A resolution designating March 21, 2026, as "National Women in Agriculture Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 653
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-19: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1357; text: CR S1382)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-03T12:18:10Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to honor the contributions of women in the U.S. agriculture industry by designating March 21, 2026, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It highlights their roles as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors, while encouraging greater participation by women in this field to support food security and workforce development.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Day: Officially recognizes March 21, 2026, as "National Women in Agriculture Day," aligning with National Women's History Month and National Ag Week (March 15–21, 2026).
- Recognition of Contributions: Acknowledges women's vital roles in agriculture, including operating farms (over 1.2 million female producers, representing more than one-third of all U.S. agricultural producers), generating $222 billion in sales in 2022 (41% of total U.S. agriculture sales), and contributing to areas like research, manufacturing, education, agribusiness, and international trade.
- Encouragement for Action: Urges citizens to:
- Recognize and celebrate women in agriculture.
- Promote women's entry into the field, leadership opportunities, and efforts to address global food needs.
- Contextual Support: Notes women's mentorship in programs like 4-H, the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America), and the Cooperative Extension System, as well as the global significance of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or amendments to existing laws. It does not create enforceable obligations or alter statutes; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture from the Senate.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of women's roles in agriculture, potentially inspiring more women and girls to pursue careers in this high-demand sector, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and agricultural education. It may foster community initiatives and mentorship programs.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but could indirectly support agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in promoting gender equity and workforce development through existing programs.
- On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. leadership in global agriculture by aligning with the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer, potentially enhancing diplomatic ties through shared emphasis on women's empowerment in food production and trade.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Women in Agriculture: Primary beneficiaries, including farm operators, researchers, educators, business leaders, and advocates who gain visibility and encouragement.
- Agricultural Organizations and Programs: Groups like 4-H, FFA, and the Cooperative Extension System, which support youth and adult education in agriculture.
- General Public and Workforce: Citizens, especially in rural areas, who may be motivated to support or join the agricultural sector; broader implications for food producers and consumers reliant on a strong agricultural workforce.
- Bipartisan Supporters: Introduced by a diverse group of senators from both parties, reflecting widespread political backing.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution (S. Res.), it requires only Senate approval and has no binding effect on law or the executive branch; it cannot override constitutional provisions or create rights/obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express national sentiments (Article I), promoting free speech and recognition without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus (supported by 28 senators across party lines), signaling a non-partisan push for gender inclusion in agriculture. It may influence future policy discussions on workforce diversity but carries no enforcement mechanism, limiting it to inspirational rather than substantive change.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (30)
Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-19: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1357; text: CR S1382)
- 2026-03-19: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Designating March 21, 2026, as National Women in Agriculture Day. — issued 2026-03-19 — PDF (3 pages)