Women Shaping Agriculture’s Future at the Policy Table

Agriculture, which contributes roughly $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy, should have policies in place that not only protects farmers, natural resources and consumers, but also ensures a safe and secure food supply for the world.

Women like Jasmine Scott, government and sustainability affairs lead at Syngenta, play essential roles in shaping and bringing that policy to life. “I’m excited to be a part of celebrating the unique contributions that women make to advancing agriculture during the International Year of the Woman Farmer,” she says. “We’ve been known as contributors, but now we’re acknowledging women as critical decision-makers and leaders. Our spirit, energy, perspectives, and experiences bring a level of innovation for everyone to enjoy.”

From Farm Roots to Ag Policy

Scott grew up on her grandparents’ tobacco farm near the small rural town of Madison, North Carolina. By modeling a strong work ethic, working with integrity, and producing quality crops, her grandparents — especially her grandmother — inspired and prepared Scott to take a seat at the agricultural policy table.

“I think of my work today as a love letter to their legacy,” she says. “I constantly consider how the policies and priorities we are hoping to advance would serve my grandparents and the people I grew up with in rural America.”

Scott earned a degree in agricultural education with a business concentration from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. After graduation, she worked for the USDA, interned with Syngenta and explored other industries.

“During my journey after graduating from college, I bounced around between working full-time and earning my master’s degree,” Scott says. “I discovered, after having tried a number of things, that agriculture was where I belonged, and I found my way back to the industry.”

To continue equipping herself to benefit the industry, Scott is pursuing a doctorate in public administration and policy at Virginia Tech.

How Ag Policy and Sustainability Support Long-Term Success

At Syngenta, Scott positions the company — and the industry — for success through her work on the sustainability team. Scott and her colleagues ensure growers have the resources and tools they need to prioritize soil health and adopt regenerative practices.

“A few years ago, we tapped a partner to conduct a study on women producers,” she says. “We learned that women tend to prioritize sustainability, environmental health, succession planning, and the impact their decisions have on their operations. That reveals a lot about the spirit women bring to agriculture, beginning with the end in mind. We want to leave things better than we found them.”

As part of the public affairs function, Scott often engages with federal lawmakers on the practical role Syngenta’s solutions play in helping American growers meet current and emerging challenges.

“Our team plays a key role in helping policymakers understand the realities growers face,” she says. “With time and understanding, we can help protect the conditions that allow our business to operate effectively and preserve growers’ access to solutions they need.”

Women Breaking Barriers in Ag Policy

Scott values connecting with other women who are shaping the future of agricultural policy, from members of Congress to industry association leaders and lobbyists.

Pew Research reports that 28% of the members of the 119^th U.S. Congress are women. The agriculture committees reflect that. Women hold 14 of the 53 seats in the House Committee on Agriculture. Six of the 23 members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry are also women.

Additionally, a McKinsey & Company 2025 report shows that women in many top ag-focused lobbyist firms comprise between one-third and one-half of the staff team engaging with industry leaders and lawmakers.

Scott is grateful for their work and leadership.

“I think I’m a product of many barriers being broken,” she says. “I now operate in a space where it’s the norm to connect with a member of Congress who is a woman or a leader at Syngenta who is a woman. I’m a beneficiary of many women whose efforts have made my life and work easier.”

Looking to the future, Scott is impressed with the next generation of women joining the industry.

“Over the past three years, I have connected with college students at a Women in Agribusiness Summit, and they blew me away,” she says. “They were professional, humble, and communicative-all qualities you would hope to find in a future colleague or friend.”

Scott continues, “I’m excited for these young women to start contributing to the industry because they are going to do amazing things. I cannot wait to start working alongside them!”