International Year of the Woman Farmer
2026
The U.S. introduced a resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Women Farmer with 123 countries serving as co-sponsors. The UN General Assembly adopted it May 2, 2024, marking a global commitment to empowering and recognizing the contributions of women in agriculture.
Showcasing challenges and opportunities critical to success of women in agriculture
Around the world, women farmers often lack secure land tenure, limiting their ability to make long-term investments in their operations or pass land on to future generations. Supporting policies that ensure equitable access to land ownership, leasing rights and inheritance laws can unlock women’s full potential as stewards of farmland.
Women frequently face barriers to accessing financial services and market opportunities. Without credit, women farmers cannot invest in tools, inputs or expansion. Developing inclusive lending models, strengthening cooperative networks and investing in female-led agribusinesses creates pathways for economic empowerment and resilient rural economies.
Women often face digital divides and are less likely to benefit from emerging agricultural technologies due to lack of infrastructure, training, targeted outreach or other access issues. Bridging the digital divide with tailored tools, mobile-based services and inclusive innovation ensures that women farmers benefit from advances in agriculture technology advances and data-driven practices.
Limited access to extension services, formal education and leadership development opportunities continues to serve as barriers to the advancement of women in agriculture. Investing in gender-responsive training programs, mentorship opportunities and educational resources empowers women to lead, innovate and thrive in every part of the food system.
The U.S. introduced a resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Women Farmer with 123 countries serving as co-sponsors. The UN General Assembly adopted it May 2, 2024, marking a global commitment to empowering and recognizing the contributions of women in agriculture.
Showcasing challenges and opportunities critical to success of women in agriculture
Showcasing challenges and opportunities critical to success of women in agriculture
Around the world, women farmers often lack secure land tenure, limiting their ability to make long-term investments in their operations or pass land on to future generations. Supporting policies that ensure equitable access to land ownership, leasing rights and inheritance laws can unlock women’s full potential as stewards of farmland.
Women frequently face barriers to accessing financial services and market opportunities. Without credit, women farmers cannot invest in tools, inputs or expansion. Developing inclusive lending models, strengthening cooperative networks and investing in female-led agribusinesses creates pathways for economic empowerment and resilient rural economies.
Women often face digital divides and are less likely to benefit from emerging agricultural technologies due to lack of infrastructure, training, targeted outreach or other access issues. Bridging the digital divide with tailored tools, mobile-based services and inclusive innovation ensures that women farmers benefit from advances in agriculture technology advances and data-driven practices.
Limited access to extension services, formal education and leadership development opportunities continues to serve as barriers to the advancement of women in agriculture. Investing in gender-responsive training programs, mentorship opportunities and educational resources empowers women to lead, innovate and thrive in every part of the food system.
Share Your Voice: National Women In Agriculture Study
According to a report by the USDA, in 2022 the U.S. had 1.2 million female producers, about 36% of the country’s producers. Women play a vital role in American agriculture—contributing through production, advocacy, education, and entrepreneurship, while also strengthening rural communities through leadership and outreach. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, women make up more than one-third of all U.S. farm operators and are increasingly leading in farm management, agribusiness, research, and advocacy.
The national Women in Agriculture Study will explore women’s leadership and involvement across the industry, identify barriers and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to strengthen engagement and support systems. This study offers a unique opportunity to highlight the significant role women play in driving innovation, leadership, and engagement in agriculture both today and for generations to come.
Honoring Women Farmers Worldwide: Read their Stories
Honoring Women Farmers Worldwide: Read their Stories
Katie Adam
Adam Farms Michigan "To me, being a woman in agriculture means working just as hard as the men around me—while also balancing an off-farm career and raising small children. It requires keeping my [...]
Olivia Sobiech
Green Valley Onion Co Inc "When people think of 'farms' they often only think of a single farmer running a tractor, but there are so many different roles that go into a working [...]
Linda Gillilland
Ben Wever Farm New York "My advice is never be afraid to change direction and see where it takes you. I am old enough to have been called the Farmer's Wife even though [...]
