Tom Vilsack Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Official Website
NEW YORK, May 2, 2024 – Today, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, the UN General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The resolution, and the U.S. government’s efforts to generate support for it, were spearheaded by USDA and garnered more than 100 co-sponsors, underscoring the global importance of uplifting women throughout the agriculture sector. The worldwide observance will call attention to the vital role that women play in global food and agricultural production.
Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasized the significance of this declaration, stating, "From the field to the factory, from the classroom to the boardroom, women are fundamental to the future of agriculture. As leaders, it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of women farmers have equal access to economic, educational and leadership opportunities." She also expressed gratitude for the international support received, saying, "USDA is proud to have led the U.S. government’s efforts in support of declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer."
Highlighting the pivotal role of women in food production, it was noted that "Women are responsible for roughly half of the world’s food production, and in many countries they produce between 60 and 80 percent of the food." Despite their significant contributions, global food insecurity is more prevalent among women than men, underlining the importance of addressing the challenges faced by women in agriculture.
The International Year of the Woman Farmer aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges women encounter in agriculture, such as property rights, access to credit and markets, and lack of technical and educational support. Additionally, the initiative underscores the necessity of women in leadership roles to ensure representation at the highest levels of decision-making, aligning with goals focused on gender equity, food security, and poverty outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
USDA's commitment to empowering women in agriculture is part of a broader effort to transform America’s food system, ensuring fairer markets, access to nutritious food, and sustainable practices. The agency's dedication to equity and removing systemic barriers aligns with the vision of supporting women farmers on a global scale.
As preparations for 2026 begin, the world anticipates a year dedicated to amplifying the voices and contributions of women in agriculture, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for all involved in the food production sector.
