Seed Your Future is an organization that promotes horticulture and inspires people to pursue careers working with plants. They envision a world where everyone understands and values the importance of plants and the people who work in the art, science, technology and business of horticulture. Their goal is not only to promote horticulture but to also inspire people to pursue careers working with plants including information about internships.
They cite a decline in interest in plants and in pursuing careers in horticulture which has caused many challenges including: low appreciation for how plants impact the world; declining college, university and certification program enrollment in horticulture; and plant blindness (the inability to see or notice the plants in one’s own environment, leading to the inability to recognize the importance of plants in the biosphere and in human affairs).
They share the following statistics:
- The average U.S. citizen can identify more than 1,000 brands and logos, but fewer than 10 local plants.
- Most schools stop teaching plant-based concepts in the third grade.
- ZERO middle-schoolers in our focus groups across the country said they have heard the word “horticulture.”
- Only 61% of the average 57,600 annual job openings in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources or the environment are filled due to lack of qualified candidates – causing a severe workforce gap.
They have developed a strategic plan with the following key goals:
- Raise awareness of horticulture’s critical role in global challenges like sustainability and food security.
- Engage and educate youth about the exciting possibilities in green careers.
- Strengthen the horticulture workforce by building diverse and inclusive pathways into the industry.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships to amplify our impact.
They have resources for educators including lesson plans, grant resources, webinars and more!
Want to know more?
- Website: seedyourfuture.org
- Email info@seedyourfuture.org
- Facebook: facebook.com/SeedYourFuture/
- The Future of Horticulture: Inspiring the Love of Plants and Plant Careers.
