Meat Business Women Founder Laura Ryan recognised as one of UN FAO's 100 Women Heroes

Meat Business Women Founder & Global Chair Laura Ryan has received global recognition from the United Nations, named as one of the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) inaugural 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development. Laura is the only UK recipient of the honour.

Launched as part of the UN's International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, the 100 Women Heroes initiative celebrates women making an extraordinary contribution to agriculture, food systems and rural development around the world. The inaugural recognition attracted over 600 nominations from 131 countries, with just 100 women selected for their leadership, dedication and impact.

For Laura, the recognition marks an incredible milestone in an 11-year journey with Meat Business Women.

Founded in 2015 as a passion project, Meat Business Women began with a small group of like-minded women who wanted to connect, support one another and create positive change across the industry.

Today, that ambition has grown into a global community of more than 2,500 members and 57 Partners, supporting women across the meat and wider food industry through networking, mentoring, professional development and industry-leading insights.

Over the past 11 years, thousands of connections, conversations and opportunities have been created through the MBW community, all driven by the shared ambition to improve representation and help women build careers in which they can thrive.

Laura's recognition is a fantastic acknowledgement of her vision, determination and commitment to driving progress, as well as the incredible community of women, allies and industry Partners who have helped bring that vision to life.

A huge congratulations to Laura from the entire Meat Business Women community!