Jul 3, 2024USDA prepares for 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer
The USDA has shared that it plans to celebrate 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a UN-designated initiative highlighting the vital role women play in global food production. The campaign aims to honor women’s contributions and address the social and economic challenges they face in agriculture.
According to a recent USDA report, women are responsible for about half of the world’s food production. USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor hosted an event at the USDA’s Whitten Patio, drawing over 200 partners and stakeholders in person and 800 online to kick off preparations for the 2026 observance.
“We’re so proud of USDA’s role in leading U.S. government efforts to introduce and generate support for the resolution,” said Taylor. “This marked the first time in history that the United States was the lead sponsor of an ‘International Year’ at the UN.”
The event featured a panel discussion led by Taylor, that included insights from Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur and Lauren Phillips from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas Greenfield also delivered a video address, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to close the gender gap in agriculture.
“The International Year of the Woman Farmer offers governments, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders the opportunity to better understand the challenges women face,” said Thomas-Greenfield. “Together, let’s amplify the voices of women farmers and ensure access to credit markets, education and technology.”
The USDA encourages everyone to join their efforts in supporting women in agriculture. For more information, visit USDA’s International Year of the Woman Farmer
For more information, visit USDA’s International Year of the Woman Farmer.
