The research, conducted by Imre Fertő, full professor at Corvinus University, and his international team, analysed the leadership of over 300 Hungarian field crop farms to explore environmental efficiency differences according to the gender of the company leaders. Using data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN), their findings were published in the prestigious Scientific Reports journal in early May. 

The results reveal that farms led by women consistently achieve higher eco-efficiency scores compared to those led by men: on average, women-led farms scored 0.361, about 14% higher than men-led farms at 0.316. The eco-efficiency indicator created by the authors, ranging from 0 to 1, measures the ability of farms to minimise environmental burdens, such as fertiliser and pesticide inputs and energy consumption per hectare, while maintaining current economic value added. 

This female environmental efficiency advantage largely stems from women’s superior resource management. Additionally, the study highlights the role of collaborative, innovative, and long-term planning leadership and decision-making styles commonly employed by women. Among farms with the highest eco-efficiency, women-led operations stand out even more prominently compared to their male counterparts. 

“Our findings underscore the need for agricultural policies that reduce farming’s ecological footprint to promote sustainability. Achieving this requires breaking down stereotypes and moving beyond traditional views of eco-efficiency. Supporting women farmers’ access to resources, knowledge, and innovations, such as e-commerce and cooperative models, is essential. Creating an environment that welcomes and values women’s participation is critical, given their key role not only in enhancing the sustainability and productivity of agriculture but also in the long-term socio-economic development of rural areas,” emphasises Imre Fertő, the study’s lead author. 

“To generalise the policy implications beyond Hungary, countries should first assess whether their farming sectors and gender dynamics resemble the Hungarian context. If similar conditions exist, policies that encourage women’s involvement in farm management could boost eco-efficiency elsewhere too. However, in countries with different rules around land ownership, credit access, or gender-related cultural norms, policymakers would need to tailor these strategies, since such differences can significantly influence whether women farmers achieve similar efficiency gains”, says Imre Fertő. 

The researchers also stress the importance of supporting young female farmers, as women farm managers currently tend to be older on average than their male peers, but their experience contributes significantly to sustainable farming practices. 

The study challenges the assumption that larger-scale farming or higher capital intensity automatically leads to greater eco-efficiency, instead emphasising the importance of optimisation. It also points out that beyond traditional factors like farm size and technological investments, social roles and gender differences significantly influence farming outcomes. Women-led farms are often smaller and employ fewer workers, yet are more efficient, an aspect crucial for sustainability.