Women in Agriculture Act

# Women in Agriculture Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Women in Agriculture Act would create a new position within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) called the Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison. This official would advocate for female farmers and ranchers when they interact with USDA, help advance women into leadership positions at the agency, and oversee research and training programs. The bill also requires the USDA to report annually to Congress on how its funding—grants, loans, and other financial programs—reaches women-owned farming operations. **Key Provisions and Who It Affects:** The bill would direct funding toward developing and promoting farming equipment and machinery designed to be ergonomically suitable for women users.

It would also prioritize certain USDA loans and grants for women-owned agricultural operations. The bill primarily affects female farmers and ranchers, who currently represent a growing but still minority segment of U.S. agriculture, as well as the USDA itself. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez, a Democrat from New Mexico.