The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to raise awareness of the different roles women play in agrifood systems, and to identify some of the challenges they face around the world.
Members of the Agricultrices de la Montérégie-Ouest, which is the regional chapter of the province’s women farmers’ federation, had a kiosk at the Huntingdon County Farmers’ Market on September 30 to draw attention to the significant, but often silent or invisible work being done by women on area farms.
Representatives Dominique Chéron and Yolande Baril Cécyre spoke with visitors to the kiosk about the importance of honouring women’s roles on the farm. Members Laurie Ann Prevost and Josée Lajeunesse were also present at the market as vendors selling farm products from their orchards and nursery.
The Montérégie-Ouest chapter was started in 1992 under the provincial umbrella of the Agricultrices du Québec. It is affiliated with the area’s Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) syndicates, where a member from each local sits on the women-run board of directors.
“I think it is important to honour that work, just like an artist gets recognized. They get galas, albums, and awards. I think it is also important for us to say that we have our place now as well,” said Chéron, who is the first vice-president for the group.
“And now it is being recognized around the world,” added Baril Cécyre, who pointed out that the Agricultrices will hold their annual gala on October 17, where farmers will be recognized at the provincial level. Locally, the regional organization holds conferences throughout the year and nominates several women for the coveted Woman Farmer of the Year award. Over the years, at least 170 women have been honoured locally.
Chéron noted that one of the biggest challenges when it comes to highlighting women’s agricultural contributions is that women often don’t recognize themselves as farmers. Many activities, such as bookkeeping, preparing meals for field workers, or administrative tasks are taken for granted and are not considered to be directly related to agriculture.
“I personally don’t consider myself to be a farmer because I don’t ride tractors and I don’t go out into the fields,” said Chéron, while acknowledging that she takes care of the books and supports her husband and family. “We are a team, so I embrace that. But I still feel like an imposter when I call myself a farmer.”
Baril Cécyre emphasized the importance of the group in terms of breaking down this type of barrier. As a network providing support and information for women farmers, she explained, the Agricultrices are a crucial entry point for women looking for grants and resources to help them start or grow their businesses.