The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, honoring the essential roles women play across agrifood systems and recognizing their immense contributions to food security, nutrition, and economic resilience. The Year also shines a light on the barriers women farmers continue to face and the importance of expanding opportunity, equity, and support in agriculture.
Here in Ulster County, women are at the heart of our diverse and innovative agricultural sector. 40% of our farmers are women, and their leadership, creativity, and resilience strengthen our local food system and sustain the agricultural economy that defines so much of our County’s character.
To celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, County Executive Jen Metzger has launched an initiative to highlight Ulster County’s woman farmers. Throughout the year, she has been visiting farms across the County — learning about each farmer’s unique operation, hearing their stories, successes, and challenges, offering resources, and sharing in the bounty they bring to our community.
As part of this initiative, we are capturing photographs and brief profiles of farmers throughout Ulster County. While Executive Metzger cannot visit every farm in person this year, we are excited for our farmers to upload their information to our website, so we can showcase as many women farmers as possible.
This project will culminate in a photo gallery on our website, celebrating the women who grow, raise, craft, and steward the land in Ulster County.
Are you a woman farmer in Ulster County? Share your story below!
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