to everyone, every applicant must show how their initiatives benefit women involved in agriculture and supply chains.
Application timeline
- 15 January:
The application portal is now open.
- 15 May:
The application period closes. No further entries will be considered after this deadline.
- June-July:
An expert jury panel will select the final shortlist.
- September:
The shortlist will be announced. Promotion of the three successful applicants in each category will begin. - 28 October:
The winners will be announced live on stage on day two of the AGRAYA SUMMIT 2026 in Bologna, Italy.
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.
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
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.
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.
