Winnipeg, MB, February 25, 2026 – In recognition of International Women’s Day, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer and all of the contributions women make to the Canadian agricultural industry.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer to spotlight the indispensable but often unrecognized roles women play across agrifood systems around the world. According to the FAO, women farmers are central to food security, nutrition, and economic resilience, yet even when they manage farms of the same size as men, the gender gap in land productivity is 24%.
A previous study by Farm Management Canada, with contributions from CASA, Expanding Opportunities for Canadian Agriculture by Understanding the Experience of Farm Women, found that a collective effort to support the needs of women in agriculture will help increase opportunities for Canadian agriculture.
“While women in agriculture are essential to the success of farms across Canada, and the world, their contributions and experiences are too often overlooked and underappreciated,” says Sandra Miller, CASA’s Executive Director.
“The International Year of the Woman Farmer helps showcase the remarkable achievements of women who are shaping the future of agriculture in Canada, while also highlighting the challenges they face and the need to work collaboratively to remove barriers and build a more equitable industry. At CASA, we believe in championing an agricultural industry where opportunity grows for everyone and every voice is heard and valued. By empowering women in agriculture and ensuring the industry has opportunities for everyone, we strengthen our future — because by working together, we are better.”
An online forum, “Cultivating Wellness: Honouring the International Year of the Woman Farmer,” will take place on March 5 at 12 pm Central Time. The forum will feature three dynamic leaders in Canadian agriculture: Lauren Van Ewyk (CEO/Co-Founder of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance), Alanna Coneybeare (Vice-President of Conlee Farms Inc. and Co-Chair of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council), and Adelaide Amuah (Farm Safety Coordinator, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture).
Grounded in lived experiences and professional expertise, this panel will explore women’s leadership in agriculture, mental health advocacy, and the importance of farm safety. More information about the forum, including how to register, is available here.
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families and agricultural workers. CASA is funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. For more information, visit www.casa-acsa.ca.
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Robin Anderson
Director of Programs and Communications, CASA
877-452-2272 / randerson@casa-acsa.ca