Ontario-based Darby McGrath has been involved in agriculture since she was a teenager: first through working on tree fruit farms in the Niagara region, through her several roles with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, as an adjunct professor with the University of Waterloo and Brock University, and as a board member of Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests non-profit organization.

Nominated by Vineland plant breeding research scientist Rachael LeBlanc, McGrath stood out for her research accomplishments in horticulture and her leadership capabilities. While McGrath is fairly new to her role as vice-president of research and development at Vineland, LeBlanc highlighted her "genuine willingness and enthusiasm to learn and grow with those around her" as evidence of her being the ideal fit for the job.

In this episode, McGrath chats with agriculture editor Alex Barnard about recognizing the victories – small and large – of yourself and others, the importance of failure in innovation and research, and trying to slow down to enjoy the journey.

Special thanks to Bayer Crop Science Canada, platinum sponsor of the 2023 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture program, for sponsoring this series.