The U.S. Senate on Jan. 29 passed a bipartisan resolution unveiled on the same day by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) that would celebrate the designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
The chamber approved Senate Resolution 592, which Sen. Fischer sponsored alongside 43 original cosponsors, including lead cosponsor U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) on Jan. 30 cosponsored the identical House Resolution 1027 with sponsor U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and 18 other original cosponsors.
“Every day, women across America work to feed, fuel, and clothe our world – and they should receive credit for incredibly demanding jobs,” Sen. Fischer said. “That’s why I am proud to partner with Sen. Klobuchar in introducing this resolution to ensure that female ag producers receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Census, the United States had 1.2 million female producers, accounting for 36 percent of the country’s total producers.
Additionally, 58 percent of all farms had a female producer, accounting for 41 percent of U.S. agriculture sales and 46 percent of total U.S. farmland.
In 2022 alone, farms with one or more female producers sold $222 billion in agricultural products, according to the text of the resolution.
“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,” said Rep. Hinson. “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.”
Among several provisions, the resolution would celebrate the positive impact women have on the food systems and agricultural workforce of the U.S. by encouraging and empowering women to pursue careers in agriculture, a high-demand and essential field; cultivate leadership opportunities; and help feed a growing and hungry world, according to its text.