Growing A Better World Through Skills And Diversity

Diversity in the workplace at top agricultural companies like Corteva brings more ideas and creativity to the table

To achieve Corteva’s goals, the company harnesses the talents of women and men who excel in their fields. These goals include helping farms and farmers flourish, by forging relationships that advance the agricultural industry.

The aim for all employees at Corteva and its brands is to be the most trusted partner in global and local agriculture, and the food community, by earning the confidence of those who produce and those who consume. Employees like the three women featured here are empowered to act with speed and flexibility, while operating with well-articulated values and measures of success.

To constantly stay ahead of the curve, the team at Corteva innovates from the outside in, drawing on diversity in the broader industry and agricultural sectors, and associated technologies.

Field science tackles insect issues

The studying of insects, the impact they have on crops and sustainable solutions to the problems they cause, are only some of the tasks Dr Marlene van Rooyen and her team, and the Corteva Delmas Research Hub of Africa and the Middle East, perform.

“I am the team leader of the insectary, which forms part of the research hub that supports Corteva and its growers, including Pioneer, Pannar and our crop protection brands.”

Van Rooyen holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences (Integrated Pest Management) and has been part of the Corteva team since September 2011. This insectary (insect rearing facility) is the largest privately owned one of its kind on the African continent and was established in 2014. It is a critical part of Corteva’s global research and operations in Africa, given the insect pests that growers face.

As a Corteva field scientist specialising in entomology at the research centre, Van Rooyen says she loves working for the company.