Erika Medeiros, a member of BSHP, is the winner of the 2026 Women in Agriculture Award
For BSHP, Erika’s inclusion among the finalists underscores the importance of scientific research for the development of more sustainable agricultural systems and reinforces the leading role of women in generating knowledge for agribusiness.
Commenting on the achievement, Erika highlighted the importance of this recognition not only for her professional career but also for the recognition of scientific research conducted in the interior of the Northeast:
Researcher Erika Valente de Medeiros, a full professor at the Federal University of Agreste in Pernambuco (UFAPE) and a member of the Brazilian Soil Health Partnership (BSHP), was named the winner in the Science and Research category of the 2026 Women in Agriculture Award. The award, sponsored by Bayer in partnership with the Brazilian Agribusiness Association (ABAG), honors women who stand out for their contributions to the development, innovation, and sustainability of Brazilian agribusiness.
The winners of the 9th edition of the award were announced last Wednesday (26) in São Paulo. In 2026, the initiative reached a record 394 entries, underscoring the growing participation and leadership of women in the sector. In the Science and Research category, the final round featured a public vote, which garnered more than 40,000 votes.
Erika was recognized for her scientific career and for her research in areas critical to sustainable agriculture. A biologist with a Ph.D. in Agronomy, the researcher leads studies in soil microbiology and biochemistry, with a focus on topics such as biochar, desertification, the bioeconomy, and sustainable agriculture in Brazil’s semi-arid region.
Her work also translates into solutions applied in the field. According to the award organizers, Erika has published more than 200 scientific articles and holds seven registered patents; she also coordinates projects focused on the development of bio-inputs and the restoration of degraded areas, contributing to increased productivity and the adaptation of agriculture to the challenges posed by climate change.
The researcher also expressed her gratitude for the support she received during the vote and reaffirmed her confidence in the scientific work being conducted in the region:
