{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-cherfilus-mccormick-jackson-brownley-and-salinas-introduce-empowering", "Reps. Cherfilus-McCormick, Jackson, Brownley, and Salinas Introduce the \u201cEmpowering Women in Agriculture Act\u201d", "2024-08-21", "2024", "2024-08", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick", "C001127", "cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov", "cherfilus-mccormick", "https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR), and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Empowering Women in Agriculture Act. This critical piece of legislation is designed to dismantle the barriers impeding women\u2019s participation and representation in agriculture.\n\n\u201cThe Empowering Women in Agriculture Act is not just a bill; it\u2019s a call to action,\u201d said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. \u201cBy ensuring targeted funding and resources are reaching women, we can empower our female farmers, support their contributions to our nation\u2019s agricultural sector, and combat the systemic challenges they face.\u201d\n\nHistorically, women farmers, particularly Black female farmers, have faced numerous obstacles, including underrepresentation and inadequate access to federal programs. Women, representing just over a third of U.S. farmers, have historically faced significant barriers when seeking farm loans, including rejection, unfair terms, and excessive supervision. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report commissioned by the 2018 Farm Bill reveals that women make up a disproportionately small percentage of agricultural producers, with many reporting discrimination in accessing agricultural credit. The report also confirms that female farmers receive a disproportionately low number of USDA loans.\n\nThe Empowering Women in Agriculture Act seeks to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (FARM Bill) to address these critical issues by:\n\nMandating that at least 10% of federal funds be allocated specifically to women-focused organizations.\n\nIncluding women in the definition of \u201csocially disadvantaged farmer or rancher\u201d within Title 7 U.S. Code \u00a7 2279.\n\nEnhancing equitable access to funding and resources for organizations serving disadvantaged farmers and\n\nPromoting gender equity by boosting opportunities for Black female farmers and other underrepresented groups.\n\n\u201cHistorically and culturally, Black women, mothers, and grandmothers were the primary farmers. Today, Black women make up less than 2% of all farmers. The underrepresentation is not for lack of desire, but lack of opportunity and access. The struggle is real when it comes to accessing federal programs and initiatives. The Empowering Women in Agriculture Act is one step closer to leveling the playing field in helping to support minority and women farmers,\u201d said Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson.\n\n\u201cCalifornia\u2019s 26th Congressional District is home to a vibrant agriculture industry, and we are proud of our rich heritage. To keep our agricultural economy strong, we need to continue to nurture and support the next generation of growers, including bringing more women into this critical industry,\u201d said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. \u201cI appreciate Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick\u2019s strong leadership in introducing the Empowering Women in Agriculture Act, and I am proud to support the bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cWomen farmers \u2014 particularly women of color \u2014 have largely been left out of receiving federal assistance, which has contributed to the steady decline in our agriculture industry over the years,\u201d said Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m honored to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to expand outreach and assistance for women farmers. By providing more funding for women in agriculture, our bill would both promote diversity and give rural communities a much-needed boost.\u201d\n\n\u201cWomen Farmers deserve a sustainable seat at the agriculture table,\u201d said Dr. Tammy-Steele, Director of the National Women in Agriculture Association. \u201cThe Empowering Women in Agriculture Act (EWA) will set aside resources that will guarantee women farmers equitable resources that have never been provided and make new history to assist women farmers in the male-dominated agriculture industry.\u201d\n\nThe bill text for the \u201cEmpowering Women in Agriculture Act\u201d can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-cherfilus-mccormick-jackson-brownley-and-salinas-introduce-empowering"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9707901626825333, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}