Commercial horticulturist
Commercial horticulturists are involved in the growing, distributing and selling of food crops and plants.
Commercial growers may specialise in field crops, protected growing (for example, under glass), soft and top fruit, hardy nursery stock and cut flowers. Clients include plant and tree nurseries, supermarkets and DIY stores.
The work is increasingly complex, requiring managerial, business and IT competence, alongside scientific understanding and the traditional skills of cultivation. Ultimately, the role involves the management of horticultural enterprises and this is reflected in the variety of job titles, e.g. crop manager, production manager and propagation manager.
Initially, graduates will be more concerned with hands-on cultivation but, with experience, they will supervise teams of others at all stages of growing, harvesting, packing, distribution and selling.
Produce is sold to the food processing industry; plants to major retailers, wholesalers and the garden trade, all of whom demand increasingly high standards of quality. In addition, the traceability of crops from seed to customer is of prime importance to the food industry.
Typical work activities may include:
Formal academic qualifications are strictly necessary to enter the industry but will significantly aid work promotion. Many of those now working in senior, professional positions chose to enter the industry straight from school and work their way up, gaining qualifications through part-time study and in-house training. Although the opportunity to work at a basic level in horticulture is still open to all, it is now more common for new entrants to have a horticultural qualification.
The following degree subjects may improve your chances of developing a professional career:
Relevant HND subjects include agricultural and horticultural sciences.
A postgraduate qualification is not essential.
Practical experience is essential for entry into this career. Experience in retailing and/or gardening and evidence of an interest in fresh produce and plants is useful for those seeking work on the commercial side.
In addition to the traditional practical skills of cultivation, candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
A full driving licence can be useful and applicants should be physically fit and able to work in physically demanding environments.
It is very important to respond to advertisements as they arise in the industry's press. Do not underestimate the value of short-term and project-based contracts as these may provide a way of gaining a good range of relevant experience. Be prepared to start in posts where you get your hands dirty and then take responsibility for a workforce.
Competition is increasing due to career changers seeking entry to the industry. Demand for graduates to train as managers and technical specialists supplying quality fresh produce is also growing. Competition for opportunities to work abroad in horticulture is becoming increasingly fierce and fluency in another language, especially Spanish, is helpful.
Although the horticultural industry has not experienced the same difficulties as agriculture, there has been a gradual reduction in the number of vacancies advertised. Many employers only have a small number of vacancies each year and do not recruit on a regular basis. Vacancies are advertised as they arise. A network of personal contacts in the industry is a valuable source of job information as many posts are filled by informal networking.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Training can vary from minimal on-the-job training to well-structured graduate training schemes, such as the Management Development Services (MDS) group training scheme.
Some employers provide opportunities to take management qualifications, health and safety training, training in the use of chemicals and pesticides and, increasingly, training in the use of biological alternatives in pest and disease control.
Writtle College offers a range of postgraduate taught and research-based courses as well as work-based courses, tailored courses and continuing professional development programmes. The Horticultural Development Company (HDC) offers up to two awards for postgraduate research studentships each year.
Graduates aiming to become technical consultants or senior managers in crop production should look for employers who will provide the training necessary to obtain BASIS (Registration) Limited and Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme (FACTS) qualifications. BASIS is an independent organisation set up by the agricultural and horticultural industries to provide training and maintain professional standards in the pesticides industry relating to storage and transport. Standards of staff competence are also covered.
Initially, graduates will probably be concerned with hands-on cultivation and maintenance tasks or routine retail and commercial tasks rather than line managing other people. With experience, they will supervise teams of workers in the production, marketing or retail operations of commercial horticulture. Specialisation can come later into areas such as:
Ultimately, graduates will be concerned with the management and business development of commercial enterprises. Promotion depends on the development of both practical and managerial skills. A portfolio containing details of successful projects is an invaluable aid to promotion. Mobility may also be necessary.
Career progression in large organisations is likely to be along the following route:
There may also be opportunities in consultancy work or to transfer across to the amenity sector or to commercial posts in other industries, including retail and services to agriculture and horticulture.
Typical employers include companies growing and/or supplying fresh produce and plants to consumers. These vary in size from businesses employing just one person to large nurseries and farms. They include pick-your-own enterprises and organic farms and gardens. Production nurseries, many of which offer training schemes covering all areas of production including propagation, container and field-grown stock, also employ graduates.
Management Development Services (MDS) recruit graduates for a partnership of growers, suppliers and retailers, both small to medium-sized employers (SMEs) and multinationals. Farming and horticultural cooperatives have some vacancies, although such organisations recruit infrequently and not in large numbers.
Other typical employers include food companies that process, package and distribute fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, and commercial companies supplying products, equipment and services to the industry.
Opportunities exist in the media with the industry's professional journals or with the BBC. Roles may include features editor or manager of a journal, or horticultural researcher for a gardening programme.
Further and higher education establishments also have opportunities for trainers and lecturers in horticulture.
Other typical employers include the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) , ADAS and the National Trust .
Colleges and university schools of agriculture and horticulture usually have established contacts within the industry.
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