By Jamie Martin
A group of bipartisan lawmakers have reintroduced the Women in Agriculture Act to support and uplift women working in the farming and ranching sectors.
Led by Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández and joined by Congresswomen Jen Kiggans, Chellie Pingree, and Deborah Ross, the bill aims to address key challenges faced by women in agriculture.
The bill proposes creating a Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve support and communication for women in farming. It also includes funding for research on farm tools and equipment suited to women’s physical needs, and prioritizes support for childcare facilities in rural areas.
Women make up 26% of the agricultural workforce, a number that has grown by 37% since 2009. Still, female-operated farms earn about 40% less than male-operated ones.
Additionally, only 16% of Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) contracts go to women, and many report challenges in securing loans.
“Women farmers, especially non-white women farmers, are undervalued, underserved, and underpaid,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “Women ranchers and farmers drafted this, and they told us what they need.”
The act is backed by groups like the Democratic Women’s Caucus and the Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN). WFAN highlighted the urgent need for rural childcare and women-specific support services in farming.
This bipartisan move recognizes the essential role of women in agriculture and aims to ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive in the industry.
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Categories: National