By Blake Jackson
Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is recognizing the vital role of women in food production and stewardship by joining the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in celebrating 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Across the U.S., more than 30 organizations are hosting events to mark the occasion. A nationwide study led by the American Farm Bureau aims to gain a deeper understanding of women in American agriculture, who make up 36% of the nation’s agricultural producers.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture has created an information hub to “highlight the achievements and challenges of women farmers while building resources that can inspire meaningful change,” said Amanda Beal, the association’s president.
“From local fields to global supply chains, women are driving nearly half of the world’s agricultural labor, and more than a million U.S. farms rely on female producers,” said Deanna Behring, assistant dean and director of international programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences.
“Given the expertise within the college and our history of conducting research and extension activities related to women in agriculture, we are especially poised to take up the call to bring attention to women’s roles in creating a more resilient, sustainable and accessible food system, both at home and abroad.”
Throughout the year, Penn State will share information about women’s contributions to Pennsylvania agriculture through events such as the Pasa Sustainable Agriculture conference, Ag Progress Days, roundtables, and Penn State Extension workshops.
The college also will participate in the “International Year of the Woman Farmer: Advocate, Cultivate, Empower Summit” in Washington, D.C., in June, hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Additionally, plant sciences student Georgia Few developed a website highlighting women farmers in Pennsylvania and their impact on local and global food systems across six themes: farm labor, leadership, community engagement, women’s networks, statistics, and history.
The site encourages farmers, consumers, educators, and policymakers to engage with these stories and data to promote lasting recognition and support.
“By highlighting the contributions of women farmers, these events help broaden public understanding of the essential role they play in feeding communities and sustaining our planet,” Behring said.
For details, visit Penn State’s International Year of the Women Farmer site or contact Behring at dbehring@psu.edu.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Education