Global recognition for women farmers in 2026

May 07, 2024

By Farms.com

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This initiative, championed by the USDA and endorsed by more than 100 countries, aims to elevate the status of women in agriculture and tackle the challenges of global food security.

During the announcement, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small underscored the pivotal role women play in agriculture across the globe. They stressed the importance of providing women farmers with equal access to resources, education, and leadership opportunities.

The focus of the International Year of the Woman Farmer is to promote sustainable practices and enhance the representation of women in decision-making processes within the agricultural sector. This initiative will work towards more resilient food systems where women are key drivers of innovation and development.

The USDA has committed to transforming the national food system to be more inclusive and supportive of women farmers. This involves creating fair markets and enhancing local production capabilities, ensuring that women are not only participants but leaders in shaping the future of agriculture.

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.