The International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF)

Honoring the invaluable role women play in Maine's agriculture.

The International Year of the Woman Farmer initiative is a globally coordinated, non-partisan effort initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and led nationally by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, American Farmland Trust, National Young Farmers Coalition, Farm Credit, as well as numerous U.S. commodity groups such as the Dairy Export Council, Soybean and Corn Growers Associations, private sector partners, research groups, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations. Maine’s shared participation acknowledges the invaluable role women play in Maine's agriculture and underscores the commitment to enhancing the lives of women farmers, addressing the barriers they face, and celebrating their contributions to the state’s rural economy and food system.

Read the Governor’s Proclamation

Throughout 2026, Maine will highlight women farmers and agricultural leaders through public events, legislative collaborations, and national convenings. Milestones include celebrating the contributions of women farmers at upcoming events such as Agriculture Day at the Legislature in March, and the NASDA Annual Meeting in fall 2026, when hundreds of state and federal agriculture leaders from across the country will gather in Maine for the final meeting chaired by Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal during her term as NASDA’s 2025–2026 Board President.

Individuals, farms, organizations, schools, and community partners are encouraged to freely use and share the Year of the Woman Farmer in Maine logos and promotional materials to help amplify this statewide and international effort. Details about related events, recognitions, and opportunities to engage will be announced throughout 2026.

Help Amplify Maine Women in Agriculture

Share stories, photos, and recognition of women farmers, young women, and future farmers making a difference in agriculture. This easy-to-use planning resource offers ideas, messaging, and tools to help you celebrate women farmers, future farmers, and young women in agriculture across Maine.

Nominate a Woman Farmer to Be Recognized

Help us celebrate the women shaping Maine agriculture today and inspiring the next generation. Submit a nomination to highlight a woman farmer, agricultural leader, or young woman making an impact. Selected stories may be featured across DACF’s communication channels throughout 2026.

Submit a Nomination