Bill · H.R. 2638· House(119-HR-2638)
Women in Agriculture Act
- Introduced
- 4/3/2025
- Last activity
- 4/18/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
- Sponsored by
- Teresa Leger Fernandez
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Women in Agriculture Act aims to amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. It establishes a new position called the Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison within the Department of Agriculture. This Liaison is tasked with assisting women in navigating agricultural programs and advocating on their behalf. The bill also requires annual reports regarding funding provided to woman-owned agriculture operations. Additionally, it expands research areas to include ergonomically designed equipment for women. Finally, it introduces a priority for childcare needs in rural and agricultural communities when awarding certain loans and grants.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would women be better off under this?+8
The bill provides extensive support, advocacy, and research specifically aimed at women in agriculture.
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?+7
The bill explicitly advances women's opportunities in agriculture through a liaison, leadership promotion, and specialized research.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+6
The bill provides targeted support for women-owned agriculture operations through a liaison and specialized research.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for women in agriculture: The Liaison will provide information about available programs and assist women and potential farmers or ranchers with the application process (Section 2(a)(1)(A)).
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Advocacy and leadership: The Liaison is tasked with advocating for women in interactions with Department employees and promoting the advancement of women into leadership roles within the Department (Section 2(a)(1)(B)-(C)).
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Transparency through reporting: The Liaison must submit and make public annual reports regarding grants, loans, and funding directed to woman-owned agriculture operations (Section 2(a)(2)(A)).
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Educational and professional opportunities: Through contracts or agreements, the Liaison can facilitate research on profitability, develop educational materials, and conduct workshops, vocational training, mentoring, or internships for women (Section 2(a)(3)(A)-(E)).
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Improved equipment design: Research and extension grants may be used to develop and make available agricultural equipment and machinery that is ergonomically designed for women (Section 3).
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Childcare access: The Secretary will give priority to qualified applicants using loans or grants to address the availability, quality, or cost of childcare in rural or agricultural communities (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+8Good For Business Owners+5Good For Farmers+5Good For Rural Residents+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+7Improves Childcare Affordability+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+6
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- 4/18/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
- 4/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Jennifer KiggansRepublican · Virginia
Chellie PingreeDemocrat · Maine
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina