Thirty-five percent of Kentucky agricultural producers are women

FRANKFORT (Oct. 1, 2020) – As part of its ongoing effort to support international trade, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is sponsoring the World Trade Center of Kentucky’s (WTC-KY) eleVate Women’s Breaking Barriers Conference, Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles has announced.

“Women make up about 35 percent of Kentucky’s agricultural producers according to the latest agricultural census conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service,” Commissioner Quarles said. “We need to make sure that we are investing in female agricultural leaders on and off the farm. That’s why the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s strong Kentucky Proud brand is continuing our support of the World Trade Center of Kentucky through its second annual eleVate conference.”

With many foreign countries looking to the United States for agricultural goods, women-owned businesses stand to benefit from sales in the global marketplace. The eleVate conference provides information, tools, and resources for women business leaders to position themselves in the international market.

The virtual conference will be Oct. 6, 13, and 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT. Conference speakers include Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, University of Louisville president Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, Alltech Chief of Staff Susanna Elliot, and others.

"We are thrilled to have not only some fantastic keynote speakers, but ways to connect virtually with our interactive sessions and networking opportunities that will take eleVate well beyond the realm of a webinar," said Sherry Mulkins, Interim Executive Director at World Trade Center of Kentucky. “With our lineup of speakers, attendees will learn from some outstanding and powerful women on a variety of topics from leadership to emotional intelligence and overcoming barriers for growth.”

In its second year, the 2020 eleVate conference will take place over three days, connecting a unique set of key decision makers and thought leaders in one place to share insights and experiences, brainstorm solutions, and provide resources and contacts for women business leaders and entrepreneurs.

For an up-to-date schedule of sessions and to register for the full slate of conference sessions, visit eleVate’s website https://www.elevatewtcky.com.