Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) was launched in 2018 with the goal of making a measurable positive impact on gender diversity across the global food and agricultural industry by inspiring people personally and supporting companies.
The Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) mentorship programme is is an Expana brand, supported by Alltech.
Since its inception in 2021, the worldwide programme has successfully matched over 1,500 professionals, creating meaningful relationships that foster career growth and leadership development in the food and agriculture sectors. Last year saw 450 women participate in the initiative.
A professional mentorship programme offers benefits for individuals and organisations. For participants, it provides access to expert guidance, helping them develop practical skills, build confidence, and make informed career decisions.
Through regular support, mentees learn to navigate workplace challenges, set clear goals, and grow professionally. Mentorship also expands their networks, potentially opening doors to new opportunities and career advancement.
Mentors benefit by enhancing their leadership, communication, and coaching skills. Guiding others can bring a sense of fulfilment and purpose, while also offering fresh perspectives and insights from mentees. Mentoring strengthens professional relationships and helps experienced employees contribute to the development of future talent.
Mentorship is a collaborative journey that benefits both mentor and mentee. There are so many talented women in the industry looking to grow their careers who need guidance and support and WFA says this programme is filling that demand.
Free support for members
The programme is free to join and supports women across the global food and agriculture sector by providing invaluable mentorship opportunities.
The initiative not only empowers women at various career stages but also addresses the critical shortage of mentors across the industry, a known barrier to career progression.
This scheme encourages individuals with a range of experience and backgrounds to apply to be a mentor, helping to address this sector-wide challenge.
Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, global chair of WFA, emphasises that each year, they see the “extraordinary impact” that mentorship can have, not just on individual careers but across organisations.
“This programme is a key part of our WFA mission to ensure women in agrifood are empowered, supported, and heard.”
In 2019, Alltech selected gender equality as one of the nine United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to which the company committed to advancing.
How to apply
Applications are now open for new mentors of any gender and female mentees from across the global food and agriculture sector for 2025. The deadline for applicants is 22 June, with pairings announced on 14 August.
The programme welcomes applications from across the global food and agriculture sector, and applicants will be personally matched based on their preferences and professional objectives.
For more information and details on how to apply, see wfa-initiative.com
Hazel Rooney, european pig specialist - technology group at Alltech.
Hazel Rooney, European pig specialist – technology group, Alltech and 2023 mentee
“I signed up for the WFA Mentorship Programme as a mentee because I saw it as a great opportunity to connect with someone from outside of my own organisation, who could hopefully offer some guidance, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on agri-career-focused challenges and progression, as well as more general professional advice.
“As someone who is trying to develop my own career in the agri-food industry, I also wanted to gain insights from another woman in the industry, who had likely navigated similar challenges and opportunities throughout their own extensive career.
“What really stood out about the WFA programme was the quality of the mentor-mentee relationship. It wasn’t just a once-off conversation – my mentor and I met on a monthly basis via Teams and had many very open and enjoyable conversations over a virtual coffee. Overall, I felt that the programme provided a safe space to ask questions, gain honest feedback, and talk through both career-related topics and day-to-day challenges, which was down to the appropriate pairing of mentees to mentors.
Mary B. Dunphy, events, sponsorship and brand marketing lead, FBD Insurance and 2024 mentee
Mary B. Dunphy, events, sponsorship and brand marketing lead, FBD Insurance.
“I applied for the programme as I thought it would provide a great opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It was a valuable chance to both gain insight from an experienced mentor and to expand my network within the agri industry.
“The biggest takeaway for me was increased confidence to step outside of my comfort zone, especially in terms of networking. This culminated in attending the WFA conference in Amsterdam earlier this year. Connecting with others who understand the sector and share similar goals was both inspiring and empowering.
“Having a mentor is important because they offer a perspective you might not see on your own. I’ve been fortunate to be paired with a mentor who has built a very successful career and whose experience closely aligns with my job. I’ve enjoyed learning from her insights and practical advice.
“A mentor also brings a sense of accountability; knowing someone is invested in your development can motivate you to stay focused on your goals and push yourself further than you might on your own.”
Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) was launched in 2018 with the goal of making a measurable positive impact on gender diversity across the global food and agricultural industry by inspiring people personally and supporting companies.
The Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) mentorship programme is is an Expana brand, supported by Alltech.
Since its inception in 2021, the worldwide programme has successfully matched over 1,500 professionals, creating meaningful relationships that foster career growth and leadership development in the food and agriculture sectors. Last year saw 450 women participate in the initiative.
A professional mentorship programme offers benefits for individuals and organisations. For participants, it provides access to expert guidance, helping them develop practical skills, build confidence, and make informed career decisions.
Through regular support, mentees learn to navigate workplace challenges, set clear goals, and grow professionally. Mentorship also expands their networks, potentially opening doors to new opportunities and career advancement.
Mentors benefit by enhancing their leadership, communication, and coaching skills. Guiding others can bring a sense of fulfilment and purpose, while also offering fresh perspectives and insights from mentees. Mentoring strengthens professional relationships and helps experienced employees contribute to the development of future talent.
Mentorship is a collaborative journey that benefits both mentor and mentee. There are so many talented women in the industry looking to grow their careers who need guidance and support and WFA says this programme is filling that demand.
Free support for members
The programme is free to join and supports women across the global food and agriculture sector by providing invaluable mentorship opportunities.
The initiative not only empowers women at various career stages but also addresses the critical shortage of mentors across the industry, a known barrier to career progression.
This scheme encourages individuals with a range of experience and backgrounds to apply to be a mentor, helping to address this sector-wide challenge.
Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, global chair of WFA, emphasises that each year, they see the “extraordinary impact” that mentorship can have, not just on individual careers but across organisations.
“This programme is a key part of our WFA mission to ensure women in agrifood are empowered, supported, and heard.”
In 2019, Alltech selected gender equality as one of the nine United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to which the company committed to advancing.
How to apply
Applications are now open for new mentors of any gender and female mentees from across the global food and agriculture sector for 2025. The deadline for applicants is 22 June, with pairings announced on 14 August.
The programme welcomes applications from across the global food and agriculture sector, and applicants will be personally matched based on their preferences and professional objectives.
For more information and details on how to apply, see wfa-initiative.com
Hazel Rooney, european pig specialist - technology group at Alltech.
Hazel Rooney, European pig specialist – technology group, Alltech and 2023 mentee
“I signed up for the WFA Mentorship Programme as a mentee because I saw it as a great opportunity to connect with someone from outside of my own organisation, who could hopefully offer some guidance, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on agri-career-focused challenges and progression, as well as more general professional advice.
“As someone who is trying to develop my own career in the agri-food industry, I also wanted to gain insights from another woman in the industry, who had likely navigated similar challenges and opportunities throughout their own extensive career.
“What really stood out about the WFA programme was the quality of the mentor-mentee relationship. It wasn’t just a once-off conversation – my mentor and I met on a monthly basis via Teams and had many very open and enjoyable conversations over a virtual coffee. Overall, I felt that the programme provided a safe space to ask questions, gain honest feedback, and talk through both career-related topics and day-to-day challenges, which was down to the appropriate pairing of mentees to mentors.
Mary B. Dunphy, events, sponsorship and brand marketing lead, FBD Insurance and 2024 mentee
Mary B. Dunphy, events, sponsorship and brand marketing lead, FBD Insurance.
“I applied for the programme as I thought it would provide a great opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It was a valuable chance to both gain insight from an experienced mentor and to expand my network within the agri industry.
“The biggest takeaway for me was increased confidence to step outside of my comfort zone, especially in terms of networking. This culminated in attending the WFA conference in Amsterdam earlier this year. Connecting with others who understand the sector and share similar goals was both inspiring and empowering.
“Having a mentor is important because they offer a perspective you might not see on your own. I’ve been fortunate to be paired with a mentor who has built a very successful career and whose experience closely aligns with my job. I’ve enjoyed learning from her insights and practical advice.
“A mentor also brings a sense of accountability; knowing someone is invested in your development can motivate you to stay focused on your goals and push yourself further than you might on your own.”
SHARING OPTIONS