The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture along with 15 members of an International Year of the Woman Farmer working group launched an information hub dedicated to celebrating and advancing women in agriculture. The site debuted Oct. 15, the International Day of Rural Women, to highlight and connect efforts supporting women in agriculture worldwide.
Women contribute nearly half of the world’s food production, but they continue to face persistent barriers to accessing land, resources and leadership opportunities. The information hub serves as a central online platform to elevate women’s stories and drive action in support of women farmers globally, recognizing that supporting them helps advance the entire agriculture industry. A primary feature of the group’s collaboration is the National Women in Agriculture Study, a national effort led by the American Farm Bureau Federation, to better understand the women behind American agriculture. According to a USDA report, in 2022 the U.S. had 1.2 million female producers, representing 36% of the nation’s agricultural producers. The National Women in Agriculture Study will explore women’s leadership and involvement across the agricultural industry, identify barriers and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to strengthen engagement and support systems. This study offers a unique opportunity to highlight the significant role women play in driving innovation, leadership and engagement in agriculture.
“The International Year of the Woman Farmer provides an opportunity to honor and empower women shaping the future of agriculture,” said NASDA President Amanda Beal. “Through collaboration with these key stakeholders in the agriculture industry, we can highlight the achievements and challenges of women farmers while building resources that can inspire meaningful change.”
Members of the working group include American Farm Bureau Federation, American Farmland Trust, American Soybean Association, Annie’s Project, Corus International, Dairy Farmers of America, Farm Credit, Dairy Girl Network, Equal Origins, International Fresh Produce Association, NASDA, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Young Farmers Coalition, Public Lands Council and U.S. Dairy Export Council.
The group is also preparing for the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit, taking place in Washington, D.C., June 1–3, 2026. The Women’s ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit is an annual event hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation which brings together women farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals to develop as leaders, enhance their women in agriculture network and grow as strong advocates for agriculture. The ACE Summit will empower, equip and connect attendees through skill-building sessions, high-impact networking and advocacy-focused programming. Additionally, the results of the National Women in Agriculture Study will be featured during the event. All women in agriculture are invited to attend the summit in the nation’s capital for an experience that honors their impact and fuels their leadership journey.
These initiatives and other events that will take place throughout 2026 demonstrate the collective commitment of NASDA and its partners to recognize and elevate women who are shaping the future of food and agriculture. To explore the International Year of the Woman Farmer Information Hub, visit nasda.org/IYWF. Learn more from members of the working group:
American Farm Bureau Federation: “Farm and ranch women contribute so much to our society, from rural communities to big cities all across the globe,” said Isabella Chism, an Indiana farmer and chair of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Committee. “We’re delighted to work together with a variety of partners across the agricultural industry to honor those contributions, cultivate learning opportunities, and empower women farmers around the world. The International Year of the Woman Farmer is an opportunity to celebrate and elevate the work of women farmers everywhere.”
International Fresh Produce Association: When we come together to elevate women’s leadership, voices and experiences, we honor their achievements while strengthening the entire agriculture, produce and floral supply chain. Collaboration has always been at the core of the produce and floral industry, and this initiative reflects that spirit of working together to create lasting impact. By amplifying the stories and leadership of women in agriculture, we’re helping build a stronger, more inclusive industry that reflects the communities we serve and ensures women’s leadership continues to shape the future of food.
National Corn Growers Association: “Women have always been an important part of farming, and increasingly we are seeing our daughters step up and take over our family farms,” said Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower. “So, it’s only appropriate that we honor women farmers in this way. I am particularly pleased that the United States took the lead in establishing 2026 as the year to honor these amazing women.”
National Young Farmers Coalition: “Young Farmers is honored to be in coalition with many national and international partners to highlight the role of women farmers in organizing their communities and leading advocacy to increase more equitable access to land, credit, and markets for young people in agriculture,” said National Young Farmers Coalition Government Relations Director Vanessa Garcia Polanco.
