Women, Food and Agriculture Network
About Women, Food and Agriculture Network
Founded in 1995 by Iowa organic farmer Denise O'Brien and food justice advocate Kathy Lawrence, the Women, Food and Agriculture Network serves the Ames, Iowa community and beyond as a transformative force for gender equity in agriculture. WFAN emerged from a vision to amplify women's voices in agricultural policy and to empower women as champions of healthy food systems and food sovereignty within their communities. The organization recognizes that women own or co-own nearly half the farmland in the Midwest, yet remain underrepresented in policy-making bodies and often face barriers to accessing agricultural information and support. WFAN exists to bridge this gap, providing women farmers, landowners, gardeners, educators, and activists with the information, connections, and encouragement they need to thrive. With members spanning all ages from teens to eighties and representing diverse backgrounds and identities, WFAN cultivates an inclusive community grounded in ecofeminism, ecological relationship with the land, and intersectional justice. The organization values storytelling as a powerful tool for connection and knowledge sharing, and is committed to creating welcoming spaces for women and gender non-conforming people. WFAN's mission—to engage women in building an ecological and just food and agricultural system through individual and community power—reflects a deep commitment to dismantling patriarchal structures that have historically excluded women from leadership in agriculture and food systems.