Acknowledging women’s vital contributions to food production and stewardship, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is joining the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in marking 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
In the U.S., a coalition of more than 30 organizations is organizing events to commemorate the celebration. A nationwide study, led by the American Farm Bureau, seeks to understand better the women behind American agriculture, who comprise 36% of the nation’s agricultural producers.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture launched an information hub to “highlight the achievements and challenges of women farmers while building resources that can inspire meaningful change,” according to Amanda Beal, the association’s president.
“From local fields to global supply chains, women are driving nearly half of the world’s agricultural labor, and more than a million U.S. farms rely on female producers,” said Deanna Behring, assistant dean and director of international programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences. “Given the expertise within the college and our history of conducting research and extension activities related to women in agriculture, we are especially poised to take up the call to bring attention to women’s roles in creating a more resilient, sustainable and accessible food system, both at home and abroad.”
Source : psu.edu