Spotlight on 6 of the Most Exciting Women Trailblazers in the Organic and Vegan Food Industry
In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards sustainable and ethical food production, with increasing numbers of consumers seeking organic and vegan options. Behind this movement are women who are driving change, whether as farmers, retailers, scientists, or entrepreneurs. These women are reshaping the landscape of the food industry while championing values such as environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and health consciousness.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we explore the stories of six of these remarkable women.
1. Carol J. Adams (Author Activist)
Carol J. Adams is an American writer whose work explores the intersections of feminism, vegetarianism, and animal rights. Born in 1951 to activist parents (gender, civil, and environmental advocators) she published the groundbreaking The Sexual Politics of Meat in 1990. In it, she explores the connections between the oppression of women and the exploitation of non-human animals, critiquing the objectification of both women and animals in a meat-centric culture. Her work has been translated into multiple languages, including German, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Her writings inspire critical thinking about the intersections of oppression and the need for change.
2. Leah Penniman (Farmer)
Leah Penniman, co-founder of Soul Fire Farm in New York, is a leading voice in the movement for food justice. The 72-acre farm produces affordable organic vegetables for communities around Albany. But it is primarily dedicated to training BIPOC farmers, empowering them to grow their own food sustainably and to dismantle racism and injustice in the food system.
Penniman's work highlights the intersectionality of social justice and agriculture, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to healthy food. Her tireless efforts exemplify how farming can be a catalyst for social change and healing. She holds an MA in Science Education and a BA in Environmental Science and International Development from Clark University.
3. Vandana Shiva (Farming Activist)
Renowned environmental activist and eco-feminist Vandana Shiva has been a staunch advocate for organic farming practices. For 50 years, Shiva has been fighting for environmental justice in India. Regarded as one of the world’s most formidable environmentalists, she has shut down polluting mines, fought powerful chemical corporations, and exposed the dangers of pesticides. A global campaigner for organic farming and a champion of ecofeminism, she was awarded the Alternative Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and the Sydney Peace Prize in 2010.
Through her organization, Navdanya, Shiva promotes seed sovereignty and biodiversity conservation. She empowers women farmers across India to reject chemical-intensive agriculture and embrace traditional, sustainable methods, thereby fostering resilience in the face of climate change.
4. Miyoko Schinner (Vegan Food Producer and Retailer)
Miyoko Schinner was 57 when she embarked on a mission to revolutionize vegan cheese. She started California’s Miyoko’s Creamery from her kitchen. Her innovative plant milk fermentation process led to the creation of artisanal vegan butter and cheeses that gained widespread acclaim for their taste and texture.
Everything produced by the company is sustainable, cruelty-free, and sold throughout the United States and in Australia. They are used by both professional chefs and home cooks. Although Schinner recently stepped down as CEO as the company enters a new phase of growth, her success demonstrates the growing demand for cruelty-free alternatives in the dairy industry and showcases the culinary possibilities of vegan cuisine. She also runs a sanctuary for rescued abused farm animals.
5. Aveline Kushi (Vegan Retailer)
Aveline Kushi is the co-founder of Erewhon, a chain of health food stores in California known for its extensive selection of organic, plant-based products. Kushi's commitment to sustainability is evident in Erewhon's sourcing practices, which prioritize seasonal, local, sustainable, organic, non-GMO ingredients that follow animal welfare practices and support small-scale farmers. Her stores have become destinations for health-conscious consumers seeking ethically produced food.
6. Dr. Christie Lagally (Scientific Innovator)
Dr. Christie Lagally is the founder and CEO of Seattle-based food-tech startup, Rebellyous Foods. She has made significant contributions in the field of sustainable food innovation. The company provides an alternative for meat eaters and addresses environmental concerns by creating plant-based faux chicken products.
Lagally was inspired by the scaling potential of real chicken product production, but she has no intention to abandon ship like the founders of many startups. She emphasizes that the company’s goal is to create real, systemic change in the meat industry. Legally’s early career as a mechanical engineer at Boeing ignited her interest in addressing climate change through making airplanes that flew more efficiently. She is a passionate advocate for the environment, human health, and animal welfare.
These women are challenging industry norms, leading society towards a more sustainable and compassionate food system, and inspiring others to follow suit. Their dedication to organic and vegan principles not only benefits the environment and public health but also advances social justice and animal welfare. As their influence continues to grow, the future of food looks increasingly bright.