Plant Your Career
September 15, 2026
From Booths To Breakthroughs
A shifting workforce is one of the industry's top challenges. As more people retire, there isn’t enough talent to replace them. Not only that, but many young people are unaware of the career paths available to them in horticulture. This creates a disconnect that begins early in their lives. For students, a traditional classroom has its benefits, but real exposure happens at industry events.
There’s an old saying, “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” In a classroom, students learn about a wide range of subjects, but have limited engagement with potential employers. Events, such as trade shows, are the perfect setting bridge the gap between students and employers. These industry spaces bring people together from different areas of horticulture. When this happens, a living classroom is created where ideas are shared, and knowledge can grow. Students need to be part of that journey to see how they can make an impact and contribute in the future.
In 2025, SYF used trade shows to give students full access to the industry. Instead of just learning about careers in a classroom, young people were brought into the room where innovation is shaping the future. The goal of visiting these trade shows was more than attendance; it was also about access.
“For many students, events like Cultivate are the first time they realize how big, dynamic, and welcoming the horticulture industry really is. These experiences don’t just open doors to careers – they change how students see themselves and what they believe is possible.”
Jazmin Alabarran, Executive Director, Seed Your Future
In a field that is often overlooked, these events can provide the exposure students need to see themselves as the future of horticulture. From production to breeding, marketing, and technology, students begin to understand the opportunities available to them. At a trade show, young people can explore different areas of the supply chain while learning how their interests and skills align with employers' needs. And it’s not just students who benefit from the exposure.
Employers can use those connections to diversify their talent pool. In many cases, students are only familiar with a few companies in their area. And they often aren’t aware of employers outside their region. But they may be willing to move for the right opportunity. Sometimes it only takes one conversation to get the ball rolling.
The next generation wants to make a difference in their lives, and that’s why the industry must be accessible from an early age. For many young people, horticulture is never on their radar because it’s not viewed as a viable career. Far too often, the industry is viewed through a narrow lens of stereotypes. Industry events allow students to engage with countless people who have made this field a fulfilling, lifelong career.
When students have access to industry spaces, they see horticulture on full display. And it goes beyond the plants. A young person who enjoys sales or marketing can view the impact of brands. They can also see how technology solves problems and improves efficiency. Future leaders can learn what roles are needed to make a business grow and succeed. During these events, young people can plant the seeds of their future careers.
Horticulture is a passionate field at all levels, but it’s easy to get caught up in daily tasks and forget the big picture. And that’s why industry events are important, especially for young people looking for a path.
At a trade show, students can learn what makes each company unique. They begin to understand the industry's different niches and markets. In those conversations, students can also discover why people chose horticulture over other careers. This allows young people to shape their own “why” for choosing a career. As they meet with industry leaders, students begin thinking about their future goals while learning the steps needed to make them a reality. Additionally, many students will discover avenues they never knew existed.
Across the industry, there’s a shared responsibility to bring horticulture to young people. In 2026, SYF will continue working with students to connect them with opportunities. When students step into the industry, they don’t just learn about horticulture – they begin to see themselves as part of its future.
