Introducing Sarah Papp, Research Scientist, Plant Production
At Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, innovation grows in more ways than one, thanks to researchers like Sarah Papp, who bring curiosity, practical problem-solving, and a deep-rooted passion for plants to her role as Research Scientist, Plant Production.
Sarah’s work focuses on helping Canadian growers improve efficiency and sustainability. “My role centers on finding practical, science-based solutions to help Canadian growers produce crops more efficiently and sustainably,” she says. That means everything from trialing berries and leafy greens to testing biostimulants and new substrate blends. “The work is incredibly diverse,” she adds, “but always grounded in real-world impact.”
Sarah’s path to Vineland began during her undergraduate studies in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto, where she became fascinated by plant ecology and applied research. In 2016, she joined Vineland as a summer research assistant. “I worked on projects to optimize container production for ornamental shrubs and develop organic fertilization strategies for blueberries,” she recalls. “That experience showed me how rewarding it can be to translate research into practical solutions for growers and ultimately brought me back to Vineland.”
Now part of the Plant Responses and the Environment team, Sarah is especially excited about the shift toward protected berry production. This growing method can extend the fruit season in Canada, offering a way to bring local berries to market earlier and later than ever before. Through the ASP berry project, Sarah and her team are testing raspberry and blueberry production in diverse environments, from field shelters to greenhouses, and evaluating innovative substrates to determine which best support plant health and yield. “I’m excited to see how the plants perform across these environments and to provide growers with a production guide to support this shift,” she says.
So what keeps her inspired day after day?
“I find it rewarding to see projects progress from planning through to harvest and to know that our results can make a tangible difference for growers and industry partners,” she says. With each new crop and trial comes a new challenge and opportunity to learn.
And outside the lab?
Sarah’s passion for plants continues to bloom. “I enjoy growing flowers and designing my garden is something I look forward to every year,” she says. Her favourite? Dahlias. “They’re beautiful, come in many varieties, and bloom later in the season, bringing colour when other flowers are fading.”
With her scientific expertise and commitment to real-world impact, Sarah Papp is helping shape the future of sustainable crop production in Canada, one growing season at a time.
Learn more about careers at Vineland:
About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Vineland is a uniquely Canadian, results-oriented organization dedicated to horticulture science and innovation. We deliver innovative products, solutions and services through an integrated and collaborative cross-country network to advance Canada’s research and commercialization agenda.
Vineland is situated on treaty lands. These lands are steeped in the rich history of the First Nations, including the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit people from across Turtle Island live and work in Niagara today. Vineland stands with all Indigenous people, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live.
We are an independent, not-for-profit organization, funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative. For the latest on our research and innovation, visit www.vinelandresearch.com.
For more information, please contact:
Jayne Bintley, Senior Advisor, Communications & Marketing
jayne.bintley@vinelandresearch.com
(289) 968-5173
