Women, Food and Agriculture Network

The Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN) based in Ames, IA is a community-centered organization dedicated to empowering women and gender-marginalized people in sustainable agriculture and food systems. WFAN operates several specialized programs designed to build leadership, knowledge, and advocacy capacity among its diverse membership. Through the Harvesting Our Potential on-farm apprenticeship program, members gain peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities in sustainable agriculture practices. The Stewardship Ambassadors program supports women landowners in sharing conservation stories that connect and inspire other women landowners across the Midwest. WFAN's Plate to Politics advocacy initiative equips members with information and tools to become effective advocates for sustainable food systems at community, state, and federal levels. The organization serves farmers, landowners, urban gardeners, environmental educators, researchers, community activists, and policy advocates across the United States and internationally. WFAN members represent diverse ages, backgrounds, and experiences, united by their commitment to building an ecological and just food and agricultural system. Since its founding in 1995, WFAN has worked to address the historical underrepresentation of women's voices in agricultural policy and decision-making. The network provides essential connections, mentorship, and encouragement to practitioners and supporters of sustainable agriculture, operating from a foundation of ecological stewardship, intersectional justice, storytelling, and ecofeminism.