By Jamie Martin
The United Nations has officially declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a pivotal initiative led by the U.S. to enhance the role of women in agriculture globally. In a ceremony attended by key figures like U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and USDA Deputy Secretary, Xochitl Torres Small, the declaration was announced, reflecting a strong international consensus.
This global observance aims to focus on the critical contributions of women to food and agricultural production worldwide. Women are instrumental in farming, constituting about half of the global food production workforce and even more in several countries. Despite their contributions, women face unique challenges including limited access to resources like credit, land, and education.
The initiative will not only highlight these issues but also promote actions to address them, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals on gender equity and food security. The USDA has been instrumental in rallying international support for this movement, emphasizing that empowering women farmers is essential for future food sustainability.
The focus will also be on improving women’s leadership within the agricultural sector to ensure they have a voice in decision-making processes. By recognizing and addressing the barriers women face in agriculture, the International Year of the Woman Farmer is set to foster a more inclusive and productive agricultural future.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National