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: 1323

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David Ritchie on December 2, 2010 at 3:03am
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
Permalink Reply by Jamie Boland on December 2, 2010 at 4:28am
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
Permalink Reply by David Ritchie on December 3, 2010 at 2:00am
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
Permalink Reply by Jamie Boland on December 7, 2011 at 7:16am

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

Grower Engagement Meetings

Alberta Canola works for farmers—and your voice can drive what’s next. Join Alberta Canola directors, staff, and industry partners at our upcoming Grower Engagement Meetings and explore what’s happening across the canola industry and what it means for your farm. From agronomy and research to new markets, canola utilization and biofuels, we’ll explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of canola. At Alberta Canola’s grower meetings, you’ll: See how Alberta Canola works for farmers. Learn how your investment supports research, advocacy and a stronger future for canola growers. Get practical agronomy insights from our provincial agronomy specialist, Keith Gabert. Explore what’s possible for canola through new markets, canola meal utilization, biofuels, transportation, and what it all means for the future of your farm. Hear from industry experts. Connect with guest speakers from Canola Council of Canada, Imperial Oil, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, COPA and more. Conn

2026 harvest: Minister Sawyer

“For many farm families, harvest is the culmination of months of hard work and many long days. Whether they're wrapping up harvest or working to bring in the last of this year's crop, farmers and producers across Alberta continue to show the dedication and determination that keeps our agriculture sector strong. “Despite weather challenges, crop yields are estimated to be above average, especially in the south and central regions. I applaud the perseverance, patience and hard work of farmers despite the circumstances with this growing season. “Recent weeks have finally brought favourable conditions for harvest in many parts of Alberta, allowing producers to make significant progress. While slow maturity and periods of rain early in the harvest season and recent frost and snow have slowed work in some areas, producers continue to make the most of every opportunity to get crops off the field. Harvest of major crops is now 88 per cent complete across the province. “As producers prepare

Ag in the House: Oct. 19 – 23

An Ontario MP asked how the government is protecting Mariposa Dairy

Bayer Invests $45M in New Canadian Canola Innovation Centre

Bayer Crop Science is investing $45 million CAD in a new canola innovation centre in Winnipeg, with research targeting faster genetic gains, improved agronomic performance and expanded weed control options for Canadian growers.

USDA Corrects Corn Estimates as Growers Question NASS Data

USDA has corrected September corn estimates after NASS discovered a processing error affecting Kansas, Nebraska and national figures.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service