Women's Role in Agricluture

Women have always been a vital part of agriculture, but have not always received the respect they deserve. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is trying to bring light to the importance of women in agriculture production roles around the United States. They have created info-graphics for the United States as well as each state within it. In fact in the United States women make up 31% of the farming population. When you look at developing countries this percentage is much higher with 60-80% of farmers being women.

I encourage you to checkout the link below to explore the impact women have on production agriculture in the United States and follow the link within it to discover women's impact in various states and regions within the United States.

Women in Agriculture

Discussions Points

• What are your thoughts after exploring these websites? Were you surprised by the numbers in the United States or specific states? Explain your thoughts.
• How do different regions of the United States compare to one another regarding percentage of women who are agriculture producers? Why do you think this is the case?
• Reflect on your home region and how it relates to the overall average in the United States. (For those in the U.S. compare your home state and for those outside of the U.S. compare your home country/state.)
• Look at women in agriculture on a global level. Have each person in your group/class/discussion research another country besides the United States or your home country. What percentage of farmers are women? How does this compare to the U.S.? What are the factors behind the higher, equal, or lower percentages?