Women's Voice in Agriculture- 2025- Heleen Viljoen
Heleen Viljoen, is an economist at Grain SA, and recently earned accolades for her technical article on wheat import tariffs, winning the Hollard Farming Portal Junior Agriwriters Award in the technical category. Heleen grew up in Durbanville, in a household where the world of finance had a strong influence. She later pursued a degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State. She is busy with her doctorate with a focus on South Africa’s commodity markets – giving her unique insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the grain sector. She is passionate about making a meaningful impact, whether through small improvements or broader policy changes, to strengthen the agricultural sector. By combining data analysis, policy engagement, and hands-on insight, she supports farmers and help build a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive grain industry. As a woman in agriculture, she is proud to use her skills and knowledge to make a difference where it matters most.
