Key Takeaways
- The Women in Agribusiness (WIA) Summit returns for its 14th year, held in Orlando, Florida, from September 22–24, 2025
- Opening panel addresses U.S. agricultural trade policy and market access strategy
- Panelists include leaders from the American Soybean Association, NCGA, NAEGA, and Sociedade Rural Brasileira
- Session to provide guidance on navigating emerging policy changes and global trade risks
- The WIA Summit offers over 60 speakers and various networking and professional development activities
Women in Agribusiness Summit to Spotlight U.S. Trade Policy in Opening Panel
The Women in Agribusiness Summit 2025 will begin with a forward-looking panel on “Market Access and Trade Policy: What Agribusinesses Need to Know Now and Next.” Taking place at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, the session will open the annual event by addressing the evolving landscape of international trade policy and its implications for the agriculture sector.
Moderated by Sara Wyant, president of Agri-Pulse and a long-standing observer of ag policy developments, the session will feature:
- Virginia Houston, Director of Government Affairs, American Soybean Association
- Gretchen Kuck, Applied Economist, National Corn Growers Association
- Alejandra Castillo, President & CEO, National American Export Grain Association
- Sérgio Bortolozzo, President, Sociedade Rural Brasileira
The discussion will focus on current trade dynamics and pending policy changes involving key U.S. trading partners. Topics include trade flow risks, the strategic positioning of agribusinesses, and insights into managing volatility in global markets.
Framing the Conversation: Ag Economics and Policy in Transition
This session follows a keynote address by Karen Braun, Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge. Together, these presentations set the tone for the three-day Women in Agribusiness Summit, which is expected to feature more than 60 speakers from major agribusinesses including Ardent Mills, Cargill, Syngenta, Wilbur-Ellis, and GreenLight BioSciences.
The goal of the opening panel is to provide attendees with actionable insights on navigating regulatory shifts, and to help agribusiness professionals better understand how trade policies affect operations, pricing, and long-term planning.
Networking, Field Tours, and Industry Engagement Opportunities
In addition to the core programming, the Women in Agribusiness Summit will offer several special activities:
- WIA Members-Only Night Out
- Private dinner for women in the protein sector
- Tours to a blueberry farm and citrus research facility at the University of Florida
- Leadership and professional development workshops
With participants ranging from executives and policymakers to students and early-career professionals, the summit aims to foster cross-generational dialogue and networking.
Women in Agribusiness: A Platform for Insight and Inclusion
With nearly one-third of its audience in C-suite or decision-making roles, and a growing number of first-time attendees, the Women in Agribusiness Summit continues to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and industry advancement. The event’s emphasis on policy clarity, economic resilience, and community-building reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting women across the agriculture value chain.
See the full agenda here.
