Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Vegetable Greenhouses NEED new, young growers--but where are all the jobs?

Statistics Canada shows that most of the horticulture/greenhouse management is reaching retirement age, and that almost all of these management positions will turnover within the next 20 years, making the demand for young greenhouse growers very high.

 

This is great for me, because I am a young Greenhouse Technician, recently graduated from a 2 year program where I focused mainly on Greenhouse Vegetable Production.

-Entemology

- Integrated Pest Management

-Water, Media, Fertilizer Management

- Priva, Computerized Controls etc.

 

In addition, tomato and pepper greenhouses are starting a new crop RIGHT NOW,

 

The demand is there..so, why is it so hard to find a job?

 

I am very resourceful, and have pooled together all my contacts to maximize my chances of landing a contract in an Ontario vegetable greenhouses as soon as possible. I have been using forums, following up on all leads, and even revisited the Niagara/Chatham/Leamington area several times to secure a Grower position. I have contacted growers and consultants I know, which has given me good leads but I still have not secured a position and contract.

 

I have excellent references, and lots of experience... Help!

Any suggestions, advice or discussion  is greatly appreciated!!

You can find my resume on my website if needed: jamieboland.blogspot.com

 

Thanks!

 

 

Views: 1212

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Jamie, You will have to actually go to many of the greenhouses directly and let them meet you. There are several good operations outside of the areas you are currently looking in. Exeter has a couple large operations, Petrolia has a good one, St Thomas and Jarvis have top rated propagators, and there is a lot of individual greenhouses scattered around Delhi, Simcoe and Bradford.
You should also get a copy of Greenhouse Canada magazine since many job oportunities are posted there.
If you can switch over to bedding plants there are several oportunities in that field also. They should be listed in the same magazine.
Good luck,
Dave
Hey Dave,
Thanks for your reply to my discussion. I will definitely be checking out these operations in Exeter and I will also check out the propogators you mentioned. I have been checking greenhousecanada.com for job opportunities and have got some really great leads, do you think the hardcopy magazine has additional career listings separate from the ones on the website?

Thanks again for the tips, I'll let you know how it goes!
Jamie
Jamie, I think the hard copy may have jobs posted that may not be online as I see them frequently. Something to keep in mind is that these companies who are looking usually are attempting to find a seasoned grower. Having a new grower coming into the market is also a good thing as they can then train you to suit their needs rather than you changing them. Good luck.

Jamie Boland said:
Hey Dave,
Thanks for your reply to my discussion. I will definitely be checking out these operations in Exeter and I will also check out the propogators you mentioned. I have been checking greenhousecanada.com for job opportunities and have got some really great leads, do you think the hardcopy magazine has additional career listings separate from the ones on the website?

Thanks again for the tips, I'll let you know how it goes!
Jamie

Dave,

Thanks for the advice! I have now been working as Assistant Grower @ Veris in Exeter for 7 months.

Cheers!

Jamie



David Ritchie said:

Jamie, You will have to actually go to many of the greenhouses directly and let them meet you. There are several good operations outside of the areas you are currently looking in. Exeter has a couple large operations, Petrolia has a good one, St Thomas and Jarvis have top rated propagators, and there is a lot of individual greenhouses scattered around Delhi, Simcoe and Bradford.
You should also get a copy of Greenhouse Canada magazine since many job oportunities are posted there.
If you can switch over to bedding plants there are several oportunities in that field also. They should be listed in the same magazine.
Good luck,
Dave

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Alberta Milk launches “Farm to Table” campaign to celebrate local dairy and the people behind it

Alberta Milk is proud to announce the launch of its latest campaign, Farm to Table: a celebration of Alberta’s local food culture and the hardworking dairy farmers who help nourish our province. Amidst a global backdrop of economic uncertainty and shifting trade priorities, Albertans are more focused than ever on supporting local. Farm to Table was created in response to this growing pride in locally produced food, and the people behind it. At the heart of the campaign is a short film following Alberta dairy farmer Jason Crozier and Blair Lebsack, Chef and owner of Edmonton-based restaurant RGE RD. Together, they explore the journey from farm to table, touring Crozier’s farm and connecting over their shared commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. As they explore the farm , they also enjoy a variety of dishes featuring homegrown ingredients including, of course, local dairy. The spot highlights the pride, care, and community that go into every glass of milk produced i

Major Crop Emergence Ahead of Average in Alberta but Dryness Increasing

With seeding finishing ahead of the average pace, major crop emergence in Alberta is also running ahead despite eroding soil moisture. Friday’s weekly crop report showed that 95% of all major crops had emerged across the province as of Tuesday (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, peas). That is well ahead of the five-year average of 84% and the 10-year average of 86%. Provincial dry pea emergence and spring wheat emergence are virtually complete compared to a five-year average of 92% and 90%, respectively. Barley emergence, at 96%, is nearing completion, ahead of the 5-year average of 84%. For later seeded crops, canola emergence is at 89%, which leads the 5-year average of 78%, while oat crop emergence is at 85%, ahead of the 5-year average of 71%. Rapid emergence of the 2025 crop has been followed by advanced development of the crop as well. However, the report said that despite the favourable emergence rates and crop development progress, limited soil moisture “is not suppo

OPMA Appoints New Board Chair and New Directors at Annual General Meeting 2025

Toronto, ON - The Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) announced the appointment of its new Board Chair and two new Directors at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June 10, 2024 in Toronto. The newly elected Board Chair will serve a one-year term as Chair and the new Directors will each serve threeyear terms from 2025 to 2028.

Emergency use of Allegro 500F registered for field

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has just approved the Emergency Use registration request for use of Allegro 500F fungicide, effective June 2, 2025, to June 1, 2026, in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta,Québec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

SPG Lowers Pulse Crop Levy Rate

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers will reduce the crop levy rate from 0.67% to 0.60% starting August 1, 2025, helping growers save more amid stable revenue and strong markets.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service