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Class of ’02 & ‘05
Manager of Agricultural Research, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

We recently chatted with several women, working in a variety of roles in agriculture. We asked these women the same questions, learning about their experiences and opinions as they contribute to the industry.

The importance: The world’s population is projected to rise to 9 billion by 2050 and half of them will be women.  It is imperative that we recruit passionate, enthusiastic women who can help feed this growing population.

It’s been proven in many jurisdictions, that when you educate, empower and invest in women, significant advancements in productivity and livelihoods are made. Women bring a different perspective to farming and agriculture. With an intuitive sense of community and nurturing, they sometimes see situations differently and can offer a different outlook.

Inspriation: My inspiration comes from like-minded people with similar vision and goals for the industry. For me, knowing that I have a part to play in feeding, educating and building a food system that can improve livelihoods and increase the prosperity of my province is what keeps me motivated to move forward.

Misconception: I think there is a misconception in this industry that women can’t be successful leaders. Women working in the agriculture industry here in Newfoundland and Labrador are proving otherwise. I’m surrounded by educated, intelligent, trailblazing women who spend their days strategizing to make this industry prosper and grow. I see more and more women every day in the forefront, not only at this level of the industry but on the farm business side as well. However, while we are well represented on numbers of women in the workplace, I do still feel that educated, qualified women have to prove themselves more to obtain respect and acknowledgement in the industry.

Advice: I would tell a young woman who is considering a career in agriculture to follow her dreams and don’t take no for an answer. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, there is no better way to learn. I would also say never stop learning. Like many other industries, this field is always changing – new practices, methods and technologies are being developed daily that makes food production/agriculture even more sustainable and profitable. I would also tell her to surround herself with like-minded people and collaborate where-ever she can and build a network of supporters. You will never know at which point in your life you will have to call upon someone for advice or assistance.