SACRAMENTO, CA January 7, 2026 - The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is proud to participate in the International Year of the Woman Farmer, declared by the United Nations for 2026. The designation recognizes women’s essential role in agriculture worldwide and reflects a global commitment to equity, visibility, and opportunity across food and farming systems. 

Led by the United States and supported by 123 countries, the resolution highlights the critical contributions women make to food security, sustainability, and economic resilience. In California, women are not only part of agriculture - they are leading it. Here, the role of women extends far beyond the farm gate, covering virtually every role throughout the broader food value chain that includes not only farm fields and ranches, but also farm inputs and services, processing, distribution, trade, marketing and retail.

“Women farmers are at the heart of California’s agricultural industry,” said California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “From stewarding our land, to strengthening our rural economies, to feeding communities across the state, California relies heavily on the incredible leadership of women farmers and agricultural innovators. I am thrilled to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer so we can uplift their significant impacts and dedication to our shared future – not just in the Golden State but across the world.”

California is home to more than 45,000 women producers, with women making up nearly 38% of all producers and operating on 63% of farms statewide, more than any other major agricultural state. Over the last decade, the number of women farmers in California has grown by 13%, reflecting a shift toward greater leadership and ownership across the agricultural sector. 

“California agriculture is a powerful economic engine as the number one ag producing state in the nation, and women producers play a critical role in its strength and competitiveness,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Women in agriculture support industry leadership in innovation that feeds the nation, supports millions of jobs, and leads the way on climate-smart sustainable farming practices.     

Women-led farms are often at the forefront of soil health, water conservation, and long-term land stewardship. California continues to lead nationally in sustainability, ranking #1 in sustainable dairy production, with more than 80% of California wine produced in certified sustainable wineries. 

To elevate these contributions, CDFA has partnered with CA Grown on a yearlong campaign to spotlight California’s women farmers and their impact on the food and farming system. This effort will be featured through a coordinated digital campaign and woven throughout CDFA and CA Grown initiatives in 2026. 

“One of the most influential women in my life was my grandmother, who farmed alongside my dad as an equal partner in our family operation,” said Cherie Watte, Executive Director of CA Grown and a fifth-generation California agriculturist. “I look forward to celebrating all women—past and present—who contribute to the success and innovation of California’s agricultural industry.” 

When consumers choose California Grown food, wine, and flowers, they are supporting farming families—93% of California farms are family-owned—and the women who help lead them across generations. 

Additional information is available on the International Year of the Woman Farmer  Campaign Materials.  

Media assets are also available here: https://cagrown.canto.com/b/SJE6T