Ukrainian Biotechnology Developer Honoured with Women in Ag Award

This was reported by the German Agricultural Society (DLG).

Valentyna Bolokhovska has worked in biotechnology for more than 50 years. Under her leadership, BTU develops biological solutions for agriculture, including products based on microorganisms and enzymes that help increase crop productivity, restore soil fertility and support sustainable production.

This year, more than 170 applications from 62 countries were submitted for the award. Prizes were presented in four categories.

Farming

1st place — van den Hoek-Huysbregt (Netherlands): a farmer who developed a system for collecting and storing rainwater underground for irrigation.

2nd place — Odenyi (Kenya): an entrepreneur developing mushroom cultivation and agricultural waste processing.

3rd place — Arkesteijn (Netherlands): founder of an urban ecological farm growing vegetables without pesticides.

Agribusiness

1st place — Okonkwo (Nigeria): an entrepreneur who processes local crops into food products and converts agricultural waste into biogas and fertilisers.

2nd place — Nakalema (Uganda): founder of a company developing equipment for poultry farming.

3rd place — Bolokhovska (Ukraine): co-founder of BTU, developing biotechnology solutions for the agricultural sector.

Education

1st place — Yudina (Kazakhstan): develops educational programmes and specialist training for the agricultural sector.

2nd place — Moneti (South Africa): supports women and young people through training in sustainable farming and hydroponics.

3rd place — Blanco (Colombia): a veterinarian and rural development specialist working on ecosystem restoration.

Technology and Research

1st place — Unger (Austria): develops technologies for processing organic waste using insects.

2nd place — Dong Xiaoxia (China): researches digital technologies and sustainable milk production.

3rd place — Lechner (Germany): develops tools for monitoring animal health and welfare; Shoaib (Pakistan): researches biological plant protection products.

The award ceremony will take place on 11 November 2026 at the international EuroTier exhibition in Hanover, Germany. The award was jointly established by DLG and Women in Ag Magazine. It is being held for the fifth time, and this year’s edition takes place during the International Year of the Woman Farmer, proclaimed by the United Nations.