On 15 October 2026, at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Cristina Stribacu, founder of LIÁ Olive Oil and the LIÁ Olive Oil Hub, was honoured as one of the FAO 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.

A global recognition for the Year of the Woman Farmer

FAO launched this global recognition for the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. The 100 honourees were selected from 609 nominations submitted by 131 countries; Cristina was nominated by Greece, through the Embassy of Greece in Rome. The ceremony took place during the World Food Forum, on the International Day of Rural Women, and was opened by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu.

Why FAO recognised her work

In its profile, FAO describes Cristina as “a leading advocate for agricultural biodiversity, women’s empowerment, and sustainable rural development.” It recognises her work to preserve Greece’s indigenous olive varieties, promote sustainable olive production and strengthen rural communities facing depopulation. FAO also highlights the LIÁ Olive Oil Hub as a centre for training, networking and innovation for rural women and young farmers, and REOLIVE as Greece’s first comprehensive agricultural sustainability programme.

In Cristina’s words

“Extra virgin olive oil is one of humanity’s oldest foods, yet few people ever learn to recognise its quality. When consumers understand what they are choosing, more of the value reaches the farmers who protect our Greek olive varieties and sustain rural communities. That is why education sits at the heart of our work, and why this recognition from FAO belongs to everyone who learns and grows with us.”
— Cristina Stribacu

The work continues in Messinia

Join us for a tasting or a workshop at the LIÁ Olive Oil Hub. Learn more about the recognition on FAO’s website.

Photo: FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto