Celebrating women making waves in horticulture
Women in horticulture advance education, research and product innovation across the industry. See their work and examine how it supports growers.
Celebrating the rising leaders shaping the future of plant production and technology
Women are an integral part of the agriculture industry, and today their increased presence can be directly seen in the methods in which they move the industry forward.
By putting in the work and research to learn and improve what growers are experiencing firsthand, women in agriculture are providing insights supporting the greenhouse industry, reducing chemical footprints and helping growers adapt to market demands and environmental challenges. Whether it’s through science and research, sustainability or college recruitment efforts in agricultural sciences, their positive impact is clear.
Let’s explore the impressive work from a few outstanding women in horticulture and recent honorees of GPN’s Forty under 40 award.
Alexandra Grygoczyk, research scientist
She coordinates multidisciplinary teams across sensory, environmental, plant production and soil sciences to address fruit, vine and substrate waste in the greenhouse sector.
In one example, her work showed that ‘imperfect’ produce, such as overripe tomatoes, oversized cucumbers and sidestem peppers, are an excellent fit for transformed products like specialty juices and sauces based on their market fit and post- processing sensory quality.
Megan Rains, field solutions director
Megan Rains is currently working at Lallemand Plant Care to build strong IPM programs that integrate biological and conventional products to reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
A key part of this effort is evaluating the compatibility of conventional chemistries with living microorganisms under grower-driven scenarios. Testing Lallemand products with a wide range of chemical controls helps to ensure these products can be safely co-applied in tank mixes or rotationally, without reducing efficacy, causing injury or harming beneficial organisms.
This approach helps growers develop IPM programs that are robust, effective and practical for everyday use with a smaller chemical footprint.
Lori Zatroch, program director, plant science & landscape technology
As the program director of a two-year horticulture program, Lori Zatroch focuses on preparing students for the large range of careers available in the green industry. She works closely with colleagues at Cuyahoga Community College to stay connected with local industry partners to ensure the curriculum reflects the current workforce needs.
While it is impossible to reach every technical skill in two years, the emphasis is on problem solving, adaptability, teamwork and critical thinking. The goal is to have a supportive learning environment where students, many of whom are new to the industry, can make mistakes, build confidence and find their place in the industry.
Sara Eff, senior scientist
As a scientist at Scotts Miracle-Gro, Sara Eff is committed to providing consumers with innovative and sustainable products that make gardening easier, more accessible and more enjoyable.
She is currently developing a line of organic plant foods designed for ease of use and consistent, high-quality results. Recently, she has focused on exploring emerging biological technologies to determine how they can best support sustainable growing practices empowering both consumers and professional growers to achieve success while reducing fertilizer and water consumption.
Leticia Tombion, agronomist
Leticia Tombion’s work focuses on applied research and innovation in floriculture, with a strong emphasis on micropropagation, sustainable production systems and the use of native and ornamental plant genetic resources.
At the National Agricultural Technology Institute, she works on projects that aim to improve plant quality, uniformity and health while reducing production costs and inputs. This research directly supports greenhouse growers by providing reliable propagation protocols and cultivation guidelines that enhance productivity and resilience, helping producers adapt to new market demands and environmental challenges.
Gabrielle Rippel is a freelance writer with experience in multiple industries. Check out her recent work at getagrippel.com.