Women farmers and ranchers are essential to Idaho's

agricultural industries and communities.

 

According to the USDA and Census of Agriculture statistics on farm size, farm sales, and farm profitability, women farmers are a socially disadvantaged and underserved group. In 2019, University of Idaho research and extension faculty were awarded a four-year grant from the USDA National Food and Agriculture Institute to conduct research and outreach to better understand the challenges and opportunities women in agriculture are facing.

 

The Women Farmers and Ranchers on the Rise in

the US and Idaho project has two primary long-term goals:  

 

1. reducing barriers and increasing opportunities for achieving

financial success and increasing sustainability of enterprises

for women farm and ranch operators

2. increasing the prosperity of women farm operators,

their families, and rural communities

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The United Nations has recognized the importance of women in agriculture by designating 2026 as the "International Year of the Woman Farmer".