A resolution supporting the designation of 2026 as the "International Year of the Woman Farmer" to recognize and honor the critical role of women in agriculture.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 592
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S397; text: CR S381)
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-12T10:50:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 592) aims to support the designation of 2026 as the "International Year of the Woman Farmer." It seeks to recognize and honor the essential contributions of women to agriculture, both in the United States and globally, highlighting their leadership and impact on food systems and communities.
Key Provisions
- Support for Designation: The Senate endorses 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
- Recognition of Women's Role: Acknowledges that women make up 36% of U.S. agricultural producers (over 1.2 million individuals) and contribute across sectors like farming, ranching, research, education, agribusiness, and advocacy.
- Encouragement to Citizens: Urges all Americans to:
- Honor and celebrate women's achievements in agriculture.
- Promote women's participation by encouraging careers in this essential field, fostering leadership opportunities, and supporting efforts to address global food needs.
The resolution was introduced by Senator Fischer and cosponsored by a bipartisan group of 43 senators, and it was agreed to by the Senate on January 29, 2026.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support rather than amending any statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Communities: May increase public awareness of women's roles in agriculture, inspiring more women and girls to enter the field, pursue leadership, and contribute to food security. It could foster educational and advocacy initiatives at local levels.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, as it does not mandate actions; however, agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) might reference it in outreach or programs to promote gender equity in farming.
- On International Relations: Aligns the U.S. with global efforts to recognize women in agriculture, potentially strengthening ties with international organizations focused on sustainable development and gender equality in food systems.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Women in Agriculture: Primary beneficiaries, including female farmers, ranchers, researchers, educators, and agribusiness professionals, who gain visibility and encouragement.
- Agricultural Community: Farmers, ranchers, and related industries that could see increased workforce diversity and innovation.
- General Public and Educators: Encouraged to participate in recognition efforts, potentially influencing career choices and community programs.
- International Partners: Global agricultural organizations and women's networks involved in designating 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it requires only Senate approval and has no force of law, aligning with Congress's power to express policy positions under Article I of the U.S. Constitution. It poses no constitutional challenges.
- Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan consensus (with cosponsors from both parties), signaling broad support for gender equity in agriculture. It could influence future policy discussions on rural development and workforce diversity without creating binding obligations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (43)
Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S397; text: CR S381)
- 2026-01-29: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S397; text: CR S381)
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to recognize and honor the critical role of women in agriculture. — issued 2026-01-29 — PDF (3 pages)