6 • March | April 2026 • abasto.com BY VIOLETA MONTES DE OCA 2026 marks a historic milestone: the United Nations has declared it the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This formal recog- nition celebrates those who, with steady hands and strategic vision, sustain global food security. Today, women are not just participants—they are desig- ning the future of the supply chain. Architects of the Fields: Leading the International Year of the Woman Farmer Ivonne Lugo: The Engine of Human Evolution For Ivonne Lugo , PR and Marketing Manager at SL Produce , leadership is not about gender, but about vision and execution. With five years in the sector—which she describes as “multiplied by ten” due to its inten- sity—Ivonne maintains that women are the engine of agricultural evolu- tion. Her approach brings a deeply human perspective, connecting the dots between technology, sustainabi- lity, and the human factor. At SL Pro- duce, Ivonne celebrates a structure where key roles, from recruitment to agribusiness management, are led by women. For her, the industry’s trans- formation occurs through the per- fect balance of masculine experien- ce and feminine intuition. “We are detectives by nature,” she explains, referring to the feminine ability to read the consumer. Her message to professional mothers is powerful: a career in agriculture doesn’t divide them—it multiplies them. Between business strategies and bedtime sto- ries, the sector’s resilience is built. Marina Bernal: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Talent As CFO of Sweet Seasons , Marina Bernal sees 2026 as the validation of talent at all levels of the sector. Marina argues that for the industry to be com- petitive and sustainable, it must leve- rage 100% of its human capital, from logistics to C-suite leadership. The pro- fessionalization of the sector has acted as a magnet, attracting a new genera- tion of women who see “produce” as a viable, high-impact career path. Ma- rina maintains that equity and merit strengthen decision-making, creating organizations that are more robust against market fluctuations. When clear female role models exist, a do- mino effect is created, inspiring others to replicate those achievements. Her financial focus does not ignore the human element; on the contrary, she affirms that the best practices emerge from a diverse exchange of ideas. Her closing message summarizes the es- sence of this international year: “Nou- rishing the world begins by cultivating talent and opportunity within our own industry.” • Continuation of page 8 Special Insert Agriculture industry