December 2021 - 24

MARKETING
How Can Growers
Help Nurture
the Future of the Industry?
Through industry collaboration, we can inspire an early
love for horticulture in our youth.
BY EM SHIPMAN
T
hrough the years, there's been an echoing sentiment across the
industry that fewer people are pursuing careers in horticulture
and plant-related sciences. You hear about labor shortages at
conferences or in articles about recruiting growers out of college. Inside
the industry, we are passionate about what we do, but we face challenges
in perception and accessibility outside of it.
As growers, you are accustomed to playing the long game. You plant
seeds and patiently watch the plants grow, sometimes for years before
they are ready. Why not do the same with our youth - the future of the
industry? After all, if kids aren't noticing the plants and the world around
them, how can they develop a life-long appreciation for nature? Why
would they consider that a career working with plants is even possible?
CULTIVATING CURIOSITY
Children have an instinctual curiosity about the natural world, and a
garden is an exceptional place for them to explore that interest. As a mom
to two young boys, I've learned that gardening also helps kids slow down,
notice the world around them, and calm their little minds and bodies. By
connecting their senses to their natural surroundings, they behave better,
eat better and get more physical activity, so they sleep better!
Through gardening, children cultivate a growth mindset. They learn to
appreciate " mistakes " as fun and creative opportunities to try something
new. They nurture their sense of curiosity, awe, and wonder in the natural
world and its processes. And when they interact with edible crops in the
garden, they develop healthier relationships with food and nutrition.
POWER THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS
Organizations like Seed Your Future, AmericanHort and KidsGardening
are working to spread positive messaging and create valuable resources
to share their passion for plants, nature and gardening with younger
generations. With interest in gardening at an all-time high, now is the time
to partner with organizations like ours that engage and promote youth
involvement in horticulture. This kind of partnership is an investment in
the industry's future and the next generation of leaders and customers.
Though garden retailers are often considered the public face of the
industry, growers and other horticulture professionals can play just as vital
a role in introducing youth to the joys of gardening. But how?
24 DECEMBER 2021 GPNMAG.COM
(All photos: KidsGardening)
Partnering with
organizations like
KidGardening shows your
community and the industry
that you are committed to the
future. Corporate sponsors
allow us to develop an everexpanding
array of multimedia
resources, grants, curricula, and
other learning opportunities
and support a community
of educators and caregivers
bringing the life-changing
benefits of gardening to kids.
Over the years, KidsGardening
has established mutually
beneficial partnerships with
industry members including Ball Horticultural Co., Meadows
Farms, Breck's Bulbs and White Flower Farm.
http://www.GPNMAG.COM
December 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of December 2021
