From Staff Reports
In Summary:
The Orange Soil and Water Conservation District will officially recognize 2026 as the Year of the Woman Farmer, aligning with a United Nations initiative and highlighting the increasing role of women in agriculture. The proclamation notes that women make up a significant share of farmers and farmworkers both locally and nationwide. During the same meeting, the board will also proclaim Clean Water Week to emphasize the importance of protecting water resources and public health.
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The Orange Soil and Water Conservation District will formally proclaim 2026 as the “Year of the Woman Farmer” during its public meeting on April 10, highlighting the growing role of women in agriculture and encouraging greater participation across the industry.
Related: UF/IFAS launches agricultural entrepreneurship program to prepare students to create farming, AgTech businesses.
The proclamation, sponsored by Supervisor Dr. Phyllis Olmstead, aligns with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer and aims to bring local attention to a national and global trend.
The meeting will take place at 3 p.m. inside the Orange County Board of County Commissioners chamber at 210 S. Rosalind Avenue in Orlando and will be open to the public, with a livestream available on OrangeTV.
According to the proclamation, women now make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce. Data cited in the document shows that 41% of Florida farmers are women, with 39% in the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District.
Nationally, women also represent 39% of farmworkers, serving in roles that range from producers and ranchers to urban farmers, entrepreneurs, and processors.
The proclamation emphasizes that women are not only contributing to agricultural production but also leading households, managing finances, and helping sustain communities while raising the next generation of farmers.
“Empowered women farmers are key agents of change in transforming the agrifood systems,” the document states, citing the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Olmstead, a former farmer, agriculture educator, and FFA advisor, said the effort is also about visibility and opportunity.
By formally recognizing women farmers and amplifying their stories through proclamations and media, the district hopes to encourage more women and girls to pursue careers in agriculture and agricultural education.
The proclamation calls on citizens, businesses, and local governments to take action to reduce gender gaps, improve household incomes, and expand leadership opportunities for women in the industry.
In addition to honoring women in agriculture, the district will also proclaim the first full week of May as Clean Water Week, drawing attention to the importance of protecting water resources.
District officials say the designation is intended to highlight the impact of chemical and biological contaminants in watersheds, which can affect public health, ecosystems, and local economies.
The initiative is part of the district’s broader mission to provide education and guidance on land and water conservation practices, as outlined in Florida Statute 582.02.
The April 10 meeting is open to all residents, with district leaders encouraging community members to attend in person or watch online.
Officials say the proclamations are intended not only as symbolic gestures, but as starting points for broader community awareness and action on agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Key Points:
- The proclamation ceremony will take place on April 10 at 3 pm at the Orange County Administration building in Orlando
- The designation aligns with the United Nations’ recognition of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer
- Women account for approximately 41% of farmers in Florida and 39% within the local conservation district
- The proclamation encourages efforts to expand opportunities and leadership roles for women in agriculture
- The board will also proclaim the first full week of May as Clean Water Week to highlight water quality issues
