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: 1278

▶ 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

Canola Watch - Timely Tips

Blast off to burnoff The pre-seed window is the best time to control kochia...and winter annuals...and other annoying early-risers. Kochia requires a tank mix because biotypes have resistance to a number of herbicides, including glyphosate. Ahead of canola, consider a product that includes Group 27 topramezone. Go early, but not too early. Make sure weeds are actively growing (to take up herbicide) and that frost risk is low for the day after application.  Pre-seed burnoff: Tips for best results How to contain herbicide-resistant kochia Gophers need food! Now is the best time to bait Richardson’s ground squirrels...because fresh green foliage is in short supply. The hungry rodents are more likely to eat the baits. Strychnine may be available in designated locales by late May, but that is...TOO...LATE. If the hordes are giving you that smug look, use what’s available and bait them now. Gopher management Weather map of the week Just in case you needed extra proof that our spring has

Mental health resources in Canadian ag

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month

Processing our food future here at home

By Angela Field, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Canola’s Role at the Biofuels Table

Prairie farmers are beginning to connect the dots between biofuels and canola prices. And for good reason. The growth of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel is quickly becoming one of the biggest demand drivers for Canadian canola. Canola producers are well-positioned to benefit. But many growers still do not fully see how biofuels are directly driving market demand for their crop. WHAT ARE BIOFUELS AND WHY DO THEY MATTER? Biofuels are fuels made from renewable biological materials such as crops, plant oils, and organic waste, rather than fossil fuels. Common examples include ethanol, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel. Because these fuels offer lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and can be used in today’s engines, biofuels are increasingly being adopted by transportation sectors looking to reduce their environmental footprint. For canola farmers, that shift is creating real demand. THE RELEVANCE OF BIOFUELS The reality is that the demand for Canadi

Importance of women in agriculture: Minister Sigurdson

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson issued the following statement about the International Year of the Woman Farmer: “Women have always contributed significantly to agriculture in Alberta and around the world. We’re pleased to see more recognition for the important role they have in advancing the ag and agri-food sectors.  “Across every acre of our agricultural landscape, women are helping shape the future of food and farming with determination, intelligence and heart. They are partners in stewarding the land, innovative thinkers working to solve tomorrow’s challenges and courageous leaders helping to drive Alberta’s agriculture sector forward. “For every crop planted, every animal grown, every step on the food supply chain, women have been there along the way. Whether it’s in the field, the lab, the boardroom or the classroom, women in agriculture continue to showcase their resilience, dedication and grit. “Every March, the Notables Awards Ceremony is a shining exa

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service