In 2026, the global community celebrates the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a United Nations initiative aimed at recognising the vital role women play in agriculture and food systems worldwide. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the initiative highlights the essential contributions of women to food production, rural livelihoods, and environmental stewardship, while also addressing the structural barriers they continue to face.
Women farmers are central to agrifood systems across the globe. They contribute significantly to producing, processing, and marketing food, while supporting nutrition, rural economies, and the wellbeing of their communities. Despite this crucial role, many women still face limited access to land, finance, technology, and training. The International Year aims to promote policies and investments that close these gaps and empower women across the agricultural sector.
The initiative also resonates strongly with the objectives of the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, which promotes sustainable soil management and resilient agricultural systems. Women farmers often play a key role in adopting sustainable land practices, safeguarding biodiversity, and strengthening local food systems. Recognising and supporting their leadership is essential for achieving healthy soils and climate-resilient farming.
Throughout 2026, governments, research institutions, farmers’ organisations and civil society are encouraged to organise events, share knowledge and mobilise investments that support women in agriculture. By amplifying the voices and experiences of women farmers, the international community can foster more inclusive, sustainable and resilient agrifood systems for the future.
In 2026, the global community celebrates the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a United Nations initiative aimed at recognising the vital role women play in agriculture and food systems worldwide. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the initiative highlights the essential contributions of women to food production, rural livelihoods, and environmental stewardship, while also addressing the structural barriers they continue to face.
Women farmers are central to agrifood systems across the globe. They contribute significantly to producing, processing, and marketing food, while supporting nutrition, rural economies, and the wellbeing of their communities. Despite this crucial role, many women still face limited access to land, finance, technology, and training. The International Year aims to promote policies and investments that close these gaps and empower women across the agricultural sector.
The initiative also resonates strongly with the objectives of the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, which promotes sustainable soil management and resilient agricultural systems. Women farmers often play a key role in adopting sustainable land practices, safeguarding biodiversity, and strengthening local food systems. Recognising and supporting their leadership is essential for achieving healthy soils and climate-resilient farming.
Throughout 2026, governments, research institutions, farmers’ organisations and civil society are encouraged to organise events, share knowledge and mobilise investments that support women in agriculture. By amplifying the voices and experiences of women farmers, the international community can foster more inclusive, sustainable and resilient agrifood systems for the future.
More info:
https://www.ifpri.org/landing/international-year-of-woman-farmer-iywf/
