As the global community recognizes the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Lipman Family Farms CEO Elyse Lipman is reflecting on the generational journey of the produce industry. Over the 75-year history of Lipman Family Farms, she notes that while the landscape of the produce world has shifted, women have always been part of the bedrock of the company’s success.
“Their work was sometimes behind the scenes, but always driving us forward,” Lipman says.
At Lipman Family Farms, the mission extends beyond growing crops; it is about cultivating a legacy. Lipman says legacy requires resiliency, adaptation and nourishment — traits she sees women in the field embody every single day. She argues that the changing face of farming makes the industry stronger and more innovative, ushering in a new era of leadership defined by several key pillars:
- Data meets dirt — Lipman observes that women are leading the charge in ag-tech, utilizing macroeconomic insights and consumer spending trends to ensure the industry isn’t just growing more but also growing smarter.
- Operational grit — From the farms to the C-suite, Lipman points to the analytical precision and collaborative leadership styles women bring as essential tools for navigating the high-stakes world of perishables.
- Supply chain sustenance — She highlights women as the organizational backbone of the movement, managing everything from complex foreign exchange shifts to logistics during unpredictable weather events.
As the CEO of a fourth-generation family business and a mother of three, Lipman’s perspective is constantly shaped by the world she wants to leave for the next generation. When she looks at her daughters, she doesn’t just see children; she sees future leaders who should never have to wonder if there is a place for them at the head of the table.
Lipman emphasizes that while the industry is built on legacies, a legacy is not a museum.
“It’s a living thing that is constantly evolving,” she says. “It needs nurturing and guidance.”
She says that by championing women today, the industry ensures it remains a destination for the brightest minds of tomorrow.
The International Year of the Woman Farmer serves as a vital reminder that diversity is a competitive advantage. Lipman notes that in an industry facing unpredictable weather and fluctuating markets, a leadership team with diverse lived experiences allows for better pivoting and perseverance.
Lipman expresses gratitude for the women leaders at Lipman Family Farms and finds inspiration in peers across the industry, such as International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns and the IFPA board, for their roles in advancing progress across the supply chain.
To the women of Lipman and the entire produce industry, Lipman offers a clear message: “Your work is the fuel that feeds the world. Whether you are in the field, the packinghouse, the lab or the boardroom, your contribution is the seed of our collective success.”
