The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has announced that the Government of Canada is investing up to $248,336 over two years in Phase 2 of the National Women in Agriculture initiative, a national effort to advance the participation and leadership of women across Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. The funding is provided through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriDiversity Program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Building on the success of Phase 1, this next phase will focus on implementing a National Action Plan, expanding a national network to support women through leadership development, collaboration, and industry engagement through local and regional events. 

CAHRC’s recent national research highlights both progress and persistent challenges. Women now represent 42 per cent of key decision-makers in organizations, up from 34.8 per cent in 2015. However, 40 per cent of women continue to report barriers to advancement, unchanged in nearly a decade.

Through Phase 2, CAHRC will deliver national webinars, facilitate in-person networking opportunities, support grassroots regional initiatives, and expand knowledge-sharing activities to engage women across Canada and support long-term, systemic change.

“This investment marks important continued support for an inclusive and resilient agriculture and agri-food workforce across Canada, said Jennifer Wright, executive director of CAHRC. By advancing the National Women in Agriculture initiative, we are creating more opportunities for women to lead, connect, and shape the future of our industry while addressing the workforce challenges facing the sector.”

Source: Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council May 25, 2026 news release