Women play a vital role in Australia’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly both on and off the farm. According to a 2020 ANZ Banking report, women make up approximately 34% of the country’s agricultural workforce, providing one-third of all on-farm income and an impressive 84% of off-farm income.

“Despite this, networking and industry groups focused on women remain a relatively new introduction to the industry’s landscape. The reality of the value and depth of women’s contribution to Australian agricultural production potential goes further than even these figures recognise; women fulfil vital roles as business decision-makers, advisers, bookkeepers, mediators and succession planners. Women also play a crucial role in diversifying farm output towards agri tourism, food and hospitality ventures.”

Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles across various industries. In Australia, only 22.3% of CEOs and 35.1% of key management positions are held by women. This disparity highlights the importance of organisations like Marquis Macadamias in promoting female leadership.

Kristina Hermanson, Claudia Lordao and Karen Wines

Board Member Kristina Hermanson, who joined Marquis Macadamias in August 2024, brings over 25 years of global leadership experience across the agriculture value chain. She has witnessed the industry evolve, with an increased focus on gender equity through initiatives like the NFF Diversity in Ag Leadership Program. However, she notes that while awareness has grown, sustainable change in leadership representation has yet to fully materialise. “Women remain underrepresented in key decision-making roles, and closing this gap is both a challenge and a vital opportunity to attract and retain top talent,” she explains. Kristina believes visibility is key to generating change: “Seeing is believing; when women see others in leadership, they recognise that it’s possible for them too.” Kristina sees diversity as an essential driver of industry success, particularly in a growth sector like macadamias. “With global nut consumption still at just 2%, collaboration and innovation across the value chain will be essential. By fostering inclusivity, we can not only strengthen our businesses but also ensure a thriving future for agriculture.”

Marketing & Communications Manager Claudia Lordao, who has been with Marquis since 2021, embraces the challenges of working in a traditionally male-dominated field. Claudia plays a key role in shaping the public image of Marquis Macadamias, ensuring the company’s values and industry leadership are effectively communicated. She is proud to be part of an organisation that supports gender diversity and promotes women in leadership. “I appreciate how Marquis (and the Australian macadamia industry in general) have made significant strides in promoting women to leadership positions. It represents a meaningful shift toward equality, and I am proud to be part of this transformation,” she says. Claudia believes that increasing the visibility of women in agriculture not only inspires future generations but also strengthens the industry as a whole. Through her work, she continues to advocate for inclusivity and highlight the vital contributions of women across all aspects of the macadamia supply chain.

Operations and Logistics Manager Karen Wines appreciates the opportunity for growth and values the supportive environment at Marquis. “The company has always encouraged me to challenge the status quo and bring new ideas to the table,” she says. “I’m proud that my contributions have helped streamline our supply chain and improve efficiencies from farm to market.”

                                                                                   Yollie Millar and husband Max Millar

Macadamia Grower and Marquis Shareholder Yollie Millar brings a wealth of experience and determination to the industry. In 2004, she and her husband, Max Millar, decided to semi-retire, selling their business and looking for a hobby farm, only to find themselves managing a much larger operation than expected in Bundaberg. Over the years, Yollie has championed the role of women in agriculture, employing women in her nursery and sorting shed and advocating for greater female representation in the industry. “Women are a great asset in any industry. We communicate well, we work hard, and we should be proud of what we achieve both individually and as a group,” she says. “Women are not just a pretty face in the house; we can showcase our talents in many fields. There should be more of us in the industry, from leadership roles to the factory floor. We need to create and educate more young women, showing them the beauty and opportunities that come with a life on the farm.”

Leah Doherty, Finance Manager at the Bundaberg Factory, highlights how Marquis empowers women to make a real impact. “Managing finances in agriculture presents unique challenges, but at Marquis, I’ve always felt supported in making strategic decisions that ensure the company’s growth and stability. It’s rewarding to see how my work contributes to the bigger picture.” she shares.

Tracey Bayliss, a dedicated team member since 1999, recalls how Marquis has embraced female leadership. “Even back then, there were quite a few women in our Lismore office. Today, women are in managerial roles in the office and production areas, demonstrating that Marquis values capability over gender. Women foster a supportive and organised environment in the workplace, and I’m proud to see that recognised.”

Despite significant progress, challenges persist. Women remain underrepresented in male-dominated industries, making up just 13.2% of the workforce. While there have been advancements (women now hold 39.8% of board positions in ASX100 companies), female representation in the agriculture industry remains critically low, at only 3%, according to the WGEA gender equality data from 2023. Marquis Macadamias is dedicated to changing this narrative by championing gender diversity and empowering women at all levels. The company believes that supporting women in agriculture not only fosters equality but also drives business success and industry growth.