Growers offer expert advice on labor solutions

Added on 13 September 2022

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Growers offer expert advice on labor solutions

Everyone is talking about labor. If you're a greenhouse grower, you know why. Labor issues have come to the forefront of the horticulture industry since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Great Resignation led many workers to retire early or seek jobs with better pay and benefits. Other workers grew tired of doing manual labor in the heat on a regular basis. A number of factors have left growers in a sticky situation when it comes to finding labor solutions to build their workforce.

In an upcoming series on labor, Greenhouse Grower will offer you solutions. The four-part series will address recruiting, retaining, onboarding, and H-2A regulations.

You will hear from AmericanHort Scholars Ethan Jenkins and Donna Perez as they navigate the early stages of their careers in horticulture. As younger members of the workforce, they bring a fresh, unique perspective to recruitment efforts. If growers are looking for young talent, Jenkins and Perez can tell them where to find it.
An important aspect of recruiting and retaining quality talent is the opportunity for personal growth, according to Training and Development Manager Geneiva McNeale of Metrolina Greenhouses. She will share insights on how Metrolina has developed a positive company culture that allows for the successful growth of its plants and its people. Stay tuned to read more about Metrolina's class to help different generations of workers understand each other and collaborate to achieve their shared goals.
AmericanHort's Education Program Specialist Amy Ballard will detail a new training and certification program for head growers. Many head growers are reaching retirement age, but there may not be someone lined up to take over their responsibilities. This new program from AmericanHort will help growers develop new talent to fill their key positions.