From 1997-2002:

• The number of U.S. farms declined by 4%*
• The number of farms operated by women increased 13%*

From 2002-2007:

• The number of women-operated farms grew by an even greater 29%*
• The number of farms overall increased by only 3.6%*

* U.S. Census of Agriculture

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Women-operated farms tend to be:

• smaller
• more diversified
• less mechanized
• sustainable / organic
• involving direct sales to consumers, such as selling at farmers’ markets

Globally, women play a huge role in food production.
Rural women produce half of the world’s food and 60% to 80% of the food in most developing countries -- United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization

The number of people growing their own vegetable gardens has risen significantly, due to factors such as the economic downturn, concern about food safety, and a desire for great-tasting, healthy food.

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