January 2024 - 10

40 UNDER 40 PERSPECTIVES
importance of growing and eating healthy food, the
importance of the biodiversity of the insects, birds,
plants and trees in the area, and the connection to want
to protect it for a healthy world, " Rotenberger said.
In celebration of American Education Week each
November, local school administrations have National
Teach-In Day where the foundation brings in businesses
and leaders into the classrooms - in a fun and engaging
way - to talk with students about academics, careers,
and the future. With my Florida Agriculture Education
certification, I am an advocate for education and the
importance of agriculture in the classroom. This year
I was able to share with my son's kindergarten class
all aspects of horticulture sales and the production of
unrooted cuttings from international farms. Bringing in
plants for all the kids to take home to their families made
it an interactive learning opportunity.
Helping the students find what they are passionate
about, whether it's marketing, design, sales,
construction, genetics, innovation, production or
management - there's something for everyone in
horticulture; we are a multi-faceted industry. By reaching
out to your county's school administration you can be
matched with a grade or classroom as a presenter.
In 1996, Bonnie Plants initiated the 3rd Grade
Cabbage Program in and around the headquarters of
Union Springs, Alabama. The mission was to inspire
a love of vegetable gardening in young people, teach
the kids where the food comes from and grow the next
generation of gardeners. By 2002, the program had
grown to become a national endeavor that included the
48 contiguous states. This has continued, as now Bonnie
sends more than one million free " oversized " cabbage
plants to third grade classrooms across the country.
Teachers sign up for the program, and if properly
nurtured, the kids can cultivate and grow cabbages that
tip the scale at more than 40 pounds!
" Learning how to grow healthy food at an early
age teaches kids to value the fun and hard work that
goes into gardening. We're always thrilled to share
the appreciation and excitement of a bountiful harvest
with our students and believe the joy of gardening is
something you never outgrow. " Mike Sutterer, president
and CEO of Bonnie Plants, said.
Garry Menendez, professor emeritus at the University
of Tennessee, worked closely with many businesses to
support the horticulture program on campus and the trial
gardens. Companies would donate plants and supplies
as well as contact Menendez for a pipeline of students
to recommend for positions in the workplace. They
would also make monetary donations to be distributed
10
JANUARY 2024 GPNMAG.COM
Helping the students
find what they are
passionate about, whether
it's marketing, design, sales,
construction, genetics,
innovation, production
or management - there's
something for everyone
in horticulture.
among selected students as a scholarship for study
abroad trips to Europe. Many students expressed that
the trip changed their lives, through these partnerships it
afforded the students these life enriching opportunities.
The University of Tennessee also hosts an ag day in the
horticulture department gardens, and it brings aspiring
high school students to the campus to see design,
technology, installations and production. Interested
students can see the beginning of the process, to the
design projects at the end of the program and have a
tangible output of the employable, professional skillset
acquired during those four years.
" Whenever I went to high schools to recruit (aka - tell
young minds about the coolest profession in the world) I
would inevitably be asked how much money can be made
in this area. I would respond as such: 'wealth can be
measured in other ways than money. Creativity, flexibility,
travel and recognition for being a true professional are
also forms of wealth, " Menendez said.
I encourage every business and employee to get
involved in your community - volunteer time, supplies,
education and support. You never know whose life you
will influence and make an impact on. They may also one
day be in the class of GPN 40 under 40. The horticulture
industry is always changing and evolving but many
things stay constant, it's all about relationships,
hard work, innovative thinking and teamwork.
Kim Anders-Luber is key account sales representative at
Vaughan's Horticulture. She is a member of GPN's 40 Under 40
Class of 2023 and can be reached at kanders@vaughans.com.
http://www.GPNMAG.COM
January 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2024
