Women in Agriculture: Bridging Gaps and Creating Opportunities

In the last ten years, the agricultural sector has witnessed a significant shift, with a 10% increase in women participating in various roles. From fieldwork to the forefront of agri-tech innovations and scientific research, women are making their mark across every facet of agriculture.

A Personal Journey: From Genetics to Leadership

My own path into agriculture diverged from the traditional roots of family farming, stemming from my passion for genetics. After earning a degree in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology at Michigan State University, I now hold the position of Director of Agriculture, Variety Development, and Seed Supply at McCain Foods North America.

In my role, I collaborate with potato breeders and researchers across North America and Europe, focusing on the commercialization of new potato varieties. This entails conducting extensive trials that assess aspects such as sustainability, yield potential, and fry quality, ensuring that our products meet customer standards. Additionally, I lead our seed procurement team, which is crucial for the successful adoption of our new varieties, given that McCain produces one out of every four fries consumed globally.

The Leaky Pipeline: Challenges for Women

Although I have generally felt my contributions are recognized, my journey has not been without its challenges. By the time I joined McCain, I was a mother of four, and I quickly learned about the difficulties women face in the workplace. For instance, during my initial pregnancy, my graduate advisor doubted my capability to complete my degree due to family commitments. Nevertheless, I was determined to balance both a career and family life.

A pervasive issue in the industry is known as the “leaky pipeline,” where women often leave their careers prematurely, particularly after having children or during their early parenting years. Despite an increase in women enrolling in STEM and agricultural programs, the support systems necessary for women to thrive in their careers are still insufficient, which contributes significantly to this challenge.

Notably, the lack of affordable childcare remains a critical factor driving many women out of the workforce. This problem became especially pronounced during the Covid-19 pandemic, wherein many women took on a larger share of caregiving responsibilities, leading to increased job exits among female employees.

Creating Inclusive Opportunities

I am proud to be part of a company that values the growth of its female employees. At McCain, we provide coaching sessions and personal development opportunities specifically tailored for women. Our objective is to achieve a milestone of 40% of our global leadership roles occupied by women by 2026; currently, women hold 35% of those positions, indicating positive progress.

For the broader agricultural industry to continue advancing, it is essential to implement leadership targets similar to those established by McCain. Furthermore, board structures should ensure representation that includes multiple women, thereby creating more pathways for women to ascend to higher leadership roles.

Sharing experiences and stories is vital for inspiring more women to join the industry. Women’s presence at conferences and events, showcasing their knowledge and expertise, plays a pivotal role in attracting newcomers to the field. To cultivate an environment where all employees can thrive, businesses must prioritize ongoing support and inclusivity.

Looking to the Future

As I continue my career, my goal is to inspire and uplift those who are just beginning or are at various stages of their agricultural journey. I encourage women to celebrate their accomplishments and advocate for necessary changes within the industry. The future of agriculture, with its challenges and opportunities, is bright, and I look forward to witnessing the continued contributions of women in shaping it.