Andrea Parent-Tibbetts
Clover Brooke Farm Hyde Park, NY "To me, working in agriculture means living with purpose, caring for the land, and raising animals whose fiber and presence enrich people’s lives. Being a woman in [...]
Join us in D.C.: International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit
Save the Date for the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit taking place in Washington, D.C. June 1–3, 2026. Many U.S. agrifood system stakeholders have joined forces to make this event possible in honor of the vital role women play in agriculture and the supply chain. This landmark national gathering—held in recognition of the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer—will empower, equip, and connect women farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals. Through skill-building sessions, high-impact networking, and advocacy-focused programming, attendees will strengthen their voices and leadership within the agricultural community.
Calling all women in agriculture to join together in the nation’s capital for an experience that honors your impact and fuels your leadership journey.
From the farm to Congress: Learn about the women leading state departments of agriculture
Amanda Beal
Maine Commissioner of Agriculture
NASDA President
“As state agricultural leaders, we recognize the essential contributions of women in farming and agribusiness. Supporting the International Year of the Woman Farmer aligns with our commitment to advancing opportunities for all U.S. farmers and ranchers, ensuring that women in agriculture have the resources, recognition and support they need to succeed.”
Kate Greenberg
Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture
Kate Greenberg is the first woman to serve as Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture. She was appointed by Governor Jared Polis in December 2018 to provide leadership and direction to the Colorado Department of Agriculture and its 350 employees. Prior to her appointment, Greenberg worked for over six years at the National Young Farmers Coalition where she served as the Western Program Director. At NYFC she organized farmers and ranchers to advocate for state and federal policy reform. Her work focused on farmland affordability and equitable access, ag education, protecting water for agriculture and expanding access to capital and credit for young and beginning producers.
Learn more about Commissioner Greenberg:
- Greenberg Leads With Purpose as Colorado’s First Female Ag Commissioner
- Colorado’s ag commissioner Kate Greenberg is building a new generation of farmers and helping ranchers fend off wolves
- The future of agriculture with Kate Greenberg
- Colorado’s First Female Commissioner Of Agriculture Discusses Career, Barriers For Young Farmers
Sharon Hurd
Hawai’i Chair of Agriculture
“Many legacy ranchers are women – they love the work they do and steward the land with aloha!”
Chair Hurd came from a background in marketing and a 25-year career in air cargo logistics and entered the agriculture industry with close connections to many farmers and ranchers. She believes in supporting women in agriculture through science-based, practical solutions—such as pest- and drought-resistant crops and equipment that is easy to use.
Ashley Randle
Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture
“Growing up on a fifth-generation dairy farm in Western Massachusetts, agriculture has planted firm roots in my personal and professional life. Working alongside my parents and grandparents on the farm fueled my involvement in the state’s 4-H dairy program and passion for a career in public service. From showing my homebred dairy cattle at the local, state and national level, I developed leadership and time management skills, made lifelong memories and built friendships and connections with strong female leaders that guided me in my career journey. I now have the privilege to serve as a mentor to the next generation of agricultural leaders and empower them to “Make the Best Better” in an industry full of opportunity.”
Jillien Streit
Montana Director of Agriculture
“I’m a Farm Wife and Farm Mom. I’m married to a 5th generation Montana Farmer raising crops, livestock, and the 6th generation of farmers. This is our passion. I have excelled on the farm, in the office and the kitchen. Taking care of the financial demands of farming and making sure that our crew of about 12 during the farming season is fed with homemade, nutrient dense meal while they are out producing nutrient dense food is my favorite part.”
Blayne Arthur
Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture
“Historically women have served in a variety of roles and been a major factor in farms and ranches nationwide. The push to highlight accomplishments of women in Agriculture throughout 2026 is a good reminder of the unique perspective we can bring to the industry.
Oklahoma ranks in the top 5 for female operated farms and ranches. We are proud to see young women take leadership roles in 4-H and FFA to help lead the next generation of women in agriculture across the great state of Oklahoma.”
