From Soil to Labs: Women in Agronomy
- intansetyawati17
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
When we think of agriculture, we often picture fields, tractors, or local markets. But behind every seed planted, there’s often a hidden layer of scientific work — that of agronomists. At the crossroads of multiple disciplines, from the hard sciences to the social sciences, agronomy seeks to better understand the earth, plants, and the people who cultivate them. Today, this field is evolving and becoming increasingly feminized. Who are the women reshaping our relationship with the living world? Let’s find out.
What is Agronomy?
Agronomy refers to “the set of exact, natural, economic, and social sciences, and the techniques used in the practice and understanding of agriculture” — a definition that generally excludes veterinary sciences. Although agronomy and agriculture are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday language, it’s important to note that agriculture refers specifically to farming activities. The two fields, however, nourish each other: agronomists must remain attentive to the practices and needs of farmers.
A Young or Ancient Discipline?
Two views compete when it comes to agronomy’s origins. Historian Jean Boulaine sees agronomy — defined as “a body of knowledge relating to the development, exploitation, and conservation of rural environments, and the technical systems used to enhance them” — as emerging alongside agriculture itself. Meanwhile, Gilles Denis argues that agronomy emerged in Europe during the 18th century, at a time when the scientific method was gaining ground, coupled with a utilitarian ideology aimed at mastering and understanding nature. Its conceptual separation from agriculture, however, became more clearly defined in the second half of the 20th century.
Knowledge in the Service of Land and Life
Agronomy is characterized by a wide range of professional practices. Two agronomists may work in completely different ways, depending on their area of specialization and professional setting: public laboratories, private research centers, large corporations, or small- and medium-sized agro-industrial enterprises. To illustrate what this discipline encompasses, consider the example of improving crops by selecting more resilient varieties — a task involving genetics, plant biology, and climate data. Another example would be analyzing a region’s farming practices to propose tailored agricultural policies by combining insights from social sciences, rural economics, and labor sociology. Agronomy also includes soil analysis, water management, pest control… Agronomists play a key role in resolving various agricultural crises (mad cow disease, avian flu…). Their shared goal is to improve agricultural practices to produce better — while respecting the environment, natural resources, and farmers.
And What About Women in Agronomy?
The profession is becoming increasingly feminized: women now represent one-third of agronomy engineers, and more than half of agronomy graduates are women.
Many women have already left their mark on the history of the profession. Hélène Alarie, for example, was the first female agronomist in Quebec and the only woman in her graduating class of 200 students. She stood out during her career in agronomy before entering politics, where she became known to the general public as the Agriculture and Agri-food spokesperson for the Bloc Québécois. She notably advocated for a bill requiring mandatory GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) labeling.
In France, Suzanne Mériaux was also a pioneering figure, beginning her career at a time when very few women worked in the field — women still needed their husband’s permission to work at all. Born in 1924, she originally planned to study medicine but was forced by the war to become a schoolteacher. Afterward, she resumed her studies in natural sciences. A curious and driven polymath, she sought to broaden her expertise throughout her career, studying soil physics, pedology, clay structure, water, and plant water stress. She published 150 scientific papers during her career. In 1989, she joined the Academy of Agriculture and became its first female president in 1997.
What’s at Stake for the Agronomy of Tomorrow?
Agronomy, a rich and ever-evolving discipline, is a key player in agricultural and ecological transitions. Although long dominated by male figures, it is now welcoming a new, increasingly female generation of scientists. The careers of Hélène Alarie and Suzanne Mériaux remind us of the importance of recognizing the contributions of women who, past and present, are actively rethinking our relationship with the land and with food production. The future of agronomy cannot be imagined without them.
Written by Nastia and edited by Intan
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