Nevada farmer represents US at International Year of the Woman Farmer event

Nevada farmer, Jeannie Damonte, owner of Sterling Farms Nevada, took part in a panel discussion hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome on Sept. 30, 2024. Damonte was the sole U.S. farmer representative on a panel of women farmers and agricultural experts from across the globe addressing key challenges faced by women in agriculture, including limited access to land rights, training and climate-smart technologies.

The panel discussion was part of the lead-up to the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) 2026, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly. The declaration highlights the key role women play in global food security and sustainable development.

“It’s an honor to represent not just Nevada, but all U.S. women farmers,” said Jeannie Damonte. “Programs like the Women’s Farm2Food Accelerator, led by the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), are providing women with the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

Damonte shared the challenges she faces as a women farmer and called for more support and resources for women in agriculture. The panel also discussed the role women play in farming and how global efforts can build support for IYWF 2026. IYWF 2026 will focus on closing the gender gap in agriculture, improving women's access to resources, and addressing hunger, poverty and climate change.

“We are proud to have Jeannie Damonte represent us,” said NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea. “Women are underrepresented in the agriculture industry. By providing women farmers with resources, we not only strengthen our local communities, but we also promote diversity in agriculture.”

The Women’s Farm2Food Accelerator program, of which Damonte credits for providing women in agriculture with tools to succeed, is accepting applications until Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at noon. Apply at f2faccelerator.org/nv-program.

About the Nevada Department of Agriculture

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and Compliance. The department’s $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.