The Shapiro Administration highlighted on March International Women’s History Month and the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer by emphasizing strategic investments supporting women in Pennsylvania agriculture. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and State Senator Judy Schwank visited Willow Run Farmstead to showcase state initiatives that recognize the contributions of women to the industry and rural communities.
“Women have long been leaders in Pennsylvania agriculture — managing farms, making key business decisions, and shaping the future of our industry,” said Secretary Redding. “Investments like the Farm Vitality Grant Program help farm families plan for the future and ensure the next generation of producers has the support they need to keep Pennsylvania agriculture strong.”
The Pennsylvania Farm Vitality Grant Program provides funding for professional planning services such as business planning, diversification, and farm transition planning. These grants are particularly valuable for women in agriculture who may face additional barriers to accessing capital or technical resources. Deanne Weber, owner and sole operator of Willow Run Farmstead, used a $7,296 grant to support her farm’s transition. “As a beginning woman farmer, county, state, and federal programs were essential in helping me get my operation off the ground,” Weber said. “The grants I received provided critical early financial support, and the experienced professionals I worked with offered guidance that was just as valuable as the funding itself. As I gain experience farming, I continue to look for ways I can give back to my community, supporting other women farmers and making space for connection, mentorship, and the kind of knowledge-sharing that strengthens us all.” According to the official website, Pennsylvania agriculture contributes $132.5 billion annually to the state economy and sustains over 593,000 jobs.
Today women make up 35 percent of Pennsylvania’s agricultural producers with 31,135 actively involved across various roles including management decisions. The state ranks first nationally for young agricultural producers under age 35 among its female workforce. At Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences two-thirds of students are women; leadership programs also reflect this trend with predominantly female FFA State Officer teams.
State Senator Judy Schwank said: “Pennsylvania’s women farmers are innovators, entrepreneurs, and stewards of our land. As we celebrate International Women’s Day and the International Year of the Woman Farmer, it’s important that we continue supporting policies and programs that help women succeed in agriculture and ensure the long-term strength of our rural communities.”
The Shapiro Administration is investing through various initiatives including inclusion efforts by Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women’s forthcoming report; expanding workforce training; increasing food security program funding; addressing childcare workforce shortages; and creating opportunities through programs like Urban Ag Grant Program.
These efforts align with broader goals outlined by the official website such as fostering a robust economy by conserving farmland while protecting public health through agricultural growth investments. More information about these initiatives is available on the official roster page.
