This Year We Honor and Advocate for Woman Farmers

This Year We Honor and Advocate for Woman Farmers

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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,

Here are some key facts about female farmers:

• They are essential in ensuring food security, improving nutrition and eradicating poverty.
  
  
• They contribute across all areas of food systems, engaging in crop production, forestry, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as in processing, value addition, distribution and trade.
  
  
• In 2021, they accounted for 41% of the global food and ag workforce. Yet women in rural areas disproportionately face precarious jobs, poor working conditions and limited rights.
  
  
• Women farmers typically work on smaller plots of land than men.
  
  
• Women engaged in wage employment in our food system earn 78 cents for every dollar that men earn.

This campaign aims to close the gender gap in farm productivity and wages, which could raise global gross domestic product by $1 trillion and reduce food insecurity for 45 million people. So, I invite you to join me and celebrate the many women in our lives and around the world who are powering food and farming. And if you're an aspiring woman in agriculture, 2026 is a great year to get involved.

What can you do? Here are four ways you can elevate this campaign and make a difference for women:

• Be Counted. Both men and women can take this survey, which will bolster our understanding of where gaps persist in the United States.
  
  
• Tell your story. Post #IYWF2026 messages and memes online. There is a treasure trove of images, videos and messages on the UN website and on the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's US IYWF website.
  
  
• Pay it forward. I have benefitted immensely from incredible mentors - men and women. Encourage those in your network to apply for the National Corn Growers Association Women & Mentors Retreat. The Retreat doesn't end when attendees go home-they become permanent members of the Women & Mentors network, connecting them with a passionate community invested in advancing women's leadership in agriculture.
  
  
• Get involved. Join one of the many events, including several online discussions, that are planned for the year ahead organize an in-person or online #IYWF2026 event.

Women have long been central to the farm economy both here in the United States and around the world. Yet, their work has often gone unnoticed, underappreciated or faced unique barriers. Let's make the most of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The work we do over the coming year and decade to advocate for them will determine whether the fields they toil in are on a level playing field.

McNitt is the vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association.

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