Lisa Charpilloz Hanson
Oregon Director of Agriculture
“In the early stages of my career, I often heard that it was impossible to have a professional job, a family and a marriage all at the same time. I refused to accept that limitation. In fact, I took it as a challenge. I learned to find my balance, developed resilience, and worked hard to show up every day. The word cannot is not in my vocabulary. My message is: let me show you how we can. This is how women are changing the narrative in agriculture.
Representation is everything. If others see me doing it, I want them to know they can do it too. From being the first fieldwoman at Green Giant in Pasco, Washington, early in my career, to leading ODA today, I have learned that it is okay to be the only woman in the room. Show up, contribute and use your presence to inspire others. Agriculture thrives when everyone’s voice is at the table, and I am proud to help open that space for more women.”
Farm Progress: In 11 states, women hold reins of ag policy
A recent Farm Press article spotlights the 11 women currently leading state departments of agriculture across the U.S., collectively overseeing policy for more than 400,000 farms and 245 million acres of farmland. These trailblazers represent nearly a quarter of state-led farm policy, with leaders in states like Colorado, Oklahoma, and Massachusetts breaking new ground as the first women to hold their positions. Women continue to play a critical role in U.S. agriculture; as Colorado Commissioner Kate Greenberg notes, “It’s about how you do the job.”
Women for the Land
The Women for the Land initiative at American Farmland Trust is a suite of resources, activities and facilitators that help all women farmers and ranchers, landowners and aspiring farmers make the best decisions for their businesses and their land. By engaging women leaders in research, on-the-ground practices and training, as well as advocacy, we are transforming agriculture for the better for all our futures.
Access more stories:
Hear the personal stories and advice of women farmers in North Carolina on American Farmland Trust’s YouTube channel.
Agriculture Organizations Recognize International Year of the Woman Farmer
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Farm Bureau Federation
“Farm and ranch women contribute so much to our society, from rural communities to big cities all across the globe,” said Isabella Chism, an Indiana farmer and chair of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee. “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.”
Corus International
Corus International
“We have partnered with women farmers for more than 70 years through our rural development organization Lutheran World Relief because we know that when women have equitable access to agricultural inputs, financing, and training, entire communities become more resilient,” said Carolina Aguilar, Corus Technical Director for Specialty Crops. “Through our impact-investing arm, Ground Up Investing, we back women-led and women-employing agribusinesses to help close those systemic gaps. As we mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we’re proud to honor their leadership and reaffirm our commitment to investing in their success.”
Farm Credit
Farm Credit
Farm Credit proudly partners with incredible female producers across the country who are shaping the future of agriculture and helping feed the world.
One of Farm Credit’s valued partners supporting female producers is Annie’s Project. Annie’s Project is an organization dedicated to providing educational programs designed to strengthen women’s roles in modern agricultural enterprises. Their mission is to empower women in agriculture to be successful through education, networks and resources. Throughout its history, Annie’s Project has empowered over 19,000 women farmers, ranchers, growers, landowners and agriculturists to be change agents who strengthen their businesses, families and communities.
International Fresh Produce Association
International Fresh Produce Association
When we come together to elevate women’s leadership, voices and experiences, we honor their achievements while strengthening the entire agriculture, produce and floral supply chain. Collaboration has always been at the core of the produce and floral industry, and this initiative reflects that spirit of working together to create lasting impact. By amplifying the stories and leadership of women in agriculture, we’re helping build a stronger, more inclusive industry that reflects the communities we serve and ensures women’s leadership continues to shape the future of food.
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members passed an action item at NASDA’s 2025 Winter Policy Conference supporting the United Nations’ resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Through this action, NASDA acknowledges the vital contributions of women farmers and supports programs that enhance access to critical tools and opportunities. NASDA encourages domestic and international efforts to uplift and celebrate women in agriculture while advocating for policies that foster opportunity for the entire agricultural sector.
National Corn Growers Association
National Corn Growers Association
“Women have always been an important part of farming, and increasingly we are seeing our daughters step up and take over our family farms,” said Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower. “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.”
National Young Farmers Coalition
National Young Farmers Coalition
“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,” said National Young Farmers Coalition Government Relations Director Vanessa Garcia Polanco.
