Women in Agriculture Act

This bill creates a Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This point person would help women farmers and ranchers find and apply for USDA programs, speak up for them inside the agency, and encourage more women in USDA leadership. The liaison can partner with universities and nonprofits to offer research, classes, mentoring, and internships, and must publish a yearly public report on USDA grants, loans, and other support going to woman-owned farm operations, including key percentages by program and women’s representation in USDA jobs .

The bill also funds research and extension work to develop farm tools and machines designed to fit women’s bodies, and it gives priority for certain USDA loans and grants that improve childcare in farm or rural communities.

Key points

• Who is affected: Women farmers and ranchers, woman-owned farm operations, and rural communities that need childcare support .
• What changes: A new USDA liaison to guide and advocate for women; annual public reports on funding and participation; partnerships for research, training, mentoring, and internships; research grants for ergonomically designed equipment; priority for loans/grants that expand affordable, quality childcare in rural areas .
• When: USDA must set up the liaison within 120 days of the bill becoming law; the first report is due within 1 year and then every year after.