Celebrations recognizing women’s contributions to agriculture are expected to be widespread this year as the International Year of the Woman Farmer gains momentum across the United States.
From farm and trade association meetings to state agriculture departments and Capitol Hill, the designation highlights women who lead both on the farm and in agribusiness boardrooms. The United States proposed the resolution to the United Nations General Assembly, which adopted it May 2, 2024, with 123 co-sponsoring countries. “This is long overdue recognition for women who work in every part of agriculture,” said Krysta Harden, former U.S. deputy secretary of agriculture and now president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, speaking during a National Association of State Departments of Agriculture video. Harden said women’s contributions range from physical labor in fields and ranches to leadership and decision-making roles.
According to the latest USDA Census of Agriculture, 1.2 million female farmers operated in the U.S. in 2022, representing 36% of producers, with 58% of farms reporting at least one female producer. Several farm and food organizations have since formed a working group to coordinate activities throughout the year.
- NAFB