FAO names Halla Sif among first 100 women heroes

Horticultural farmer and Sólskins grænmetis owner Halla Sif Svansdóttir Hölludóttir has been selected among the first 100 women heroes in agriculture and rural development by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, mbl.is reports.

Halla Sif was chosen from 600 women in 131 countries. She was nominated by Iceland’s Ministry of Business Affairs, after all FAO member states were invited to submit nominees.

In a letter to Minister of Business Affairs Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said Halla Sif had demonstrated clear leadership skills and perseverance in innovation. Her contribution, he said, strengthens food production and agriculture while improving living conditions in rural areas.

The letter said her achievements reflected the values FAO aims to highlight through the initiative, as 2026 is the International Year of Women in Agriculture. They also underscored the important contribution of women to building more efficient, fair, resilient and sustainable agriculture and food production.

“Halla Sif’s selection for this distinguished group of women reflects not only her own achievements, but also Iceland’s ambition to support women as leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners and farmers,” Hanna Katrín Friðriksson said. “Halla’s achievements are a credit to Iceland and a true inspiration to women and young people around the world.”

FAO will hold a special ceremony in Rome in October to honour the group of 100 women.