Women Taking the Lead for Kentucky Agriculture

View the project final report

• 2004 annual report
• 2005 annual report

Commodities

Practices

• Education and Training: extension, farmer to farmer, networking, study circle, workshop, technical assistance
• Farm Business Management: whole farm planning
• Sustainable Communities: infrastructure analysis, partnerships, public participation, urban/rural integration, social capital, social networks, sustainability measures, community development

As documented in national agriculture statistics, the involvement of women in agriculture has been increasing. For the past four years, women from various walks of Kentucky’s agriculture life have organized statewide and promoted small agri-business practices, value-added marketing, risk-management, alternative agriculture opportunities, sustainable practices, and networking with government and educational agencies through four state level meetings. Women farmers, many of who represent small and limited resource farmers in Kentucky, are wanting to learn more about how important decisions and policies that affect their future are made. This proposal outlines a public policy institute for building skills and expanding the efforts of a growing and significant group in Kentucky. It is this project’s aim to strengthen the state’s sustainable agriculture through policy and legislative avenues by preparing women in agriculture for new leadership roles. This will be accomplished by equipping them with the information and tools they need to express their views and concerns.

Through the network of women in agriculture, women’s organizations, and sustainable agriculture groups, this institute will provide information on how policy and legislative priorities are established, how to lobby on agriculture issues, what makes an effective public statement, and ways to work with the media to get the message out to the consumer as well as policy makers. Institute participants will then use these new tools and information to teach others how to make their voices heard—and make a difference for Kentucky’s sustainable agriculture future.