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Growing Horticulture Roundtable: Part 2 – Challenges

Horticultural education programs are seeing a surge of students registering and being waitlisted for classes, but where do these graduates ultimately end up? How does quality of life play a part in attracting new talent?

In part 2 of 4 in this Growing Horticulture Roundtable series, panelists discuss some of the main challenges faced by themselves and the sector as a whole when it comes to hiring, training and retaining staff.  Some of the points discussed may surprise you.

Featuring panelists from across the sector:

• Stephanie Slaman of John Slaman Greenhouses, Ont.
• Dusty Zamecnik of EZ Grow Farms, Ont.
• Kim Wickwire of Olds College, Alta.
• Laura Bryce of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, B.C.
• Niki Bennett of Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, Ont.
• Tania Humphrey of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Ont.

Stay tuned for Part 3: The ideal candidate, and Part 4: Opportunities as they are released in the coming weeks.

Don’t miss Part 1: Introductions, as growers, educators and sector representatives speak about their roles and perspectives on horticultural labour in Canada.

Can’t wait for the bite-sized pieces to drop? Look for the full, mostly uncut roundtable available on Youtube.

Thank you to our sponsor A.M.A. Horticulture for making this roundtable possible.