Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed 2026 as the Year of the Woman Farmer in Maine, aligning the state with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

According to a news release from the Governor's office, the initiative is part of a globally coordinated, non-partisan effort led internationally by the United Nations and nationally by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), with participation from organizations including the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Farmland Trust, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, private sector partners, research groups, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Governor Mills' proclamation acknowledges the invaluable role women play in Maine's agriculture and underscores the state's commitment to enhancing the lives of women farmers, addressing the barriers they face, and celebrating their contributions to Maine's rural economy and food system.

“I signed the proclamation declaring 2026 as the Year of the Woman Farmer in the State of Maine to draw attention to the role women play in agriculture,” said Governor Mills, in the news release. “Women like my grandmother, who, alongside my grandfather, raised three children while making a living as a potato farmer. I spent nearly all my summers and school vacations with them, and those experiences shaped my deep respect for the women whose hard work sustains our farms, our food system, and our rural communities.”

Women contribute significantly to agricultural production worldwide, yet often face challenges related to land access, capital, technical assistance, and leadership opportunities, according to Mills. The United Nations' designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer calls on governments and partners to spotlight these challenges while advancing solutions that strengthen food systems and rural communities.

Throughout 2026, Maine will highlight women farmers and agricultural leaders through public events, collaboration with the legislature, and national convenings. Milestones include Agriculture Day at the Legislature in March and the NASDA Annual Meeting in fall 2026, when hundreds of state and federal agriculture leaders from across the country will gather in Maine.

“The Governor’s proclamation is an opportunity to honor women farmers, past and present, and future farmers, especially the young women entering agriculture, and further position Maine as a national leader in advancing opportunity and innovation in agriculture,” said Department Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal.

To support participation, an official International Year of the Woman Farmer in Maine logo and promotional materials, including decals, buttons, and social media graphics, are available on the DACF website.

Individuals, farms, organizations, schools, and community partners are encouraged to freely use and share the Year of the Woman Farmer in Maine logos and promotional materials to help amplify this statewide and international effort, according to the release.

Details about related events, recognitions, and opportunities to engage will be announced throughout 2026.