Launching the forum For the Advancement of Women in Agriculture

In May 2024, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, calling on the world to support this initiative. The UN resolution draws global attention to the role of women in agriculture.

To promote the implementation of this UN resolution - a global initiative spearheaded by a core group that includes the United States and Vietnam, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other UN agencies - the U.S. Mission to ASEAN, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and agencies under Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) are organizing the Year of the Woman Farmer ASEAN Road Show in Vietnam from August 12 - 13, 2024. Vietnam Agriculture News will be providing media support, with a mission to foster dialogue on the challenges faced by women farmers in Southeast Asia.

The program will bring two outstanding women farmers namely Jennifer H. Schmidt and Jaclyn Wilson from the United States to Vietnam and Indonesia to meet with women in the agricultural community. These dialogues aim to raise awareness of the issues faced by women in global agriculture.

The International Year of Women Farmers in Vietnam program conveys the message: “Together, we can help close the gender gap and pave the way towards food security, gender equality, and sustainable development for a brighter and more equitable future.”

This U.S. initiative aims to connect countries worldwide in a collective effort to empower women in agriculture by providing them with knowledge. The program will explore concepts related to land ownership, training orientation, financial management, and access to technology. According to a report by the FAO, if women had equal access to agricultural resources, the yield from women-owned farms could increase by 20 - 30%, and overall agricultural production in developing countries could rise by 2.5 - 4%.

In Vietnam, among the 18,340 agricultural cooperatives, at least 10% have women in management roles; 85% of the female workforce is involved and employed steadily in this sector. In the “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) program - a key driver of rural economic development in Vietnam - 39% of OCOP product owners are women, and about 20% of cooperatives registering OCOP products are managed by women.

Thanks to the contributions of female farmers, managers, and scientists, Vietnam’s agriculture sector has achieved significant milestones in recent years. Not only does it ensure domestic food security, but Vietnamese agricultural products are also present in more than 190 countries and territories. In 2023, the export value of Vietnam’s agricultural products reached USD 53 billion. In addition to agricultural production, rural Vietnamese women play an important role in preserving and developing indigenous cultural values, contributing to the construction of an advanced culture rich in national identity.

Despite these remarkable achievements, women in agriculture still face numerous challenges, such as limited access to capital, restrictions in training and learning new technologies, and issues related to gender equality. However, these difficulties present opportunities for women to demonstrate their resilience and strength in this era of integration.

Recognition and support from the international community will be a tremendous motivation, helping Vietnamese women overcome difficulties, assert their position, and build a transparent, responsible, and sustainable agriculture sector.

Ms. Jennifer H. Schmidt comes from Sudlersville, Maryland. Originally trained in a medical specialty, Jennifer currently runs Schmidt Farms Inc., a Certified Agricultural Management farm spanning over 800 hectares, where she cultivates corn, soybeans, wheat, vegetables, and wine grapes. She is also a licensed expert in pesticide application and nutrient management.

She serves as the Director of Schmidt Farm and is a communication consultant specializing in agriculture and nutrition. She provides expertise and training programs on agricultural production, biotechnology, agricultural systems, and sustainable development.

Previously, Jennifer owned Schmidt Vineyard Management LLC and worked as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) for healthcare and educational organizations, with extensive experience in clinical nutrition and youth education initiatives. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Delaware, with advanced training in dietetics and agriculture.

Ms. Jaclyn Wilson from Lakeside, Nebraska, shares a story inspired by something different. Since graduating from college in 2002. She runs the fifth-generation cattle and calf operation with her father, who was honored as the National Quality Beef Producer of the Year in 2023.

Jaclyn founded Flying Diamond Beef in 2019, pioneering the sale of NFT beef (Non-fungible tokens—tokens that are unique and not interchangeable). She is actively involved in global community activities, having visited processing facilities across 6 continents and representing the U.S. beef industry in trade delegations. Jaclyn holds leadership roles in the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

She was recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 influencers in agriculture by Farm Journal in 2016 and was honored by Nebraska in 2023 for her achievements in agriculture.

The U.S. Mission to ASEAN and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), organized the 'International Year of Women Farmers' program in Vietnam. The Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper is the media sponsor. The two-day program takes place in August 12-13, with the following main activities:

Monday, August 12, 2024: Forum for the Advancement of Women in Agriculture

The event will be held at Vietnam University of Agriculture (VNUA). VNUA is a leading institution under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, specializing in training in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in northern Vietnam. It ranks among the top 30 universities in Southeast Asia.

The forum is expected to welcome 90 domestic and international delegates, including representatives from United Nations agencies, the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, as well as leaders, faculty, and students from VNUA, farmer associations, the Vietnam Women’s Union, international agricultural science organizations, and several media outlets.

The forum will be broadcast live on the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper's online platform: https://nongnghiep.vn, with regular updates on the English edition of the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper: vietnamagriculture.nongnghiep.vn.

Scan the QR code to join the online session via Zoom and ask questions to the speakers using the following details: Meeting ID: 923 6193 7498 Password: 120824

Tuesday, August 13, 2024: Field trip

Event “Exchange between Vietnamese and US women farmers” and Visit to the Organic Chicken Farming and Herbal Medicine Preservation & Development Model in Soc Son District, Hanoi. This event brings together two American farmers to meet and exchange ideas with 20 exemplary female farmers in the fields of livestock and crop production in Soc Son District.

This is a valuable opportunity for female farmers in Soc Son to gain access to advanced knowledge and share practical experiences, thereby enhancing their capabilities and maximizing their potential in agricultural production. Media representatives will be able to report from the farm and cover the discussions between American farmers and the local community in Soc Son, Hanoi.

Event updates will be regularly provided on the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper's online platform: https://nongnghiep.vn and its English edition: vietnamagriculture.nongnghiep.vn.