Each year, Women’s History Month is celebrated in March across America. This month is an opportunity for the contributions of women in American history to be recognized and honored. Far too often, the hard work of women in our society is overlooked, under appreciated, and discounted. By taking this month to learn more about the roles women have played in the history of our society, we can better understand and acknowledge the value of women in America.
During the month of March, the Co-op will be highlighting women owned businesses that sell products at our store. However, we can’t celebrate this month, and the women owned businesses in our store without acknowledging the role women play in agriculture.
In New England alone, over 40% of farmers are women (American Farmland Trust). The number of women farmers in New England is substantially higher than the percent nationally of 31% (USDA). Nationally, women farmers are making an impact by farming over 301 million acres of land and producing over $12.9 billion in economic impact (USDA). In other words, women farmers are crucial to the success of agricultural systems in America.
Since women farmers are contributing significantly to American agriculture, you might be wondering why we need to specifically highlight them. It is important to continue to give extra attention to women farmers because they face numerous barriers to farming. These barriers include difficulties acquiring farmland, a lack of access to conservation programs, and few networking options.
Furthermore, the 2024 State of Gender Equity in U.S. Agriculture found that the number one barrier women farmers face is internal and institutionalized sexism. This is the belief that women don’t belong in farming or shouldn’t be participating in agriculture as it is not a “women’s job”. Therefore, it is crucial that we spotlight women in agriculture to prevent the internalization of this notion regarding women in agriculture. The first step to breaking down these barriers is to highlight women farmers we work with at the Concord Food Co-op.
The Co-op purchases from several women farmers. These farms include Kearsarge Gore Farm in Warner, NH where Sarah Hansen is the farmer. Sarah started farming as a volunteer on a student farm in college (NOFA-NH). She made her way to New Hampshire through a volunteer opportunity at Kearsarge Gore. From that point on, she was hooked on farming! The Co-op purchases several items from Kearsarge Gore during the growing season. Look for Sarah’s produce in the coming months in our produce section!
Sarah Hansen of Kearsarge Gore Farm – Image from NOFA-NH
Another farm we purchase produce from is Alprilla Farm in Warner, NH where Sophia Courser-Kellerman is a farmer. Sophia grew up on a farm and decided to return to agriculture after studying Environmental Studies in college (Alprilla Farm). She grows food alongside her family on land they’ve tended for generations. You can find Alprilla Farm’s cabbage at the Co-op during their growing season.
Sophia Courser-Kellerman of Alprilla Farm – Image from Paul Cary Goldberg
Other farms we purchase from include Blaisdell Hill Farm in Sutton, NH where Casie McCormack-Lashier is the farmer. The Concord Food Co-op was Blaisdell Hill Farm’s first commercial sale last year. We hope to continue selling their garlic and beautiful sunflowers this year. Lastly, the Co-op proudly sells blueberries from Grounding Stone Farm where Kathleen Jacobs is the farmer.
We are honored to support women farmers in New Hampshire. This March, and every month after, we invite you to be intentional about where you spend your money, learn about who your farmer is, and support New England women farmers.
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