Horticulturist Trends (2024)

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What general advice would you give to a Horticulturist?

Jose Leme Filho Ph.D.: First, be careful with random advice (including this one), life coaches, and career specialists. You are a unique individual with distinctive skillsets and experiences. So, more importantly, follow your instincts. Then, as you begin your career in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), remember to stay curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning. CEA is a dynamic field with rapidly evolving technologies and practices, so embrace opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Seek out hands-on experience in CEA facilities to gain practical insights into managing controlled environments and cultivating crops. Additionally, prioritize networking and building relationships with professionals in the CEA industry. Networking can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration. Develop strong problem-solving skills and approach challenges with a positive mindset and a willingness to explore innovative solutions. Finally, stay passionate and resilient. CEA presents unique challenges, but your enthusiasm and determination will drive your success. Keep your long-term goals in sight and stay focused on making a positive impact in this exciting and vital field of Applied Horticulture.

What Horticulturist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Jose Leme Filho Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, you need to be a valuable asset to your employer. But before talking about crucial skills/experiences to obtain, it's important to talk about your mental health and social skills. I see a lot of bright and qualified people with zero social skills, which can really jeopardize your chances of maximizing your income. The way you interact with your colleagues and how you deliver the tasks you perform in a group are essential to not only increase the chances of a salary raise but simply maintain your job. Once your social skills are in check, when starting your career in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and applied horticulture, focus on acquiring relevant skills and experience that are in high demand (check the previous question). Additionally, consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications in fields related to CEA and applied horticulture to increase your marketability and earning potential. Networking with professionals in the industry and staying updated on emerging trends and technologies can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, be proactive in seeking out positions with reputable organizations that offer competitive salaries and advancement opportunities. Negotiate your starting salary confidently, leveraging your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the organization to secure the best possible compensation package.

What will help Horticulturists increase their earning potential?

Jose Leme Filho Ph.D.: As we all know, the future is hard to precisely predict. I wish I had a crystal ball to answer this question with confidence. So, what I can say with confidence is to be resilient and moldable to face this "hard-to-predict" future. However, over the next 3-5 years, several skills will likely rise in importance for professionals in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and applied horticulture. Firstly, proficiency in data analytics and technology integration will be crucial for optimizing crop production. Professionals will need to analyze large datasets, leverage automation and sensor technologies, and integrate data-driven decision-making into their practices. Secondly, sustainability practices will become increasingly prevalent, necessitating skills in resource management, energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. Additionally, expertise in genomics and molecular biology will be essential for developing crops with improved traits suited for controlled environments. Lastly, adaptability and proficiency in remote monitoring and management technologies will be vital for overseeing CEA facilities efficiently and effectively. Overall, a combination of technical expertise, sustainability practices, and proficiency in emerging technologies will be key for success in the evolving fields of CEA and applied horticulture.

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What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Horticulturist job market given the pandemic?

Russell Moss: Historically, hiring in farming activities, like viticulture, are less negatively impacted by a slumping economy than other industrial sectors. There has been a negative impact on the hiring of people for direct-to-consumer roles at wineries, as tourism has suffered during the pandemic. However, farming has to continue. So while vineyard management and winemaking positions saw an initial decrease in hiring due to the immediate impact of the pandemic, I suspect we will see hiring for these roles quickly rebound. Further, hiring for temporary harvest positions has increased dramatically, as wineries are unable to get workers from abroad due to pandemic related travel restrictions.

What technical skills for a Horticulturist stand out to employers?

Russell Moss: Employers in the farming sector, like viticulture, value practical hands-on skills and experience combined with a solid theoretical understanding of the farming system. If a recent graduate had farming experience prior to entering university or if they had acquired farming experience through multiple summers of internships or summer jobs, they will be more likely to attain gainful employment upon graduation. However, students graduating with applied degrees in viticulture or horticulture, are not just relegated to farm management jobs. They have been trained in science and can work for laboratories, consulting businesses, sales and other agricultural support roles.

How have salaries changed over time for Horticulturists?

Russell Moss: The average salary of a vineyard manager has increased by about 6% since 2015, according to the annual Wine Business Monthly survey.

What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Horticulturist job market given the pandemic?

