INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE WOMAN FARMER

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A MEMORIAL
RECOGNIZING 2026 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE WOMAN
FARMER IN NEW MEXICO.
WHEREAS, the United Nations general assembly has
declared 2026 the "International Year of the Woman Farmer",
recognizing the vital role women play in agriculture, food
production and sustaining rural economies worldwide; and
WHEREAS, this designation provides an opportunity to
highlight and celebrate the essential contributions of women
in agriculture and encourage policies and investments that
empower women farmers, ranchers and agribusiness
professionals; and
WHEREAS, organizations such as the national association
of state departments of agriculture and its members are
championing the International Year of the Woman Farmer to
uplift, equip, connect and recognize women in agriculture
across the United States; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2022 census of agriculture,
there are approximately fifteen thousand female farmers and
ranchers in New Mexico, accounting for forty-one percent of
all agricultural producers in the state; and
WHEREAS, eighty-four percent of New Mexico farms and
ranches are family operated, producing the beef, chile,
pecans, onions, dairy and other commodities for which the
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state is known; and
WHEREAS, women farmers and ranchers in New Mexico not
only cultivate the land but also contribute to research and
development, manufacturing, sales and distribution,
innovation, entrepreneurship, conservation, leadership in
food systems, agricultural education, community resilience,
agribusiness and advocacy, which extends benefits to
individuals around the globe; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico's agricultural sector is a diverse
and dynamic part of the state's economy, contributing nearly
three billion dollars ($3,000,000,000) annually, employing
tens of thousands of people, encompassing more than forty
million acres of agricultural land and preserving rural
heritage, food security, local jobs and community well-being;
and
WHEREAS, New Mexico recognizes the significant positive
influence women in agriculture have on food resources and the
agricultural workforce; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico women in agriculture have been
recognized as national leaders by serving as presidents of
national organizations, serving on national committees and by
induction in the national agricultural center and hall of
fame, the national cowgirl museum and hall of fame and the
national cowboy and western heritage museum's hall of great
westerners, to name a few;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that 2026 be
recognized as the International Year of the Woman Farmer in
New Mexico; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be
transmitted to the members of the legislature.