Post Star: Power of growth: Washington County sees high number of women farmers
Allen is one of 678 women farmers in Washington County. And according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture census, the county has the state’s fourth highest number of women farmers — those involved in making decisions for the farm operation — among New York’s 62 counties.
And as part of a transition into artisan agriculture, these women farmers have been instrumental in fueling this food market, according to the Capital Region’s Center for Economic Growth.
“It is motivating to hear there’s a rising number of females in the field. Our food system is one of many aspects of our culture that is broken,” said Aliza Pickering, the farm manager of Pitney Meadows Community Farm in Saratoga Springs. “I believe small scale organic farming could be a way to heal multiple areas at once. It’s a catalyst for building community, health, and it is spirituality grounded in the living soil beneath us, reminding us that all is connected and sacred.”