Bradley Rowe Ph.D.: The recruiting and interviewing processes have changed with virtual career fairs and Zoom interviews, but the number of career opportunities has stayed the same. Landscape and nursery companies are constantly knocking on our doors looking for employees, and we don't have enough graduates to fill a fraction of the available positions. It's not just college graduates; employers can't find enough employees for all areas of their businesses. In some cases, it is keeping them from growing as a business.

What skills stand out on Horticulturist resumes?

Bradley Rowe Ph.D.: The skills they are looking for are teachable, enthusiastic, and dedicated to the job. Knowledge of landscape design and installation or how to grow a plant is a bonus. There aren't enough qualified people to fill the needs of the industry. NALP (National Association of Landscaper Professionals) considers it their biggest problem.

Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Horticulturists to find work opportunities?

Bradley Rowe Ph.D.: I think there are job opportunities everywhere in the country. For young people interested in landscaping and willing to relocate, regions with warmer weather may be more favorable as there can be year-round work.

What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Horticulturist job market given the pandemic?

Bradley Rowe Ph.D.: The recruiting and interviewing processes have changed with virtual career fairs and Zoom interviews, but the number of career opportunities has stayed the same. Landscape and nursery companies are constantly knocking on our doors looking for employees, and we don't have enough graduates to fill a fraction of the available positions. It's not just college graduates; employers can't find enough employees for all areas of their businesses. In some cases, it is keeping them from growing as a business.

What skills stand out on Horticulturist resumes?

Bradley Rowe Ph.D.: The skills they are looking for are teachable, enthusiastic, and dedicated to the job. Knowledge of landscape design and installation or how to grow a plant is a bonus. There aren't enough qualified people to fill the needs of the industry. NALP (National Association of Landscaper Professionals) considers it their biggest problem.

Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Horticulturists to find work opportunities?

Bradley Rowe Ph.D.: I think there are job opportunities everywhere in the country. For young people interested in landscaping and willing to relocate, regions with warmer weather may be more favorable as there can be year-round work.

What type of skills will young Horticulturists need?

Jehangir H. Bhadha: Over the last decade or so, the field of soil sciences has gotten really competitive. The good news is that it's also broadened in its scope, particularly in applied fields. A budding graduate student in the field of soil sciences should constantly be asking the question, "how is my research going to help humanity"? Is it going to improve the environment? is it going to feed millions more? Is it going to mitigate climate change? A young graduate will be improving their chances if they have been able to demonstrate the applied aspect of their research. Another key skill is to graduate with a minor or a specialized certificate in addition to their majors. This often gives an edge to candidates when applying for Ph.D. or postdoctoral positions. Finally, it is important that the student can look at the "big picture;" be able to connect their research and link it to another system. Taking a systems-approach from the start may sometimes help in achieving this. Be prepared to travel, explore, ask the tough questions, and strive to answer them. Don't be limited by the expertise and resources of your advisor. Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate...

Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Horticulturists to find work opportunities?

Jehangir H. Bhadha: A good place is always going to be the one where you are offered the job. Having said that, for Ph.D. graduates looking for postdoctoral positions in the field of soil sciences, I would consider Land Grant institutions as a good place to start to look for opportunities. Because of their mission to promote research, teaching, and extension, Land Grant institutions typically have a few more openings in soil sciences. In most cases, Land Grant institutions have research centers that are located off-campus, and those have also been shown to attract a good number of soil scientists. Federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture is another great place to keep an eye out for young graduates with a degree in soil sciences. Particularly the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are often seeking new graduates in the field of soil sciences. In the private sector, there are opportunities with agriculture consulting firms, pesticide and environmental agencies. These days the application of soil sciences is not just limited to rural farming areas. Its scope of application has broadened to urban areas with the advent of urban farming, vertical agriculture, and hydroponics.

How do you envision technology impacting Horticulturists in the next 5 years?

Jehangir H. Bhadha: Technology has already made its presence felt in the field of soil sciences. It has created a niche of its own in the form of geospatial imaging technologies, in-situ monitoring capabilities, precision agriculture, and the use of artificial intelligence for crop management and yield predictions. There is a serious need for sensor development when it comes to soil fertility issues. To be able to assess real-time nutritional deficiency in crops can help with fertilizer recommendations. Sometimes, it may take weeks for soil test results to be completed, and this could be detrimental to the crops. Also, the use of flyby drone technology to detect pest pressure and nutritional deficiency in the field will save a lot of time and help improve crop yields.

