NASDA Launches International Year of the Woman Farmer

• On February 12, 2026, NASDA observed the International Year of the Woman Farmer
• The initiative aims at promoting the recognition of the women's role in the agricultural sector
• It focuses on the importance of women in promoting innovation and sustainability in agriculture

The National Association State Department (NASDA) created the International Year of Woman Farmer. This initiative aims to promote Women's role in Agriculture, recognising their contribution to innovation, Sustainability, and Leadership throughout the agricultural sector.

The announcement took place at the NASDA Winter Policy Conference, an event held in Washington D.C. where leaders from the agricultural industry and policy had a chance to come together and discuss opportunities for women in that field.

Ted McKinney, CEO of NASDA stated, “Women are A part of every aspect of the Agricultural industry! This includes, Production, Innovation and Leading the Agricultural Industry! NASDA is committed to ensuring that our Agricultural Policies represent the needs and the opportunities for farmers”.

There was also a breakout session entitled "International Year of Woman Farmers: What It Is and Why It Matters," During this session (Moderated by Amanda Beal, President of NASDA) Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mary Boote, and Krysta Harden each addressed the importance of Visibility and Leadership to future generations of Women in Agriculture.

Fielding questions from the audience, the speakers spoke about many topics including how to be more visible and why strong leaders are necessary and how strong leaders encourage future generations of Women to pursue careers in the industry.

In addition, panel discussions addressed the importance of public policy in supporting female farmers. Senator Hyde-Smith suggested the consideration of new legislation to support female farmers; Krysta added that true change requires a long-term commitment, which can only happen if there is forward planning through regular adjustments to policy, attitude and investment.

NASDA was able to establish an online resource center, which will be utilized for the purpose of supporting the International Year of the Female Farmer and will be used as a venue for sharing the stories of women through all of the available social media channels during the calendar period.

In general, the 2026 Winter Policy Conference event highlighted the theme of “United We Thrive” and the agricultural community will need to work in a cooperative way, as one voice, in order to expand the agricultural community by promoting and building a diversified, inclusive, and successful agricultural community on an equal basis.