Des Moines, Iowa – The Global Farmer Network® (GFN®) is proud to honor German farmer and agricultural leader Jana Gäbert as the 2026 recipient of the GFN Kleckner Global Farm Leader Award.
A first-generation farmer from eastern Germany, Jana serves as one of three managing directors at the Trebbin Agricultural Cooperative (agt). The cooperative farm spans approximately 4,000 hectares (nearly 10,000 acres), where Jana oversees dairy production, beef cattle, grassland management, and biodiversity initiatives. While her leadership is rooted in production agriculture, her influence also extends beyond the farm gate through public engagement.
Jana’s path into agriculture began unexpectedly. Without a farming background, she discovered her passion after spending weekends at a small pony farm as a child.
“Every Saturday, it didn’t matter if it was summer or winter; I went to this farm. And when I was 13, I decided to become a farmer. I think this decision by 13-year-old Jana was the best in my life,” she reflects.
Today, she is recognized throughout Germany for demonstrating that production agriculture and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand. More than a decade ago, her farm began implementing biodiversity practices including perennial flowering strips, habitat areas and pollinator-friendly management. Rather than relying on assumptions, Jana insisted on collecting long-term data to measure the results.
“For us it was important to show that modern farming and biodiversity are not against each other,” Jana says. “We don’t want to have the feeling that we do something good. We want to have the facts that we do something good.”
That same commitment to evidence and transparency has led Jana to regularly host school groups, consumers, policymakers and agricultural leaders on her farm, including members of Germany’s federal government. Her goal is simple: create meaningful conversations that help bridge the growing gap between agriculture and society.
Her willingness to become a public advocate, however, did not come naturally.
When Jana joined the Global Farmer Network in 2022, she admits she was unsure whether she belonged.
“My curiosity was bigger than my fear,” she recalls. “It was awesome to talk to farmers from every continent of the world. We have different challenges, but we also have the same challenges.”
Through the Network, Jana grew as a communicator and leader. Media training, public speaking opportunities, and encouragement from fellow GFN members helped equip her to represent farmers on political panels, speak before the European Parliament, and advocate for modern agriculture throughout Germany.
“Jana has demonstrated tremendous growth since joining the Global Farmer Network. We can provide the tools and open the door, but it’s up to each individual to decide what they do with that opportunity. Jana stepped through that door and has continued to grow as a leader,” says Board Chairman Paul Temple.
For Jana, receiving the GFN® Kleckner Global Farm Leader Award represents both recognition of that journey and encouragement to keep using the voice she has found.
“This award makes me feel seen,” Jana shares. “It means more than personal recognition. It is also a responsibility. It reminds me that farmers need to tell their own story, engage in public conversations, and build bridges between agriculture and society.”
Beyond advocacy, Jana believes leadership means creating opportunities for others. On her farm, she helps employees from 10 different countries navigate life in Germany, assisting with everything from housing and banking to immigration paperwork, while fostering a welcoming workplace culture.
“I think leadership means taking responsibility for the farm and for the people who work with us,” she says. “You can never stop learning.”
“BASF congratulates Jana Gäbert on being named the 2026 Global Farmer Network Kleckner Global Farm Leader Award recipient. Her commitment to advancing innovative agriculture while fostering sustainable practices and public engagement exemplifies the kind of leadership needed to help shape a more sustainable future for agriculture. We are also appreciative of Jana’s engagement and contributions to BASF’s Sustainability Farm Network” stated Dr.
Nikolaus Tacke, Global Head of Public, Governmental and Industry Affairs, BASF Agricultural Solutions.
Jana will be formally recognized during the World Food Prize events in October of 2026.
Established in 2007, the Kleckner Global Farm Leader Award honors the legacy of Dean Kleckner, the Network’s founding chairman, by recognizing individuals who demonstrate world-class leadership, vision, and commitment to farmer-led innovation. Jana joins a distinguished group of global recipients who champion farmers’ ability to choose the tools, technologies, and practices that help feed the world sustainably.
Previous Kleckner Global Farm Leader Award recipients include:
- Rosalie Ellasus, Philippines (2007)
- Jeff Bidstrup, Australia (2008)
- Jim McCarthy, Ireland (2009)
- Gabriela Cruz, Portugal (2010)
- Gilbert arap Bor, Kenya (2011)
- Rajesh Kumar, India (2012)
- Ravichandran, India (2013)
- Ian Pigott, United Kingdom (2014)
- Lydia Sasu, Ghana (2015)
- Maria “Pilu” Giraudo, Argentina (2016)
- Motlatsi Musi, South Africa (2017)
- Gina Gutierrez, Mexico (2018)
- Patience Koku, Nigeria (2019)
- Ruramiso Mashumba (2020)
- Annechien ten Have Mellema, Netherlands (2021)
- Gabriel Carballal, Uruguay (2021)
- Joanna Lidback, USA – Vermont (2021)
- Kornelis “Kees” Huizinga, Ukraine (2022)
- Marcus Holtköetter, Germany (2023)
- Shuichi Tokumoto, Japan (2024)
- Bill Couser, United States (2025)
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