BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) is joining other entities around the world in participating in the International Year of the Woman Farmer, declared by the United Nations for 2026. The designation highlights the role women play in ensuring global food security.
“Women farmers have always played an important role in North Dakota’s agricultural industry,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “In Native American culture, women were the primary farmers. Later, up to 20% of homestead claims in North Dakota were women. North Dakota is currently home to more than 13,000 women producers and we are grateful for the hard work they do each day to feed our state, nation and world. Besides farm fields and ranches, women play a significant role in the food supply chain including farm inputs and services, processing, distribution, trade, marketing and retail.”
NDDA has been highlighting women farmers on their website and social media channels and is seeking more stories to share as part of their yearlong spotlight. Stories may be submitted here.