Women Manage 17 Percent of EU Agricultural Land in 2023
Data shows that while participation varies by region, female farmers manage nearly one-fifth of the EU agricultural area.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Should governments implement policies to increase the percentage of farms managed by women?
In 2023, women managed 17.2 percent of the utilized agricultural area across the European Union. While participation varies significantly by region, female farmers often tend to operate smaller agricultural holdings.
Why it matters
Understanding regional shifts in land management helps identify disparities in agricultural ownership and access. This data highlights the current footprint of women in farming as the sector looks toward future generational renewal.
Data derived from the Eurostat farm manager dataset covering 241 NUTS 2 regions shows that 17.2 percent of the European Union's agricultural land was managed by women in 2023. This includes 25 regions with at least 28.5 percent female-managed area and 12 regions with less than 5.0 percent.
The players
Eurostat
The statistical office of the European Union that provides high-quality statistics for the region.
United Nations
An international organization that has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
The details
Female farm managers in the European Union tend to oversee smaller agricultural holdings compared to their male counterparts. The data reveals stark geographic differences, with the Austrian region of Oberösterreich reporting 211,600 hectares under female management, while the Dutch region of Friesland reports 6,000 hectares. Analysts anticipate that generational renewal within the agricultural sector will likely lead to increased participation by women in larger, more commercially oriented farming systems.
Timeline
2023: Measurement period for female-managed agricultural area in the EU.
2026: The United Nations designated year for the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Health Landscape
The Eurostat farm manager dataset benchmarks the participation of women against historical norms in European agriculture. This data provides a foundation for assessing how the industry's landscape is evolving as the sector prepares for upcoming generational turnover.
Understanding the origins of your food begins with recognizing the demographics of the agricultural systems that produce it. Consumers interested in sustainable food supply chains may find it valuable to follow how generational shifts impact farm management practices in their region.
The takeaway
The landscape of European agriculture is currently defined by a significant disparity in how land is managed across different regions. Readers interested in the future of food systems should watch for upcoming reports during the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer for new demographic insights.
What happens next
The United Nations will observe the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, which is expected to bring further global focus to agricultural demographic trends.
Further reading
For broader context on agricultural production standards, visit our Organic Food section.
Live Poll
Should governments implement policies to increase the percentage of farms managed by women?
