Dominican farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste of Capuchin has been selected among the inaugural 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
According to an Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) press release, Carbon-Jno Baptiste was selected through a highly competitive global process that received more than 600 nominations from 131 countries. The FAO recognised her leadership, innovation, dedication and contribution to strengthening agrifood systems and rural communities.
A farmer for reportedly over four decades, Carbon-Jno Baptiste operates a seven-acre farm producing crops and livestock for the local market. Her production includes citrus, plantain, avocado, vegetables, turmeric, potatoes and onions, along with goats, broilers and layers. She is also a major supplier of fresh eggs and vegetables to supermarkets and local vendors.
The OPM noted that her work extends beyond production, with a strong focus on sustainable farming. She uses practices including green manuring, mixed farming, rainwater harvesting, reforestation, composting and natural alternative inputs while following Good Agricultural Practices.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Blue and Green Economy, Hon. Roland Royer, welcomed the recognition.
“Mrs. Carbon-Jno Baptiste represents the dedication, resilience and innovation of our farmers. For more than four decades, she has contributed to food production and to the development of other farmers and her community. We are extremely proud that her work has now received this important international recognition.”
Carbon-Jno Baptiste is President of the Capuchin Farmers’ Group and regularly supports agricultural training and demonstrations. She is also active in community, cultural and civic organisations and received the Best Woman in Sustainable Farming Award in 2023.
The release added that the FAO said her selection reflects Dominica’s commitment to advancing women’s roles in agrifood systems.
She will be honoured at FAO headquarters in Rome during the World Food Forum flagship event, October 12–16, 2026, as part of activities for the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
