WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate passed a resolution last night celebrating the designation of 2026 as ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer.’ U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the resolution in the Senate. U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA2) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME1) introduced companion legislation in the House.
“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.
“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. Women have always been at the center of that story. Nearly one-third of farmers in my district are women, leading operations, balancing the books, and strengthening our rural communities, often while raising families. 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,” Hinson said.
“As a longtime farmer, I know both the opportunities and the challenges that women in agriculture face. I’m proud to come from the state of Maine, where more than 43 percent of farm operators are women. 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,” Pingree said.
The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Chris Coons (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Angus King (D-ME), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Todd Young (R-IN).
Women in ag:
Women lead and support the agriculture industry across boardrooms, research labs, co-ops, and farmland, making vital contributions at every level. According to the USDA 2022 Census, the United States had 1.2 million female producers, accounting for 36% of the country’s total producers. Additionally, 58% of all farms had a female producer. These farms accounted for 41% of U.S. agriculture sales and 46% of total U.S. farmland. In 2022 alone, farms with one or more female producers sold $222 billion in agricultural products.
