A new project intends to address barriers that prevent women from participating in agriculture.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture launched Engaging and Advancing Women in Agriculture last week.
The project leverages work done earlier by the Prince Edward Island Federation of Agriculture and Karolyn Godfrey of Winding Path Inc.
According to CFA, the project will develop, pilot and document a framework that producer associations can use to address under-representation of women in the sector, support them to develop the skills they need for leadership roles and raise the awareness of the benefits of women’s full participation.
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The organization noted that there is progress but women’s contributions often go unrecognized.
“They face both systemic and attitudinal barriers to entering the industry and securing leadership positions,” it said. “This constrains the sector’s capacity, resiliency and innovation, creates challenges in attracting and retaining women, and negatively affects the sector’s public image.”
Census data indicates less than a third of farm operators are identified as women and many of their contributions are unpaid and unrecognized.
The previous work done by Godfrey and PEIFA involved a working group of female agricultural leaders and resulted in a strategic plan to address the barriers and encourage participation.
CFA president Mary Robinson said the new pilot will celebrate women leaders and reduce systemic barriers.
“Any person with an interest in a career in agriculture should be welcomed and encouraged to contribute to this industry,” she said. “It’s time to level the field.”
Videos on the project website feature several women in agriculture discussing barriers they have faced on their own farms.
The federal government, through its AgriDiversity program, is funding part of the project, which also has support from PEIFA and Chicken Farmers of Canada.
More information can be found at levelthefieldinag.ca
