By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist
The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, a member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the committee’s Ranking Member, introduced the resolution in the Senate. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson and Chellie Pingree.
The resolution highlights the critical role women play in agriculture across the U.S and around the world.
Lawmakers from both parties emphasized the importance of recognizing women who work to feed, fuel and clothe the nation.
“Every day, women across America work to feed, fuel, and clothe our world, and they should receive credit for incredibly demanding jobs. That’s why I am proud to partner with Senator Klobuchar in introducing this resolution to ensure that female ag producers receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work,” Fischer said.
Klobuchar noted the designation can help strengthen rural economies by encouraging more women to pursue agricultural careers and ensuring women have opportunities to lead and succeed in the industry.
“We can’t have a strong rural economy without the contributions of the women farmers working every day to feed and fuel the world. By recognizing 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, we are celebrating the role of women in agriculture, encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in agriculture, and ensuring that women in agriculture have a seat at the table and supporting them once they’re there,” Klobuchar said.
“Agriculture is more than just the backbone of our economy. It is a way of life,” Hinson said. “Women have always been at the center of that story. I’m proud to lead a resolution making 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer because it’s long past time we recognize the vital role women play in feeding, fueling and sustaining America.”
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture highlights the growing impact of women in agriculture.
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, there are about 1.2 million female farmers and ranchers in the U.S., representing 36% of all producers.
Women are involved in 58% of U.S. farms, which account for 41% of agricultural sales and 46% of farmland nationwide. In 2022 alone, farms with at least one female producer generated $222 billion in agricultural sales.
Texas leads the nation with 152,291 female farmer and ranchers, representing 39% of the state’s farmers and ranchers and managing nearly 43 million acres of farmland.
Pingree, who is a farmer from Maine, noted the recognition is expected to create momentum in supporting the next generation and help remove barriers that women in agriculture continue to face.
“As a longtime farmer, I know both the opportunities and the challenges that women in agriculture face,” Pingree said. “Designating 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer gives us a platform to highlight women’s leadership and create momentum that supports the next generation. This recognition is long overdue. Women have always been at the heart of agriculture although they have not always received equal support or visibility. It’s critical that we work together to remove barriers and build career pathways for women who want to farm, innovate and lead.”
The resolution received broad bipartisan support, with dozens of senators from across the country signing on as cosponsors.
Nearly two-thirds of U.S. farmland is held by farmers and ranchers nearing retirement age, and about one-third is expected to change hands in the next two decades. Leaders say supporting women through access to education, financial tools and resources will be essential to ensuring the continued strength of agriculture.
A Women in Agriculture Study is also underway to better understand the experiences, needs and perceptions of women in agriculture today.
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