Young Grower Award Highlights A New Generation of Growers

To nominate a young grower in the horticultural industry, click here. Entries are due March 1, 2021.

One of the greatest challenges facing the horticulture industry today is its ability to attract a new, younger generation to the industry. While college institutions across North America continue to see enrollment for horticulture and agricultural programs decrease, there’s still reasons to hope, which are celebrated by the Young Grower Award.

The recent pandemic has forced many individuals to stay sheltered in the safety of their homes, and as a result we’ve seen a resurgence in gardening for all age groups.

From AmericanHort’s 2020 Year-End Report: “The Garden Center Group reported strong year over year revenue growth at Garden Retail across the country during 2020. An October report shows sales growth of 23-37% depending on region. The Wall Street Journal reported that from mid-March to mid-September, Americans spent 60 million fewer hours commuting to and from work each day as lockdown orders to curb the spread of Covid-19 forced many employees to work from home. They estimate that 15%+ of that time – more than nine million hours – was spent on home improvement.”

All of this is good news for the horticulture industry – inspiring a new, younger generation to understand the importance and enjoyment of becoming a grower.

Presented by GrowerTalks, over the last 16 years they’ve been recognizing and celebrating young growers – under the age of 35 – who are the future leaders of the ornamental horticulture industry. 

HC is proud to be the exclusive sponsor of this year’s 2021 Young Grower Award.

“As a leader in the manufacturing of horticultural containers, we’re well aware of the need to inspire the younger generation entering the workforce to consider a career in horticulture,” said Bob Mayer, President & CEO of The HC Companies. “Our involvement in the Young Grower Award allows us to support today’s noble growers while encouraging a younger generation to consider a similar career path.”

After three finalists are chosen, each is asked to write guest editorials for the June issue of GrowerTalks. They also will receive a free trip to Cultivate’21 and, while in Columbus, attend a special dinner with Anna Ball (President & CEO of the 111-year-old Ball Horticultural Company) and other industry luminaries. The winner is announced at the Unplugged event during Cultivate’21, will be the subject of GrowerTalks September issue cover story and serve as one of the judges for next year’s award.

To nominate a young grower in the horticultural industry, click here. Entries are due March 1, 2021.