As we embark on our 100 Women in Food and Farming Campaign, we thought it would be fitting to highlight some of the female pioneers who have made lasting contributions to food and agriculture over the years. These remarkable women paved the way for future generations, shaping the farming industry and the food we eat today.
Catherine de Braganza (1638–1705)
As Queen of England, Catherine de Braganza introduced tea to the English court, sparking a love affair with tea that has lasted over 350 years. Today, approximately 50 billion cups of tea are consumed annually in the UK, making it one of the most purchased food and beverage products.
Anna Baldwin (1832–1900)
An American dairy farmer and inventor, Anna Baldwin revolutionized dairy farming with five innovative patents. Her inventions ranged from devices for producing butter and pomade at an industrial scale to milk coolers and separators. Her most notable creation, the hygienic milking machine, allowed for more efficient milking, paving the way for modern dairy practices.
Ellen Swallow Richards (1842–1911)
The first woman admitted to MIT, Ellen Swallow Richards was a pioneer in sanitary chemistry. She applied her expertise to food safety, developing early testing and sanitation methods that shaped modern food safety standards. Her work laid the foundation for better nutrition and food handling, benefiting both consumers and the food industry.
Rachel Carson (1907–1964)
Rachel Carson, environmental activist and author of Silent Spring, raised global awareness of the dangers of pesticides and harmful agricultural practices. Her work played a key role in the birth of the modern environmental movement and continues to influence sustainable farming practices today.
Lady Eve Balfour (1899–1990)
Lady Eve Balfour was one of the pioneers of the organic farming movement in the UK. As co-founder of the Soil Association, she conducted one of the first long-term scientific studies comparing organic and conventional farming methods. Her 1943 book, The Living Soil, remains a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture.
Duchess of Devonshire, Deborah Cavendish (1920–2014)
Deborah Cavendish revitalized the agricultural estates at Chatsworth House, promoting sustainable farming and local food production. She spearheaded the diversification of farming activities, including the creation of farm shops and educational initiatives like the Chatsworth Farmyard, which continues to teach people of all ages about farming and food production.
Beatrix Havergal (1901–1980)
A horticulturist and educator, Beatrix Havergal founded the Waterperry Horticultural School in Oxfordshire in 1932. Her school offered practical education in horticulture, empowering women to take on professional roles in farming, gardening, and food production at a time when these industries were largely male-dominated.
Caroline Drummond (1963–2022)
As Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), Caroline Drummond was a tireless advocate for sustainable agriculture in the UK. Under her leadership, LEAF grew into a major force in promoting environmentally friendly farming practices and connecting farmers with consumers, helping to ensure that sustainable farming becomes the norm.
Get Involved in Our 100 Women in Food and Farming Campaign!
These incredible women are just a few of the many who have left their mark on the food and farming industries. Their legacies continue to inspire us, and through the Women in Food and Farming Network, we aim to ensure that women’s influence in this sector continues to grow.
We want to hear your stories and achievements! Share your experiences with us, and we’ll feature them in our campaign to celebrate 100 women making a difference in food and farming.
We are still looking for volunteers to participate in this campaign! If you would like to get involved, please
Let’s celebrate the past and shape the future together.
Emma Chapelhow, Open Innovation Programme Coordinator, UK Agri-Tech Centre
