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Awards
Seed World Europe magazine recently published a list of the 20 Most Influential Women in the European Seed Sector in 2023 , whose objective is to recognize the great contribution that these professionals make from their jobs to the progress of the sector in Europe.
The magazine received the nominations through the national seed associations and carried out the final selection, rewarding the twenty leaders who in one way or another were a source of inspiration and positive influence for the rest of their colleagues. The presence of three Spanish women stands out on the list.
Laia Fitó is the R&D director of Semillas Fitó . With nearly 25 years in the company, Laia leads a global team of more than 350 people, in America, Europe and Asia.
The magazine highlights her career, which began after completing her pharmacy studies, when Laia Fitó joined her destiny with that of the company. During his early years, he assisted his uncle Antonio as a breeder and established connections with the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA), recognizing that molecular markers and other biotechnological tools are essential for the efficient obtaining of new varieties.
After completing management courses at prestigious business schools, Laia formed an international team of plant breeders and biotechnicians dedicated to working on horticultural crops.
Since then, the magazine highlights, "Fitó has led the company's growth by establishing one of the most extensive vegetable breeding programs worldwide."
Dolores Barranco is a melon breeder at Sakata Seed Ibérica , where she has worked for the last 20 years.
Dolores has a doctorate in Chemical Sciences from the University of Almería, and began her career in the company first as a breeding assistant and currently as a melon breeder.
With empathy, professionalism and humility, Barranco leads a team of people dedicated to the constant improvement of melon varieties, managing to perfect the flavor while obtaining stronger and more resistant plants.
Some of these varieties have become quality benchmarks for the main marketing companies of Piel de Sapo melon. Barranco's impact on the sector transcends professional boundaries, and "he has become an inspiration for many in the European Union."
Yolanda Huerta is the deputy secretary general of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) since March 2023.
For more than two decades at UPOV, Huerta has been instrumental in assisting and directing the organization's members around the world in the implementation of plant variety protection systems.
The magazine highlights that "through his authentic leadership and extensive experience, he engages with policy makers and stakeholders on the benefits that the UPOV system brings to farmers, breeders and society at large."
In addition to Laia Fitó, Dolores Barranco and Yolanda Huerta, these awards have also recognized the work of 17 other European professionals :
