Women, Food and Agriculture Network

The Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing networking, education, and leadership development opportunities for women in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Established in 1997 by founders Denise O'Brien and Kathy Lawrence, WFAN emerged from concerns about systemic rural, agricultural, and environmental issues, particularly the lack of women's voices in agricultural policy-making.

Mission

WFAN's mission is to engage women in building an ecological and just food and agricultural system through individual and community power. This involves promoting gender equity and fostering participation among women in sustainable farming and land management practices.

Programs and Activities

• Women Caring for the Land Program: This program focuses on educating women landowners about implementing sustainable conservation practices on their land.
• Harvesting Our Potential: An on-farm apprenticeship initiative that brings together women in sustainable agriculture for educational gatherings.
• Plate to Politics Program: Designed to empower women as advocates for sustainable agriculture and healthy food systems, encouraging their participation in local, state, and federal policy-making.

Growth and Impact

Since its inception, WFAN has grown significantly, transforming from a small group into a global community of more than 9,000 members, allies, and supporters as of 2022. The organization has increased its budget substantially and expanded its staff to better achieve its goals of promoting ecological and just food systems.

WFAN operates as a network-based membership organization, adopting an inclusive donation-based model to engage its supporters in aligning with the organization's mission and vision. The organization is committed to addressing critical issues like climate change, racial and gender inequities, and food insecurity, while championing the rights and participation of rural women and non-binary individuals in agriculture.