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