A day of informative presentations

The presentations throughout the day were inspiring, practical and full of hope. We thank our informative speakers who gave their time and generously shared inspirational stories of encouragement and insights into organic food growing:

• Janaki Kathriarachchi – Ranbath Organic Catering and Three Star Organic Farm
• Laura Nicholson – Second Secretary, Australian High Commission, Sri Lanka
• Mr. Lankathilanka – Executive Officer, Milk Coop and Milk Coop Volunteers
• Charith Weerasinghe – Country Manager, Australian Volunteers Program
• JoAnne Dean – Organic Farming Mentor, Australian Volunteers Program
• Nozomi Tanigawa (PARCIC, Japan), supporting smallholder organic tea farmers through training, certification and international market connections
• Shiromi – Farmer and leader in spice processing and marketing from the Milk Coop group near the Sinharaja rainforest and waterfalls.

All presentations were shared in Sinhala with interpretation provided for English speakers.

The farmers were engaged throughout the day, asking thoughtful questions, sharing their own experiences, participating in lively discussions.

Presentation by Janaki Kathriarachchi

Acknowledging our reliance of farmers

During the event we reflected on the enormous contribution of women farmers around the world. Women make up approximately 40–50% of the global agricultural labour force.In many developing countries they produce around 60% of the food that feeds families and communities.

Two or three times every day, Every single one of us depends on farmers . Every meal reminds us of their dedication, skill and hard work. They care for the land, grow our food and nourish our bodies every day of the year. We hope farmers everywhere receive the fair prices they deserve for their work.

It’s heartening to know local organic tea growers earn twice as much as conventional tea per kilogram. This shows that sustainable farming can provide strong livelihoods. The day highlighted the significance of organic farming. Healthy soil produces healthy plants, which in turn nourish healthy people, and healthy communities create a better future for everyone.

Women from different farmer groups gathered in small conversations, forming new relationships between the Ranbath Organic family network and the Deniyaya women farmers. These conversations created exciting opportunities for local fresh produce being directly freighted to Colombo restaurants. Women supporting women, sharing ideas, experiences and opportunities.

We were deeply grateful to the women of Deniyaya for warmly welcoming us into their homes and gardens over the past months. They generously shared delicious organic meals, introduced us to the incredible diversity of local fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and medicinal plants.They contributed treasured family recipes that are now becoming part of the Nourishing Peace recipe book.

As we celebrate the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the millions of hardworking farmers across the globe. Your dedication, resilience and care for the land provides the fresh, healthy food that nourishes us every single day of the year.

To every farmer, especially the incredible women farmers who often work quietly behind the scenes: thank you. Your work matters. Your knowledge matters. Your contribution feeds the world.