LONGUEUIL, QC, Oct. 15, 2026 /CNW/ -- Women farmers are vital to Canada's agriculture sector and rural communities. Supporting women farmers in developing their business and leadership skills helps strengthen the sector and promote farming as a career for women. This support is especially timely as 2026 has been proclaimed the International Year of Women Farmers by the United Nations.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Natilien Joseph, Member of Parliament for Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, Quebec, announced an investment of up to $179,795 for the Fédération des Agricultrices du Québec (FAQ) through the AgriDiversity Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The project will give women farmers access to personalized support and a network of experts in areas such as financial planning, marketing, legal services and agricultural advisory services. It will also offer interactive workshops on topics such as farm financial management, funding opportunities, communication, conflict management and leadership. Workshops will be offered online and in person in Quebec and Eastern Ontario, giving women farmers opportunities to network and share experiences.

A promotional campaign will showcase women farmers from diverse backgrounds and highlight their essential contributions and leadership in agriculture. The campaign will help challenge stereotypes and encourage more women to consider agriculture as a career.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive agriculture sector where women and other underrepresented groups can build successful businesses, develop their leadership skills and contribute to the future of Canadian agriculture.

Quotes 

"Supporting women farmers in pursuing entrepreneurship and other leadership roles is an investment in the future of agriculture. By helping women farmers build their skills, grow their businesses and take on leadership roles, we are strengthening the sector and ensuring it can benefit from the full range of talent and perspectives across Canada. The AgriDiversity Program supports the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing gender equality and building a more diverse and inclusive agriculture sector."

    -    The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Women farmers bring valuable experience, knowledge and leadership to Quebec's agricultural communities. By creating opportunities for women farmers to connect, learn from one another and access the resources they need, we help strengthen their voices and support their continued success. It is important that women see themselves reflected in the future of agriculture and know that there is a place for them to lead and thrive in this sector."

    -    Natilien Joseph, Member of Parliament for Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, Quebec

"This funding allows us to continue our work supporting women farmers in their entrepreneurial journey. By promoting the development of their skills and improving their access to resources and networks, we are helping to strengthen their capacity to fully participate in the agricultural economy. With the support of the AgriDiversity Program, we are helping to create an environment where more women can undertake, innovate and fully exercise their leadership in agriculture."

    -    Véronique Guizier, President, Fédération des Agricultrices du Québec

Quick Facts

• Created in 1987, the FAQ is a women's agricultural and forestry organization in Quebec, whose objective is to bring together professionals wishing to participate fully in the development of the sector.
• The FAQ is affiliated with the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) and composed of 10 regional women farmers' unions that take part in decisions affecting the agricultural sector.
• The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026) and spotlights the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognized. 
• The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (2023 to 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector.
• The AgriDiversity Program is a $5-million program under Sustainable CAP that aims to help women, official language minority communities and other underrepresented and marginalized groups in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
• While today's announcement is supported through the AgriDiversity Program, it complements broader federal efforts to support producers and Canadians, including the separate $3.2-billion National Food Security Strategy launched on June 11, 2026.
• Initiatives in the Strategy will reduce the cost of growing food, streamline supply chains, and remove unnecessary costs. It will drive productivity and innovation, support independent grocers, and create greater competition across Canada's food system to help lower prices for Canadians. 

Additional Links

• AgriDiversity Program
• Fédération des Agricultrices du Québec
• National Food Security Strategy  

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada