The 6th Basic Plan for Fostering Women Farmers (2026–2030)

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has introduced the 6th Basic Plan for Fostering Women Farmers, targeting a transformative approach for the years 2026 to 2030. This new initiative aims to protect the rights and interests of women farmers, significantly improve their quality of life, and empower them as professional stakeholders in agriculture.

Building Resilient Rural Communities

By enhancing opportunities for female entrepreneurs, the plan seeks to create more resilient, vibrant rural communities. It signifies a shift away from welfare-style assistance and isolated programs, focusing instead on strengthening women’s status and long-term governance structures. MAFRA emphasizes that women farmers will be recognized as crucial economic actors in this new framework.

Core Focus Areas of the Plan

To achieve its objectives, the government has identified four key areas of focus. This strategic initiative will lay a foundation for women in agriculture to thrive both economically and socially.

1. Supporting Women’s Growth in Agriculture

The plan prioritizes the engagement of women as key economic players by expanding flexible work options that accommodate both farming and caregiving responsibilities. Research and development will continue in the area of women-friendly machinery, including wearable assistive devices designed to minimize physical strain.

MAFRA reports that the Rural Development Administration has already developed 27 types of women-friendly machinery, distributing around 14,000 units from 2020 to 2024, with plans to develop an additional 25 types by 2030. Moreover, opportunities for incubation programs in agrifood processing and startups will be introduced, supplemented by advanced training in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, marketing, distribution, and eco-friendly agriculture practices.

Efforts will also be made to nurture the next generation with improved career exploration programs designed specifically for young women.

2. Legal Enhancements for Women Farmers

Significant legal reforms will enhance the status of rural women. This includes introducing incentives for households that officially register both spouses as co-managers of their farms and amending laws to ensure a higher proportion of female board members in regional agricultural cooperatives.

MAFRA plans to promote gender equality within rural communities by reviewing women-friendly models, monitoring community election practices, and sharing best practices among stakeholders. A new metric will also be developed to assess gender equality in rural regions.

3. Dedicated Policies for Women Farmers

To effectively implement the new policies, a Rural Women Policy Division was established in late 2025. MAFRA aims to strengthen this division by creating dedicated departments and securing personnel within local governments to oversee policy enactment.

A performance evaluation system will be introduced to assess the implementation of action plans aimed at enhancing policy effectiveness. Furthermore, a consultative body specifically for women farmers will be constituted to ensure that public and private sector perspectives are integrated into policymaking.

The existing online platform for women farmers will undergo improvements, offering better access to information, chatbot counseling, bulletin boards, and mobile services. MAFRA also commits to reviewing existing laws and programs for gender bias while enhancing data collection through an expanded national survey focused on women farmers.

4. Enhancements in Health and Welfare

The plan expands welfare and health services, introducing “gap care” services to provide childcare during peak farming seasons. Health screenings for women farmers will extend to those aged 51 to 80, increasing beneficiaries from 50,000 to 80,000.

Additionally, MAFRA will focus on improving workplace safety by implementing stronger measures against heat-related illnesses and enhancing sanitation and convenience facilities, including restrooms, at agricultural sites.