The Livingston County Board of Supervisors announced that March 24, 2023, will be celebrated as Women in Agriculture Day throughout the County. This proclamation honors the significant contributions made by women in the field of agriculture in providing a safe, healthy, affordable, and abundant food supply to the local community, state, nation, and the world.
With over 1,200,000 females engaged in agricultural production in the United States, women make up more than a third of the nation’s agricultural producers. Furthermore, women-operated farms generated around $148 billion in agricultural products in 2017, accounting for 38% of total agriculture sales in the country that year. These statistics demonstrate the significant role women play in the agriculture industry.
The proclamation also acknowledges the essential contributions made by women in various commodity and industry fields, including research and development, manufacturing, sales and distribution, agricultural education, agribusiness, and advocacy. Women farmers are critical in fostering the next generation of the agricultural workforce by promoting STEM and agricultural education and encouraging entrepreneurial and community initiatives.
Women in Agriculture Day recognizes women farmers from all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds and walks of life. The day highlights the importance of agriculture as a vital industry and economic driver in New York State. The County will celebrate this day in conjunction with National Women in Agriculture Day and National Women’s History Month.
The Board encourages all citizens to recognize the vital contributions made by women in agriculture and to appreciate the significant impacts these women have had on food resources. The celebration of Women in Agriculture Day aims to highlight the critical role of women in agriculture and to promote gender equality in the industry.
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