Celebrating women’s impact on agriculture

Did You Know?

The United States introduced a resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Women Farmer, with 123 countries serving as cosponsors. The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution May 2, 2024.

WASHINGTON — A new information hub was launched this fall to highlight the importance of women in agriculture.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, along with members of an International Year of the Woman Farmer working group, created the website: www.nasda.org/celebrating-international-year-of-the-woman-farmer.

“The International Year of the Woman Farmer provides an opportunity to honor and empower women shaping the future of agriculture,” said NASDA President Amanda Beal.

“Through collaboration with these key stakeholders in the agriculture industry, we can highlight the achievements and challenges of women farmers while building resources that can inspire meaningful change.”

Women contribute nearly half of the world’s food production, but they continue to face barriers to accessing land, resources and leadership opportunities.

The information hub serves as a central platform to elevate women’s stories and drive action in support of women farmers globally, recognizing that supporting them helps advance the entire agriculture industry.

The collaboration includes a National Women in Agriculture Study in an effort to better understand the women behind American agriculture.

The group is also preparing for the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit, taking place June 1–3 in Washington.

“Farm and ranch women contribute so much to our society, from rural communities to big cities all across the globe. We’re delighted to work together with a variety of partners across the agricultural industry to honor those contributions, cultivate learning opportunities and empower women farmers around the world. The International Year of the Woman Farmer is an opportunity to celebrate and elevate the work of women farmers everywhere.”

Isabella Chism, Women’s Leadership Committee chair

American Farm Bureau Federation

“Women have always been an important part of farming, and increasingly we are seeing our daughters step up and take over our family farms. So, it’s only appropriate that we honor women farmers in this way. I am particularly pleased that the United States took the lead in establishing 2026 as the year to honor these amazing women.”

Jed Bower, president

National Corn Growers Association

“Young Farmers is honored to be in coalition with many national and international partners to highlight the role of women farmers in organizing their communities and leading advocacy to increase more equitable access to land, credit and markets for young people in agriculture.”

Vanessa García Polanco, government relations director

National Young Farmers Coalition