The presence of women in Copiso and in agriculture in Soria is a reality, “it has become normalised”. This is according to Cristina Rodríguez Modrego, secretary of the Soria cooperative, who stresses that the role of women in the agricultural sector and in the resilience of rural areas is not insignificant. Although female members of Copiso currently account for only 10% of the entity’s 1,375 members, women are also joining the activity as young farmers, “although we are still very few.” This is the case of Ana Pastor Soria and Úrsula Sanz Pascual.
Cristina Rodríguez highlights the advantages of belonging to a cooperative for young women farmers (as is the case for men). “It facilitates incorporation and work. It provides peace of mind and security. Outside the cooperative, it’s cold. The markets are complicated, and the support and advice offered is very important,“ she points out. She clarifies that ”the conditions are the same for female members as for men,“ but Copiso is aware of the value of the female presence in the sector. ”That is why we are encouraging women to join the cooperative’s governing bodies, to highlight their presence and role. We try to ensure that the Governing Council reflects the cooperative’s membership base. That is why, even if they are in the minority, women are present in Copiso,” says the cooperative’s secretary.
Cristina Rodríguez recalls that women have traditionally played a very active role in farming and livestock activities within families, even though this was not adequately recognized. In fact, the first official recognition of a woman as a farm owner in Soria, according to available information, came in 1992, specifically to Edelia García García.
The secretary of the Copiso Governing Council also represents Urcacyl in the Equality working group of Cooperativas Agroalimentarias de España. The aim of this group is to raise awareness and highlight the work of women in the agricultural sector, as well as training.
The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of Women Farmers, to highlight the essential role of women in the world’s agri-food systems, from production to trade.
