Papua New Guinea’s Betty Higgins, a pioneering farmer, entrepreneur, and tourism operator from Gembogl in Simbu Province, has achieved global acclaim after being named one of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.

Higgins was formally celebrated at an FAO ceremony in Rome on October 15, 2026. FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu honoured 100 exceptional women worldwide for their transformative contributions to agriculture, food security, innovation, and rural development.

This international accolade marks a historic milestone for Papua New Guinea, particularly for Simbu Province. Higgins built a highly successful, family-owned agribusiness at the foot of the country's highest peak, Mt. Wilhelm.

Higgins is the visionary founder of Mt. Wilhelm Trout Farm and Betty’s Lodge, a unique enterprise that seamlessly blends aquaculture, hospitality, and ecotourism.

Aquaculture Pioneer: Her trout farming operation produces premium fresh and smoked trout. It also supplies fish fingerlings to local growers, significantly expanding aquaculture opportunities across the region.

Community Job Creator: The business generates crucial employment for rural communities through hands-on farming, tourism, and hospitality services.

Economic Anchor: Higgins actively sustains the local economy by purchasing fresh produce from surrounding smallholders for her lodge, offering isolated farming households a reliable market and steady income.

According to the FAO, Higgins was nominated by Papua New Guinea’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock for her outstanding contributions to rural enterprise and community development.

The global initiative was launched specifically to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. The FAO evaluated 609 nominations from 131 member countries before selecting the final 100 honorees. The program shines a spotlight on women advancing agrifood systems through farming, food production, scientific research, entrepreneurship, and natural resource conservation.

Reflecting on her achievement in Rome, Higgins stated that the honour belongs to all women working in agriculture. She expressed hope that her journey would inspire young women to believe in themselves, pursue agribusiness opportunities, and drive agricultural development.

Dr. Kachen Wongsathapornchai, FAO Papua New Guinea Head of Office, extended his congratulations, praising Higgins as a prime example of how female leadership and innovation can revitalize rural economies.

Higgins’ triumph underscores the immense potential of pairing agriculture with ecotourism to create diverse economic streams beyond traditional farming. Her success arrives as Papua New Guinea celebrates World Food Day 2026 under the theme, "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow."

From the rugged foothills of Gembogl to the global stage in Rome, Betty Higgins has proudly placed Papua New Guinea at the forefront of global agrifood innovation.