Reframing Ag Systems to Include Women, Others Topic of Webinar

An upcoming webinar focusing on inequities in agricultural practices is taking place on March 2 at noon CST. The webinar will be presented by Iowa Learning Farms, which is a part of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

In the webinar, "Women's Farm Organizations: Protecting Status Quo or Transforming Agriculture?", Angie Carter, assistant professor in environmental and energy justice with Michigan Technological University, will discuss current systems and constructs that center agricultural power among white men and the efforts of some women's farm organizations to work toward systemic changes to move toward a more equitable agriculture industry.

She will also highlight both the resistance to and progress toward removing longstanding inequities causing the exclusion of women. In addition, she will address the benefits of including diverse groups that bring differing values and perspectives and can help create a more inclusive and fair farming system.

Carter holds a Ph.D. in sociology and sustainable agriculture from Iowa State University and studies power and social change in food and agricultural systems. She also serves on the board of the Women, Food and Agriculture Network.

"A fair food and farming system requires us to go farther than just including women; we must also do more to stand up and stop the exclusion of women and other excluded groups, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA and first-generation farmers," said Carter. "A more diverse industry increases resilience and equity while expanding opportunities for all participants rather than the legacy model, which is primarily concentrated within a single group."

Participants in Iowa Learning Farms Conservation webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Webinar Access Instructions:

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST on March 2:

To access from a dial-in phone line: Dial: +1 312-626-6799 or +1 646 876 9923 (Meeting ID: 364 284 172)

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.