In a move to shed light on the significant yet often unrecognized roles women play in agriculture worldwide, the United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This recognition comes at a time when female farmers, particularly in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, are making notable strides in innovation and sustainability in local food systems.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, under the guidance of Secretary Russell Redding, plans to celebrate this milestone by spotlighting women in the agricultural sector as part of the festivities for America’s 250th anniversary. During an interview at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, Redding emphasized the importance of acknowledging the “women who are primary decision makers” in agriculture.
According to Redding, women are pivotal as “pioneers, as innovators, as company owners, as farmers, and really, [as] anchors in America.” His department estimates that women constitute 35% of agricultural producers in Pennsylvania, with 4,227 of these women under the age of 35. This makes Pennsylvania the leading state for young agricultural producers in the nation.
WVIA News interviewed several regional farmers to gain insights into their experiences and aspirations for the future of Pennsylvania agriculture, as well as to gather advice for women interested in farming.
Tannis Kowalchuk: A Journey from Kitchen to Farm
Tannis Kowalchuk’s path into agriculture began in an unexpected place—the kitchen. While cooking at an artist’s residence in New York, she became intrigued by the idea of sourcing food locally, leading her to connect with Gorzynski Ornery Farm. She met Greg Swartz there, who became her partner both in life and in farming. Together, they established Willow Wisp Organic Farm in Wayne County.
Willow Wisp is not just a farm; it is a hub for creativity and sustainability, hosting the Farm Arts Collective—a theater company focused on agriculture and environmental science. Kowalchuk manages the farm’s flower operation, which not only boosts sales but also attracts beneficial insects, promoting ecological health.
Her vision for the future of agriculture is one where young women play a central role, challenging conventional perceptions of farmers. “I hope to see that women in any vocation … [are] valued equal to a man’s contribution in that field,” Kowalchuk stated. She also pointed out that women historically have been the predominant food producers in many cultures, a fact supported by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s data that women produce over 50% of the world’s food.
Hayley Painter: Preserving Tradition Through Innovation
Hayley Painter, a fourth-generation farmer, grew up immersed in the agricultural life of Tioga County. Her experience on her family’s dairy farm taught her the challenges and rewards of farming. Due to shifting market dynamics, she and her sister Stephanie launched Painterland Sisters in 2022, focusing on yogurt production to stabilize their income.
Their brand, Painterland Sisters, is now recognized nationally, offering organic Icelandic skyr yogurt. This product caters to health-conscious consumers, particularly mothers, with its high protein and low sugar content. “From a mother to a mother, we got you,” is a phrase Hayley attributes to her sister, emphasizing the nurturing aspect of their work.
Liz Krug: Building Stronger Food Systems
Liz Krug, a social worker turned farmer, discovered agriculture’s connective power during her academic pursuits. She and her husband now run Endless Roots Farm in Lackawanna County, offering a range of seasonal vegetables and serving as a distribution hub for other local farms.
Krug believes that the future of agriculture lies in developing robust regional food systems. These systems can enhance local economies and attract younger generations to rural areas. She advocates for increased USDA support for small farms, emphasizing the necessity of infrastructure grants and funding for specialty crops to ensure local food security.
As Krug puts it, “I find just such joy and pride in feeding my community and being amongst other female growers that do the same. I’ve had other careers in my life, and this is truly one of the highlights of what I do.”
