Canadian agriculture is undergoing a paradigm shift, according to new research spotlighting the irreplaceable contributions of women on the farm.
The study, spearheaded by Farm Management Canada and CentricEngine, is a game-changer, swapping outdated stereotypes for evidence-based insights.
This pioneering national study showcases the integral roles women play in ensuring farm success. Notably, it's not the demographics but the human interactions and relationships that mold their experiences.
The research paints a vivid picture: women are deeply involved in all farming aspects, but their journeys are diverse. This diversity underscores the inadequacy of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Farm Management Canada's Executive Director, Heather Watson, encapsulates the sentiment: "By recognizing and supporting the unique needs of farm women, we can unlock tremendous potential for advancing Canada’s agricultural sector from the grassroots, paving the way for future generations of farmers in Canada."
Maurice Allin, the key researcher and CentricEngine's president, emphasizes the importance of this research. It’s the first of its kind, offering a factual framework about farm women's motivations, aspirations, and challenges.
Despite their undeniable contributions, women on the farm still grapple with challenges, especially in communication, feeling valued, and skillset utilization.
The research report presents over 30 actionable recommendations. These range from promoting gender equality in policies to enhancing farm-related programming tailored for women. The recommendations fall under six (6) distinct groupings as outline in the media release:
1. Support gender equity and equality initiatives in policy development, programming and governance
2. Create and enhance programming, development opportunities, and resources that specifically address the needs of farm women
3. Dedicate efforts beyond women in agriculture to focus exclusively on supporting farm women
4. Promote communication and interpersonal skills along with business management practices as essential components of farming
5. Expand existing research to more effectively capture data related to farm women (ex. Census)
6. Conduct additional research on the experience and contributions of farm women, factors that influence farm success, and a comparative study of farm men using the same human-centered lens
The unveiling of this research will be marked by a panel discussion at the 2023 Agricultural Excellence Conference. The dialogue aims to convert these findings into actionable policies and initiatives to empower Canada’s farm women.
While Canadian agriculture is undoubtedly evolving, it's clear that embracing and supporting farm women is the key to a prosperous future.
Source : wisconsinagconnection