8 Advancing Women Conference Denise Faguy The research report, “Expanding Opportunities for Canadian Agriculture by Understanding the Experience of Farm Women,” was released by Farm Management Canada in partnership with CentricEngine in 2023. The study highlights the critical role of women in shaping the success of farms across Canada, providing valuable insights into their contributions and challenges in the agricultural sector. The research, led by Maurice Allin, President of CentricEngine, was the first national study to explore the activities, motivations, and aspirations of farm women. It reveals that women are deeply involved in almost all aspects of farm operations, demonstrating diverse experiences shaped by their interactions and relationships rather than demographic factors. “We were surprised to learn that rather than demographic or farmographic differences, it is the interactions and relationships with others that most influence the experience of farm women,” said research partner Bob Wilbur, Principal at RW Strategic Perspectives. “Viewing the experience of farm women through a human-centred lens provides a clearer understanding of their situations and creates opportunities for more effective actions – we can now confirm a one-size-fits-all approach will not work.” The study highlights several challenges that farm women face, including the need for better communication, feeling valued in their roles, and having their skills fully utilized. The research also presents over 30 recommendations to improve the experiences of farm women. Key suggestions include supporting gender equity in agricultural policies, creating targeted development opportunities, enhancing business management training, and expanding research to better understand the needs of farm women. The Report’s 30 recommendations are presented under six (6) distinct groupings: 1. Support gender equity and equality initiatives in policy development, programming and governance. 2. Create and enhance programming, development opportunities, and resources that specifically ad dress the needs of farm women. 3. Dedicate efforts beyond women in agriculture to focus exclusively on supporting farm women. 4. Promote communication and interpersonal skills along with business management practices as essential components of farming. 5. Expand existing research to more effectively capture data related to farm women (ex. Census). 6. Conduct additional research on the experience and contributions of farm women, factors that influence farm success, and a comparative study of farm men using the same human-centered lens. The study was funded by the following organizations: the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, FCC, RBC, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The full report, along with an Environmental Scan, can be accessed at the Farm Management Canada website. “We were surprised to learn that rather than demographic or farmographic differences, it is the interactions and relationships with others that most influence the experience of farm women,” said research partner Bob Wilbur, Principal at RW Strategic Perspectives. CRUCIAL ROLE FARM WOMEN PLAY IN SHAPING CANADA’S AGRICULTURAL SUCCESS BREAKING BARRIERS FOR FARM WOMEN IN CANADA
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