Cultivating Change: Behind The Leaf – A Spotlight on Equity in Horticulture

The Mission: Amplifying Underrepresented Voices

If you want to change the future, you have to understand the people living in the present. In Behind The Leaf, we sit down with horticultural specialists from underrepresented communities to get to the heart of the matter. We’re asking the big questions:

• What sparked your passion for the plant?

• What’s the "real talk" advice for someone starting a farming career today?

• How do we build a legacy for the next generation?

Breaking the Grass Ceiling

Let’s be honest—the data tells a story we can’t ignore. Historically, U.S. and Canadian agriculture have been inequitable. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, women and people of color remain vastly underrepresented in leadership roles. In Canada, while Indigenous farm operators are growing in number, they still represent less than 2% of operators despite making up 5% of the population.

Behind The Leaf is our way of turning grow operations into fertile ground for progress. We’re showing the world that whether you’re into cannabis cultivation, urban ag, or plant tissue culture, there is a seat at the table for you.

"We’re not just growing plants; we’re growing a more equitable future. It’s time the faces of leadership reflect the diversity of the world we live in."

The Trailblazers of Harbor Farmz

To understand the future of the industry, we traveled to Michigan to speak with the powerhouse team at Harbor Farmz. This isn’t just a cannabis producer; it’s a masterclass in how diverse perspectives drive a brand forward.

We sat down with the experts who make the magic happen every day, from the science of the lab to the strategy of the marketing office:

• Deb Sweeney | Director of Plant Tissue Culture

• Ceejay Steiner | Packaging Department Manager

• Jessica Lavery | Kitchen Manager

• Kayla Beard | Marketing

• Madison Merrick | Lab Assistant

• Haley Avery | Lab Packaging Manager

• Nathaly Olavarria | Trim and Packaging

• Janeth Carrasco | Cultivation Assistant

Insights on the Future of Farming

Our questions ran the gamut from the personal to the professional—looking at where farming was and, more importantly, where it’s going. These women are proving that the horticulture industry is wide open for those with the drive to succeed. We’d like to thank the staff at Harbor Farmz for their participation and their incredible insights.

If you’re looking for inspiration to start your own journey in the green sector, this is your sign.