By Lesly McNitt
When I first started working in agriculture policy, I did not see many women in the rooms I entered. It can be daunting to map out a future for yourself in an industry where you don’t see many people like you. The women – farmers, association executives, government officials and industry leaders – who I looked up to most were often the first to serve in their roles.
As my work took me all over the U.S. and the world, I sought out the women in agriculture, first subconsciously and then intentionally, to learn their stories. Visiting farms in wealthy countries like the U.S. and in developing contexts in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, I saw that the women were always there – often in the background, unseen or uncounted. They may not speak up in meetings or buy the seeds, or even credit themselves as “farmers,” but their contributions to our farms and our food system are very real and critical to its success.
Over the years I have seen a real change. There are more women in food and agriculture, on the farm, in the lab, in the boardroom and in the halls of Congress. They’re being recognized, encouraged, counted and stepping forward to lead. We have come a long way, and we have an opportunity to do more.
That’s why I am thrilled that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This declaration was years in the making, with the U.S. government leading the way. As part of this initiative, countries and stakeholder groups all over the world are recognizing women’s contributions to our global food and agriculture system,
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