What type of skills will young Horticulturists need?

Jehangir H. Bhadha: Over the last decade or so, the field of soil sciences has gotten really competitive. The good news is that it's also broadened in its scope, particularly in applied fields. A budding graduate student in the field of soil sciences should constantly be asking the question, "how is my research going to help humanity"? Is it going to improve the environment? is it going to feed millions more? Is it going to mitigate climate change? A young graduate will be improving their chances if they have been able to demonstrate the applied aspect of their research. Another key skill is to graduate with a minor or a specialized certificate in addition to their majors. This often gives an edge to candidates when applying for Ph.D. or postdoctoral positions. Finally, it is important that the student can look at the "big picture;" be able to connect their research and link it to another system. Taking a systems-approach from the start may sometimes help in achieving this. Be prepared to travel, explore, ask the tough questions, and strive to answer them. Don't be limited by the expertise and resources of your advisor. Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate...

Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Horticulturists to find work opportunities?

Jehangir H. Bhadha: A good place is always going to be the one where you are offered the job. Having said that, for Ph.D. graduates looking for postdoctoral positions in the field of soil sciences, I would consider Land Grant institutions as a good place to start to look for opportunities. Because of their mission to promote research, teaching, and extension, Land Grant institutions typically have a few more openings in soil sciences. In most cases, Land Grant institutions have research centers that are located off-campus, and those have also been shown to attract a good number of soil scientists. Federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture is another great place to keep an eye out for young graduates with a degree in soil sciences. Particularly the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are often seeking new graduates in the field of soil sciences. In the private sector, there are opportunities with agriculture consulting firms, pesticide and environmental agencies. These days the application of soil sciences is not just limited to rural farming areas. Its scope of application has broadened to urban areas with the advent of urban farming, vertical agriculture, and hydroponics.

How do you envision technology impacting Horticulturists in the next 5 years?

Jehangir H. Bhadha: Technology has already made its presence felt in the field of soil sciences. It has created a niche of its own in the form of geospatial imaging technologies, in-situ monitoring capabilities, precision agriculture, and the use of artificial intelligence for crop management and yield predictions. There is a serious need for sensor development when it comes to soil fertility issues. To be able to assess real-time nutritional deficiency in crops can help with fertilizer recommendations. Sometimes, it may take weeks for soil test results to be completed, and this could be detrimental to the crops. Also, the use of flyby drone technology to detect pest pressure and nutritional deficiency in the field will save a lot of time and help improve crop yields.

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What general advice would you give to a Horticulturist?

Dr. Neil Anderson: As you take courses, talk with your cohort colleagues and professors to learn more about each topic area. Identify one that excites you and that you're passionate about and take more courses in that field. Do they still spark your passion for this topic? Maybe this is the professional area for you! If so, land an internship in your junior year in that specific area so you can learn more about it as well as see if this is something you could do full time in your future profession.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Horticulturists in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Neil Anderson: AI is sweeping across the industry as new inventions allow for the harvest of delicate fruits for the fresh market; advances in shipping technologies will help make the system more efficient, sustainable, and able to meet the new market needs of products delivered faster.

How would you rate the starting salaries for Horticulturists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?

Dr. Neil Anderson: Starting salaries vary, depending on the interest area you have, but they are competitive for the industry. Any alumni that are highly motivated and driven for success quickly move up the managerial chain to positions of greater responsibility.

What general advice would you give to a Horticulturist?

Dr. Neil Anderson: As you take courses, talk with your cohort colleagues and professors to learn more about each topic area. Identify one that excites you and that you're passionate about and take more courses in that field. Do they still spark your passion for this topic? Maybe this is the professional area for you! If so, land an internship in your junior year in that specific area so you can learn more about it as well as see if this is something you could do full time in your future profession.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Horticulturists in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Neil Anderson: AI is sweeping across the industry as new inventions allow for the harvest of delicate fruits for the fresh market; advances in shipping technologies will help make the system more efficient, sustainable, and able to meet the new market needs of products delivered faster.

How would you rate the starting salaries for Horticulturists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?

