There are truly no qualifications to be a farmer- it doesn’t matter what demographic you are, socio-economic status, background, or experience level— by definition, a farmer is “a person engaged in agriculture.” Women have been a critical part of farming operations in the U.S. for centuries, but the number of women serving as farm operators tripled from 1978 to 2012 and continues to grow. More than 30% of American farmers are women, and they produce approximately $12.9 billion dollars in agricultural products each year. Despite these numbers, women in agriculture typically have lower income, fewer applications for grant and financial assistance, and higher ages than their male counterparts. UGA recently launched a new initiative to help support and build community for women in agriculture across Georgia and the U.S. titled “AgrileadHER.”

            AgrileadHER is aimed to empower women in agriculture and provide professional development and networking opportunities to students, faculty members, industry professionals, and women farmers. The program “seeks to enhance the visibility of women in agriculture and increase opportunities for their personal and professional growth.” Dr. Laura Perry Johnson, Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said that AgrileadHER was created to address the unique challenges that women face in agriculture. “Women have always been a part of agriculture, but historically they have not always received the recognition or opportunities that they deserve,” said Johnson. “AgrileadHER is about creating a community where women in agriculture can support each other, share ideas, and grow together.”

            The AgrileadHER model provides a number of resources and events to support it’s mission, including professional development workshops and seminars, networking events, mentorship opportunities with experienced women in agriculture, and scholarship and funding opportunities. The program’s flagship event is the AgrileadHER conference, held annually. The conference is open to women in agriculture across the country and provides a space for participants to to learn, share ideas, and network. The AgrileadHER conference is “an empowering and inspiring event that can have a real impact on the careers and lives of women in agriculture.” The 2023 AgrileadHER conference will be held in November of 2023. In addition to the annual conference, there is an AgrileadHER virtual community platform women can join for $40 per year that allows ongoing connection and education of women in agriculture through educational webinars, live chat, discussion board posts, and other special events.

“Women have always played a vital role on the farm. They wear many different hats. In addition to being farmers, they are bookkeepers, caregivers, peacemakers and much more. Many farm women also work off of the farm for insurance and supplemental income. This can cause unique stressors,” said Brightwell. “Since many women farmers live in rural areas, they often need opportunities to connect with others who share their life experiences. A community of like-minded individuals can be a place of learning, connection and growth.” The AgrileadHER program is one of many that has already garnered attention and support from state, federal, and industry partners and is just one example of the University of Georgia’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in agriculture. With its focus on empowering women in agriculture, the program is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive agricultural industry.

For more information about AgrileadHER and its programs, visit the program’s website at https://www.caes.uga.edu/extension-outreach/women-in-agriculture.html or visit the online community at: https://www.agrileadher.com/agrileadhercommunity.

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