March 8, 2021

Cargill promotes role of Mexican women in agricultural

Cargill Mexico, together with Heifer International and Educampo Chiapas, are working to strengthen female participation throughout Mexico's agribusiness value chain, in order to break a cycle that excludes 51% of the Mexican population.

The organisations offer women who participate in Hatching Hope and Educampo Chiapas the skills, tools and resources needed to empower their production, business management and life. The stereotypes that usually slow down their development are challenged, and their voices are included in critical conversations, transforming the role of women for future generations, Cargill said.

In 2019, the company, in partnership with Heifer International, launched Hatching Hope to improve the income, poultry production and access to protein for women farmers and their communities.

By 2021, Hatching Hope Mexico plans to impact 6.56 million people through increasing awareness and education around the production, promotion and consumption of poultry, with a focus on eggs. This goal is possible due to the hard work of women smallholder farmers who are committed to helping their families, communities and businesses prosper, Cargill added.

In May 2020, 178 families were trained in improved production techniques, 58 producers were receiving training on improved poultry production and productivity, and 32 have already been linked to a reliable market.

Another key partner in Mexico, Educampo Chiapas, promotes the development of small producers who have incomes below the minimum wage and who subsist in conditions of high marginalization. Through these programmes the organisations are helping to redefine the current economic and social roles of women.

From 2019 to 2020, 14 localities in seven municipalities of Chiapas have benefited; 194 producers increased their production by 150%, of which 6% are women.

Alejandra Ruiz, leader of the Cargill women's network in Mexico, said: "Cargill recognises the critical role that women play in agribusiness. When women can increase their income, whole community thrives with them… therefore, it is relevant for the company to work hand in hand with strategic allies to promote inclusive financing, access to markets and improve its technical capabilities."

- Cargill