International Year of the Woman Farmer Information Hub Launched to Celebrate Women’s Impact on Agriculture Globally – Oklahoma Farm Report

Report on Initiatives Advancing Women in Agriculture in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Collaborative Effort for Gender Equality and Food Security

On October 15, the International Day of Rural Women, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and a 15-member working group launched a dedicated information hub. This initiative aims to celebrate and advance the role of women in agriculture, directly contributing to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning gender equality, food security, and sustainable economic growth.

Core Objectives and Alignment with SDGs

The initiative’s primary objectives are strategically aligned with the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Women constitute nearly half of the world’s food producers, yet they face significant barriers that hinder progress toward these goals.

• Advancing Food Security (SDG 2: Zero Hunger): By supporting women farmers, who are critical to global food production, the initiative directly addresses the goal of ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• Promoting Gender Equality (SDG 5: Gender Equality): The core mission is to empower women by dismantling persistent barriers to land, resources, and leadership opportunities, thereby achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
• Fostering Economic Growth (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth): Empowering women in agriculture stimulates inclusive and sustainable economic growth by ensuring their full and productive participation in the workforce.
• Reducing Inequality (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities): The focus on providing equal access to resources and opportunities for women farmers is a direct action toward reducing inequalities within and among countries.

Key Strategic Initiatives

To achieve these objectives, the working group has outlined several key initiatives designed to generate data, build capacity, and foster advocacy.

1. The Information Hub: This central online platform serves to elevate women’s stories and drive global action. It functions as a resource for sharing best practices and connecting efforts that support women in agriculture worldwide.
2. The National Women in Agriculture Study: Led by the American Farm Bureau Federation, this national study aims to better understand the contributions and challenges of the 1.2 million female producers in the U.S. (36% of all producers as of 2022). The study will provide actionable data to inform policies and support systems, strengthening engagement in alignment with SDG 5.
3. The International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit (2026): Scheduled for June 1-3, 2026, in Washington, D.C., the Advocate, Cultivate, Empower (ACE) Summit will convene women farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals. The event will focus on leadership development, networking, and advocacy training. Results from the National Women in Agriculture Study will be presented, linking data-driven insights to tangible empowerment strategies.

Multi-Stakeholder Partnership: A Model for SDG 17

This initiative exemplifies a powerful multi-stakeholder partnership as outlined in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The collaboration demonstrates a collective commitment from diverse sectors of the agriculture industry to achieve shared sustainability objectives. The working group includes:

• American Farm Bureau Federation
• American Farmland Trust
• American Soybean Association
• Annie’s Project
• Corus International
• Dairy Farmers of America
• Farm Credit
• Dairy Girl Network
• Equal Origins
• International Fresh Produce Association
• NASDA
• National Corn Growers Association
• National Farmers Union
• National Young Farmers Coalition
• Public Lands Council
• U.S. Dairy Export Council

Conclusion

The coordinated efforts of NASDA and its partners represent a significant commitment to empowering women in agriculture. By focusing on data collection, capacity building, and advocacy, these initiatives are poised to make substantial contributions to achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer will serve as a critical milestone to highlight achievements, address ongoing challenges, and inspire meaningful change for a more sustainable and equitable future in global agriculture.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article connects to this goal by highlighting the significant role of women in global food systems. It states that “Women contribute nearly half of the world’s food production.” Supporting women farmers, therefore, is crucial for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • This is the central SDG addressed in the article. The entire piece focuses on initiatives aimed at “celebrating and advancing women in agriculture.” It explicitly mentions the need to overcome “persistent barriers” women face in accessing “land, resources and leadership opportunities” and aims to “empower women shaping the future of agriculture.”
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article relates to this goal by focusing on the economic contribution and professional development of women in the agricultural sector. It refers to women as “producers” and “agribusiness professionals” and discusses initiatives like the ACE Summit, which aims to help women “develop as leaders” and “grow as strong advocates,” thereby promoting productive employment and economic empowerment within the industry.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article is a clear example of this goal in action. It describes a collaboration between the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and “15 members of an International Year of the Woman Farmer working group.” This multi-stakeholder partnership, involving various associations and organizations, is working collectively to “drive action in support of women farmers globally.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women…
   • The article supports this target by focusing on initiatives that aim to remove barriers for women farmers. By providing better access to resources and support systems, as discussed in the article, the productivity and economic standing of women in agriculture can be enhanced.
2. Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.
   • This target is directly addressed through the article’s emphasis on leadership. It mentions that women face barriers to “leadership opportunities” and highlights the ACE Summit’s goal to “develop as leaders” and fuel their “leadership journey.” The focus is on elevating women’s roles and voices within the agricultural industry.
3. Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services…
   • The article explicitly identifies the problem this target seeks to solve, stating that women “continue to face persistent barriers to accessing land, resources.” The National Young Farmers Coalition is quoted as leading advocacy for “more equitable access to land, credit, and markets,” directly aligning with this target.
4. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…
   • The article exemplifies this target by detailing the formation and activities of the “International Year of the Woman Farmer working group.” This group is a civil society partnership that includes a diverse range of members like the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, and Corus International, all collaborating to achieve a common goal.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Proportion of women among agricultural producers
   • The article provides a specific data point from a USDA report: “in 2022 the U.S. had 1.2 million female producers, representing 36% of the nation’s agricultural producers.” This statistic serves as a direct indicator that can be tracked over time to measure women’s participation in the agricultural sector (relevant to SDG 5).
2. Data from the National Women in Agriculture Study
   • The article introduces the “National Women in Agriculture Study” as a national effort to “better understand the women behind American agriculture.” The study is designed to “explore women’s leadership and involvement,” “identify barriers and opportunities,” and “provide actionable insights.” The results of this study will serve as a key set of indicators to measure progress on women’s access to resources, leadership roles, and overall engagement (relevant to SDG 5 and SDG 2).
3. Number and scope of multi-stakeholder partnerships
   • The existence of the working group with its 16 distinct member organizations is an indicator of partnership effectiveness (relevant to SDG 17). The article lists these members, showcasing a broad coalition from different parts of the agriculture industry working towards a shared objective.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: oklahomafarmreport.com