A Milestone for Women Farmers
On February 12, 2026, a significant moment in agricultural history unfolded as the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) launched the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This initiative aims to elevate the voices of women in agriculture, recognizing their crucial role in driving both innovation and sustainability in the industry.
The Importance of the Initiative
The NASDA 2026 Winter Policy Conference, held in Washington, D.C., brought together agricultural leaders, policymakers, and advocates to discuss the importance of honoring women in farming. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney emphasized that women are integral to agriculture worldwide, stating, “Women are vital to agriculture worldwide, from production to innovation to leadership. NASDA is committed to amplifying women farmers’ voices and ensuring policies reflect needs and opportunities for all farmers.”
Highlights from the Conference
One of the key events was the plenary session titled International Year of the Woman Farmer: What it is and why it matters. Moderated by NASDA President Amanda Beal, the session featured notable speakers, including:
- U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
- Global Farmer Network CEO Mary Boote
- U.S. Dairy Export Council President & CEO Krysta Harden
During the panel, the speakers highlighted the need to inspire the next generation of women in agriculture. Mary Boote remarked, “Seeing is believing… when you raise up other women in leadership positions, that next generation gets to see them and understand that their voice matters.” This perspective is critical for fostering a supportive environment for aspiring women farmers.
Policy and Lasting Change
Another vital theme discussed was the potential for policy changes to empower women in agriculture. Senator Hyde-Smith encouraged attendees to pursue new legislation that could lead to meaningful change. “Don’t be afraid to introduce new legislation… as long as it’s logical and you have people that agree with you, we can get that done,” she said.
Krysta Harden added, “Recognition to honor and make real change is not just in one year. It’s a continuous evolution that will change our policies, attitudes, and spending.” This forward-thinking approach is essential for creating a more equitable agricultural landscape.
Share Your Story
The NASDA conference also featured a reception at National’s Park, where attendees were encouraged to share their stories. With over 450 participants, the event was a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting women in agriculture. The NASDA website now hosts an information hub dedicated to the International Year of the Woman Farmer, inviting women to share their experiences and stories.
As NASDA collects these narratives, they will be shared through newsletters and social media throughout the year, creating a platform for women farmers to be recognized and celebrated.
United We Thrive
United We ThriveThe 2026 Winter Policy Conference reinforced the theme United We Thrive, emphasizing that collaboration between men and women in agriculture is crucial for progress. As Mary Boote stated, “There are a lot of good things we can do alone; even more that we can do together.” This collaborative spirit is the foundation for a thriving agricultural community that values diversity and inclusion.
As we move forward into this pivotal year, let us all commit to supporting women in agriculture. Whether you are a farmer, a policymaker, or an advocate, your voice matters. Together, we can build a stronger future for the entire agricultural sector.
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How do you support women in agriculture? What changes would you like to see in policies affecting women farmers?
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For further information, visit NASDA to explore more about their initiatives and how you can contribute to the celebration of women farmers.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