Dr. Neil Anderson: Starting salaries vary, depending on the interest area you have, but they are competitive for the industry. Any alumni that are highly motivated and driven for success quickly move up the managerial chain to positions of greater responsibility.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Horticulturists in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Sabine Grunwald: Digital agriculture and digital soil are rapidly growing fields. Sensor-technology (e.g. proximal soil and plant sensors such as visible-near infrared, mid-infrared technology; integrated soil information sensor systems, smart irrigation systems), geotechnology (e.g. drones, high precision remote sensing), combined with artificial intelligence (machine learning and deep learning algorithms), pedometrics, and simulation modeling are poised to leap forward and transform soil-crop-environmental sciences.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Horticulturists in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Sabine Grunwald: Digital agriculture and digital soil are rapidly growing fields. Sensor-technology (e.g. proximal soil and plant sensors such as visible-near infrared, mid-infrared technology; integrated soil information sensor systems, smart irrigation systems), geotechnology (e.g. drones, high precision remote sensing), combined with artificial intelligence (machine learning and deep learning algorithms), pedometrics, and simulation modeling are poised to leap forward and transform soil-crop-environmental sciences.

What experience really stands out on Horticulturist resumes?

Kamel Didan Ph.D.: Pertinent real-world experience and relevant work; however, the minimum will always go a long way. Employers are looking for a "hit the ground running jack of all trades."

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Horticulturists in the next 3-5 years?

Kamel Didan Ph.D.: We are slowly but surely moving to a less labor-intensive, smart technology and sensors (IoT) based production and service systems, at all levels. Autonomous and Smart Systems at all levels are coming. We perfected the mechanization; now, we will perfect the intelligent self-driven.

What Horticulturist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Kamel Didan Ph.D.: In the engineering field and Ag, in particular, we are moving to a more complex 'sensors and data' driven world where workers (graduates) are expected to manage and work on more than the traditional this is my "specialty and field of expertise." So the recommendation would be to get exposed to and acquire more skills and knowledge around sensors, data, intelligent systems, robotics, etc. These could either be acquired with self-paced open-access learning, via traditional education, but more importantly, through hands-on internships, and summer and research jobs.

What experience really stands out on Horticulturist resumes?

Kamel Didan Ph.D.: Pertinent real-world experience and relevant work; however, the minimum will always go a long way. Employers are looking for a "hit the ground running jack of all trades."

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Horticulturists in the next 3-5 years?

Kamel Didan Ph.D.: We are slowly but surely moving to a less labor-intensive, smart technology and sensors (IoT) based production and service systems, at all levels. Autonomous and Smart Systems at all levels are coming. We perfected the mechanization; now, we will perfect the intelligent self-driven.

What Horticulturist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Kamel Didan Ph.D.: In the engineering field and Ag, in particular, we are moving to a more complex 'sensors and data' driven world where workers (graduates) are expected to manage and work on more than the traditional this is my "specialty and field of expertise." So the recommendation would be to get exposed to and acquire more skills and knowledge around sensors, data, intelligent systems, robotics, etc. These could either be acquired with self-paced open-access learning, via traditional education, but more importantly, through hands-on internships, and summer and research jobs.

H

What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Horticulturist job market given the pandemic?

Dr. Helen Kraus: Sales of plants have increased tremendously during the pandemic. People have rediscovered and been revitalized by gardening and growing plants during lockdown times and the stress associated with the epidemic.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Horticulturists in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Helen Kraus: I am not very versed in technology. But I think GPS and wireless management of irrigation systems are going to be used heavily.

Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Horticulturists in the next 5 years?

Dr. Helen Kraus: INCREASE. We are not meeting the demand of the horticulture industry currently. So I cannot imagine that the market will not continue to increase.

What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Horticulturist job market given the pandemic?

Dr. Helen Kraus: Sales of plants have increased tremendously during the pandemic. People have rediscovered and been revitalized by gardening and growing plants during lockdown times and the stress associated with the epidemic.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Horticulturists in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Helen Kraus: I am not very versed in technology. But I think GPS and wireless management of irrigation systems are going to be used heavily.

Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Horticulturists in the next 5 years?

Dr. Helen Kraus: INCREASE. We are not meeting the demand of the horticulture industry currently. So I cannot imagine that the market will not continue to increase.