The COVID-19 pandemic was egregiously hard on career-minded women. The U.S. Census showed that 3.5 million mothers with school-age children stopped working between March and April of 2020. Nearly half were still not actively working by the following year. Compared to January 2020 figures, 1.6 million fewer women were back to work in 2021.

So, getting back to work is a burden faced by many women across the board — one that may require searching for a position in an entirely new industry or earning some kind of professional certification to meet minimum job qualifications. The first step is often the hardest one to take. Whether it’s approaching someone with a question, asking for clarification, or really just trying anything new, most people hesitate at first. Holding back for even a moment can last for a few seconds or drag out for a few years.

For women with a green thumb, this feeling of uncertainty is easily surmountable. The Women in Horticulture gathering at the Farwest Show lacks the intimidating atmosphere that our insecurities have convinced us must be real. Instead, this gathering is an hour-long green industry networking event that feels more like a get-together with the neighbors you never had a chance to meet. It’s common to see a first-year horticulture student chatting face-to-face with a seasoned wholesale nursery owner. That’s the point of the event: women supporting women.

The volunteer group was founded in 2016 and provides free or low-cost networking opportunities for those who identify as women in horticulture and related industries. To help pay for the costs to host the Women in Horticulture gathering at this year’s show, a t-shirt fundraiser is underway. The group also publishes interesting interviews and book reviews to ignite passionate discussion and engagement for members.

All registered guests are welcome to join in the free event at the Farwest Show — the biggest green industry trade show in the West. If you know of a woman transitioning back into the workplace and networking for employment opportunities in horticulture, invite them to check out the group’s website and attend the networking event.

The pandemic has taught us many things, and the disruption to millions of women’s professional ambitions is proof that women need the support of one another.

The push to place more women in leadership roles in agriculture is gaining momentum. According to 2012 figures from the USDA Census of Agriculture, about 31.5% of all American producers were women. However, just five years, later the number climbed up to 36%. The optics of an upward trajectory of female operators is inspiring. Gender equality and women’s empowerment is a concern that haunts many women in the workforce — the horticulture sector included. A statistically verified uptick in female principles provides unmistakable evidence that women can effectively change their futures.

Besides the data, connecting to a group of like-minded colleagues is essential to mitigate fears and self-doubt. The need for a women-center community network is precisely why the Women In Horticulture organization was founded in 2016.  The mission of the volunteer-run group is to provide free or low-cost networking opportunities for those who identify as women in horticulture and related industries. Using the timeless tools of mentorship and collaboration, women slowly and strategically shift cultural norms to advance their involvement in the discussion of equal pay, groundbreaking research, operational efficiency, and organizational leadership.

Each year, the Farwest Show hosts an hour-long Women In Horticulture networking event that is free to all registered show attendees. Anywhere from 30–50 professionals gather and make small talk away from any lively distractions routinely found the trade show floor. It’s a fun, stress-free place where entry-level to seasoned professionals are free to discuss anything they like and make a connection.

“The Women in Horticulture event at Farwest is something I always look forward to,” Ali Pennell, development director of the Oregon Garden Foundation said. “I leave feeling energized about what other women are accomplishing in the horticulture industry. As women, we face unique challenges in establishing leadership and breaking the glass ceiling in this male dominated industry. Having a chance to commiserate and inspire each other in person is so valuable.”

To show support for a community of women, a t-shirt fundraiser has been set up to help offset the costs of hosting the Women In Horticulture event. Last year, 50 shirts were sold, which were available in five different colors, and two styles of shirts.  A new shirt design has been made available for this year.

The Women in Horticulture website is an online tool that provides many resources for women to connect and learn from each other at a distance.  Women share their thoughts in blog posts, book reviews, and other events, while also networking on social media.