The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. To celebrate this recognition, we are spotlighting the vital role women play in agriculture. At Bunge, every day we see women leading with resilience, strengthening their communities and driving agriculture forward. We are proud to partner with these farmers around the world.
Aybüke Berber is woman farmer and Bunge customer who is committed to the land, her community and the future of agriculture. Aybüke’s story demonstrates the impact women have across agriculture and the vital role they play in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future.
Aybüke Berber grew up connected to agriculture through her family’s olive groves in the Yağmurlu Village of Manisa, Türkiye. After building a career in banking and technology, she returned each harvest season to help with production.
She set out to bring her family olive oil directly to consumers. In 2024, she graduated from the Komili Olive and Olive Oil Institute, established by Bunge in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In 2025, Aybüke launched Rainy Foods.
Today, she and her family cultivate olives and produce cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, combining generations of knowledge with modern business practices.
For Aybüke, establishing herself as a young woman in agriculture was not without obstacles.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was establishing myself in the agricultural sector as a young woman,” Aybüke said. “Agriculture is still viewed as a male-dominated field in many places, and sometimes you feel that people judge your age or gender before looking at you.”
She credits her success to continuous learning while navigating climate change, rising costs and market-access challenges.
"Over time, I saw that you earn people's trust not through titles, but through the quality of your work," she said.
That dedication extends to her approach to sustainability. Beyond producing olive oil, Aybüke repurposes byproducts while helping consumers understand the journey from grove to table.
"Farming represents the most genuine relationship one can establish with nature," she said. "Watching a tree grow over the years, living according to the rhythm of the seasons and ultimately being able to offer people a healthy product carries a profound meaning."
She is particularly proud of carrying forward her family's agricultural tradition while creating new opportunities for the future.
"While many young people are moving away from rural areas, I chose to bring the knowledge and experience I gained in the city back to the land," she said. "If my story can give courage to even one other woman, I consider that to be one of my greatest achievements."
Aybüke is optimistic about the future of agriculture and women’s role in it.
"Agriculture is starting to be viewed as a strategic and valuable field once again," Aybüke said. "My advice to young women is to draw strength from your own story and your roots. Believe in yourselves, keep learning and never hesitate to make your voices heard.”
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