Female Farmer Highlights Gender Disparities in Agriculture Amid Industry Changes
Amy Spraggon, a farmer in Markham, has raised concerns about the lack of recognition for women's contributions in agriculture. Despite running Fresh Heads Farm Shop, Spraggon often finds herself mistaken for staff rather than the owner. This reflects a broader issue where women's roles in agrifood systems are overlooked. The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to address these gender gaps. Spraggon, who did not grow up in agriculture, has learned the trade on the job and now experiments with various crops and farming systems. She emphasizes the importance of community and innovation in farming, advocating for small-scale, regenerative farms that directly support their neighborhoods. 
