Wisconsin Ag Connection - World Rural Women's Day Celebrates Role of Women in Ag

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World Rural Women's Day Celebrates Role of Women in Ag
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/13/2009

As World Rural Women's Day is celebrated throughout the world on October 15, Wisconsin Farmers Union wishes to recognize rural women who produce the world's food supply. This year's theme, 'Rural Women at the Heart of Innovation,' focuses on blending traditional knowledge and advances in agricultural sciences by forging links between rural women and researchers in order to reach agriculture's full potential. Rural women will play an essential role in countering two major scientific challenges--global climate change and population growth.

"Women around the world are already engaging in diverse and sustainable farming practices that help to counter climate change and adverse effects of population growth. These two challenges are at the forefront of WFU's policy initiatives," WFU President Doug Caruso said. "It is important that women are directly involved in developing farm policy and are provided with the resources needed to continue to provide food for the world."

Caruso says farm organizations and local governments should empower women to take active roles in decisions that affect agriculture. WFU has long involved women in decision making at the local, state and national levels.

National Farmers Union is a member of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers, a world farmers organization of industrialized and developing countries who exchange concerns and common priorities for agriculture.