Fostering A Transformative Shift In Canadian Agriculture By Addressing The Challenges Faced By Farm Women

Women’s contributions to farming and farm management in Canada have historically been undocumented. And, while much has been said about the experience of women in farming, little has been measured. To replace stereotypes and anecdotes with a foundation of facts, a ground-breaking study was conducted. The study was guided by a national Steering Committee of farm women. Research methodologies include an environmental scan of existing literature and data, in-depth interviews with farm women, and a nationwide survey of farm women. It is the first national study to shed light on farm womens’ crucial involvement in farm management and influencing farm success in Canada. Results reveal women are making indispensable contributions to farming in Canada with a high degree of involvement in virtually every aspect of the operation yet continue to face significant challenges. Furthermore, there is a tremendous diversity of experiences among farm women that require unique solution; not a one-size-fits-all approach. This paper explores the contributions of women and offers a compelling narrative that highlights the experiences of farm women, including their motivations, aspirations, challenges faced, and opportunities to foster a transformative shift in the industry by supporting their unique needs.