Women farmers and ranchers play a vital role in agriculture. A new bill recently introduced in Washington aims at helping them by expanding farming opportunities for women.
The “Women in Agriculture Act” will fund “research for better-equipped ag machinery and equipment.” It will also boost money for childcare facilities in rural areas.
Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME), who introduced the bill, says this will help level the playing field and make the industry fairer to women.
“Maine is fortunate to have an abundant, diverse farming workforce helping to feed the nation. As a longtime farmer myself, I know the additional challenges women face to get their job done. In addition to navigating childcare obstacles, women must overcome a history of discrimination in lending opportunities,” Rep. Pingree said. “The Women in Agriculture Act provides resources specifically for women farmers and ranchers to level the playing field and work towards a fairer agriculture industry.”
Along with Rep. Pingree, the bipartisan legislation was also co-sponsored by Reps.Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico-At-Large).
“Our women farmers and ranchers deserve recognition and representation for working our precious lands. But we know that the work of our sisters who represent 26% of the farm workforce face disparities and often go unrecognized. Women farmers, especially non-white women farmers, are undervalued, underserved, and underpaid,” said Rep. Leger Fernandez. “This is why I am introducing the Women in Agriculture Act to support a pathway for agricultural education and resources for women-led farms.”
