Women are entering farming in increasing numbers—up 30 percent between 2002 and 2007—while the overall number of new farmers in the US is declining. We believe this trend will change the face of American agriculture for the better.

Women tend to enter farming to raise food, rather than commodity crops. They begin small rural enterprises that operate in sustainable ways—sustainable for their families, for their communities, and for the environment.

WFAN has supported women in sustainable agriculture since 1997. One of our most important programs has been Harvesting Our Potential: an internship program that places young women who want to become farmers on working Iowa farms with experienced farmer mentors for 8 to 12 weeks during the growing season.

These internships are invaluable to both the farmers and the interns. Farmers receive able, willing help during the busiest time of the year on their farms, and the opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge with the next generation of women farmers. Interns get hands-on experience with horticulture, livestock, food handling, marketing, and all other aspects of farming for a living.

Often, interns stay in touch with their mentors for many years, sharing successes and challenges as they build their careers in farming and food systems in and outside of Iowa.

Harvesting Our Potential is supported by foundation grants and by gifts from donors like you.