Year of the Woman Farmer

NEW YORK — A resolution was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to declare 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer.

The resolution was spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It gathered support from more than 100 cosponsors.

Women are responsible for roughly half of the world’s food production, and in many countries they produce between 60% and 80% of the food.

Yet globally, the prevalence of food insecurity is higher among women than men, according to the USDA.

The goal of the Year of the Woman Farmer is to celebrate their accomplishments and raise awareness of constraints women face — including property rights and land tenure, access to credit and markets, and lack of technical and educational support.

The event will also emphasize the importance of women in leadership roles.

“From the field to the factory, from the classroom to the boardroom, women are fundamental to the future of agriculture,” said USDA Deputy Secretary Torres Small.

“As leaders, it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of women farmers have equal access to economic, educational and leadership opportunities and that we dismantle the unique barriers they face so they can continue to take on the challenges of meeting the world’s growing food, fuel and fiber needs.”

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s report, The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems, finds that despite comprising 39% of the global agricultural labor force, women encounter significant discrimination.

Women face challenges in land and livestock ownership, access to quality and secure jobs, equitable pay, participation in decision-making processes and accessing credit and financial services.