According to a study done by the Cornell Population Center, approximately 33.5% of all farmers across the state are women but only 18% are “principle operators” (Blakely-Armitage & Vink, 2014). Across the United States, 51% of all farming operations had at least one woman operator but only 14% had female principle operators (American Farmland Trust, 2019). Around 40% less farm income is owned by women-led farms than farms operated by men. Women continue to be an underserved audience and face unique challenges including inadequate access to healthcare and childcare, barriers to accessing credit and farmland, amongst others.
There are a number of programs across New York State that work to provide training and other resources to support women in agriculture.
List of Agricultural Funding Opportunities for Women– compiled by Ambrook Research
American Farmland Trust NY Women for the Land Program provides education to promote sound farming practices while creating spaces for women to connect with one another about farmland transition, business planning, and service provider resources. In addition, addresses gender-related barriers in collaboration with partners across New York through direct technical assistance, research, and policy advocacy.
Women in Ag is a factsheet from the American Farmland Trust evaluating data and issues surrounding women in agriculture.
Women Farming in NYS is a fact sheet from Cornell University that highlights the trends and comparison over time of women in New York state agriculture.
Pennsylvanian’s Women’s Agricultural Network- offers resources and webinars
Women Food & Ag Network offers resources To engage women in building an ecological and just food and agricultural system through individual and community power.
Annie’s Project – an educational program dedicated to strengthening women’s roles in modern farm and ranch enterprises.
American Agri-Women – AAW is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agri-business women. Members are ranchers, farmers, producers, agri-business professionals, educators, consumers, students and researchers.
American National Cattlewomen – Professional network for women working in cattle related agricultureWomen Organizing for Change in Agriculture and NRM – International Membership network that provides education and support to promote women in agriculture.
