The United Nations has designated 2026 as the Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising six female farmers in Ventura County. The women, who run multiple farms and hold multiple positions in agricultural leadership, say farming is still a male-dominated field. According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, men make up 62% of the total producers in California. Patty Martinez, a berry farmer and co-owner of Mars Farms, said recognition of women in farming is long overdue. The trend of women entering farming is on the rise, with a 13% increase in the number of female farmers over the past decade.