Celebrating Women in Agriculture
March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a perfect time to recognize the vital roles women have played in agriculture. The Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) is spotlighting these contributions by sharing stories and resources that highlight women in this field.
LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Marketing Director at EFI, emphasizes the importance of women in agriculture. “Women have always been essential to food production and continue to lead farms today,” she says. In fact, a recent report from the 2022 Census of Agriculture shows that women make up 36% of U.S. farm operators, manage 58% of farms, and contribute significantly to agriculture sales, totaling $222 billion.
Throughout history, women have pushed for labor rights, scientific advancements, and better access to healthy foods. For example:
- Dolores Huerta: Co-founder of the United Farm Workers, she fought tirelessly for farmworkers’ rights alongside Cesar Chavez.
- Mary Engle Pennington: The first woman to lead an FDA laboratory, she revolutionized the safe handling of perishable foods.
- Lori Taylor: Founder of The Produce Moms, she promotes the importance of fresh produce for nutrition and sustainability.
- Maggie Torres: As a learning and development manager, she empowers others to succeed in agriculture.
These women exemplify the positive change that can happen through dedication and innovation. Ruzzamenti points out that the majority of EFI’s staff are women, reflecting their crucial role in agriculture and the ongoing support for future female leaders.
Empowerment in agriculture doesn’t just affect the industry—it influences community health and food access. Recent research shows that communities with women in leadership positions tend to have better health outcomes due to improved food policies. This highlights why supporting women in agriculture is vital for broader societal benefits.
To learn more about impactful women in agriculture and access resources for Women’s History Month, visit the Equitable Food Initiative website.
About the Equitable Food Initiative
EFI is dedicated to improving farmworker lives and enhancing business practices within the agricultural supply chain. By bringing together growers, workers, retailers, and consumers, EFI fosters collaboration and continuous improvement to tackle the industry’s challenges. For more information, visit equitablefood.org.
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Source linkagriculture,Equitable Food Initiative,Lori Taylor,The Produce Moms,Women's History Month
