Growing Forward
Leslie Cario
H
Growing the Next Generation of Horticulture Professionals
ave you ever found yourself speculating how you will sustain your growing or landscape operation in the future? Not so much in terms of work, because that aspect of the industry has been going strong, but in terms of who will do the work and who will step up to leadership roles. At a time when technology has taken such a prominent role in the economy, and young people have their sights set on tech careers, it has become challenging to bring them into our businesses. Fortunately, there are several organizations connected to the MNLGA whose varied missions overlap with the common aim of conveying young people into the field of horticulture. By learning more about these organizations’ good work, and how we can provide support, we are likely to keep the field going strong and experience a positive return in the future. A long-time partner of the MNLGA, the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation (MAEF) seeks to promote “the understanding and appreciation of the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.” In addition to educating about food and nutrition, MAEF sheds light on the varied and exciting careers related to agriculture. More
specific to horticulture, this can translate to employment with the products, technology, and research useful to the industry, in addition to growing the plant material. MAEF serves students in grades K through 12, and accomplishes this through working directly with the students, through programs such as Maryland FFA, and through grants and professional development for teachers, who in turn work with the students. There are several ways that horticulture professionals can lend support to MAEF’s mission, according to MAEF’s Communications Director Amie McDaniels. One of the most direct ways is to provide outreach to students about our professions,
by sharing what we do, how we got there, and why we chose to be there. This outreach can happen while assisting with a mobile lab or showcase. Horticulture professionals can also offer guidance in terms of planting and garden maintenance to a school that has been chosen as a recipient of one of MAEF’s garden grants or apply their general knowledge to assist with development of lesson plans, which in turn will strengthen MAEF’s robust programming. In addition to personal fulfillment, involvement with MAEF helps bring awareness to the broader public and reinforce the importance of agriculture and its connection with protecting our natural resources.
ALI students-the next generation of horticulture professionals Free State • 45
