Women in the Fields | International Women’s Day 2026

Today we celebrate the women who keep seeds, land, and communities alive.

Across rural China, smallholder women farmers show remarkable resilience, practicality, and courage. They adapt to changing climates, care for their families, and continue growing food and hope.

Many women farmers in the Farmers’ Seed Network are restoring traditional crops that were once disappearing, while also experimenting with new varieties to strengthen agricultural biodiversity.

From kitchens to fields, from home gardens to community seed networks, Chinese smallholder women farmers play an essential role in protecting traditional seeds and local food cultures.

On this International Women’s Day, and in this International Year of Women Farmers, we celebrate their strength, wisdom, and care for the land.

May their stories be seen, heard, and appreciated.