Women in olive oil group gathers in Paso Robles
Retreat focused on education, networking, and agriculture
– Women in Olive Oil held its first annual retreat in Paso Robles, bringing together 17 olive oil professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.
The retreat took place at the Paso Robles Inn and included growers, producers, sommeliers, educators, marketers, and olive oil advocates. Organizers said the event coincided with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Women in Olive Oil was founded in 2020 by Jill Myers, a sommelier, international judge, and ambassador for extra-virgin olive oil. Myers said in an interview with Olive Oil Times that her work with olive oil began in Italy in 2014 and later led her to complete sommelier training through the Olive Oil Times Education Lab and the International Culinary Center.
With members representing more than 40 countries, the organization focuses on sharing experiences and building support networks for women in the olive oil industry.
“When Jill started WIOO, it was something magical,” attendee Francesca Oliva, owner of Azienda Agricola Oliva, said. “There is a beauty in being able to support and encourage each other.”
According to the organization, members emphasize global issues including health and nutrition, education, environmental and agricultural practices, fair trade, and gender equality.
Women in Olive Oil began as an online interest group and later expanded into seminars, meetups, annual retreats, and harvest trips around the world. The organization reports more than 200 members and a database of 2,000 women who have participated in workshops. Women in Olive Oil describes itself as a “global, mission-driven group that aims to unite women with a passion for olive oil.”
The organization joins agricultural groups including the National Women in Agriculture Association and American Agri-Women. Women represent approximately 43% of the global agricultural workforce, according to Granitto, 2023. In the United States, women account for 36% of the agricultural workforce, while more than half of farms have a female producer, according to the Census of Agriculture – Female Producers, 2024. Farms with one or more female producers accounted for 41% of U.S. agricultural sales and 46% of U.S. farmland, according to the report.
The Olive Oil Times reported that nearly half of the judges at the 2024 olive oil quality contest were women, including nine female judges among the panel of 19, according to Diabo, 2024.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Year of the Woman Farmer aims to highlight the role women play in agri-food systems and encourage policies and investments supporting women farmers.
Participants at the retreat discussed challenges facing women in the olive oil industry.
“In Turkey and Italy, women are not seen as competent by men,” said Emine Colin, owner of Oro di Milas.
The retreat included a visit to Olia Farms in Templeton, a farm-to-table dinner at Royal Oil Estate, wine tasting at Pelletiere Estate and Winery, and networking opportunities.
Organizers said the event reinforced the organization’s focus on integrity, nourishment, knowledge, and connection through education, ethical agricultural practices, consumer awareness, and networking opportunities.
“We’re here to get to know one another, share our gifts, and create connections,” Myers said during opening remarks. “I hope we leave inspired and recharged.”
Women in Olive Oil membership is open to the public. More information is available at https://womeninoliveoil.org/wioo-in-the-world/.
