The Wild

As the summer progresses and fall looms I took a moment to revisit my educational path. I know with certainty that choosing to study horticulture was a good choice, and that it will provide me with opportunities that are of interest. There have been times of self doubt however, and these doubts resurfaced over the summer.

The doubt is caused by two factors. First – my home is in the middle of Canada’s richest agricultural lands. As a result there is little in the way of greenhouse production. The time, energy and resources of our economy go primarily into the continued production of large scale field agricultural products. By way of example Statistics Canada reports that my province contributes 0.1% of Canada’s overall greenhouse grown vegetables. This is only a small portion of the industry, but the fact remains. There are very few opportunities to work in greenhouse production here at home.

The second factor is related to the economic opportunity associated with greenhouse work. My research into the industry suggests that the work is considered low skill, and with that comes generally low paying wages. This leaves me in a position where I will have to move to a province with a more well developed greenhouse industry, while at the same time facing the uncertainty that comes with low entry level wages. It may be the case that I do not actually work in the greenhouse industry, but rather branch out into another horticultural field such as landscaping or arboriculture.

This is where my reflection helped me stay the course. I took some time to recall what it is that drove me to study horticulture and greenhouse production. It came down to a simple belief that a person should strive to be useful to their community. Being able to produce food is one of the most basic and important skills a person can develop, and it is something that makes a person useful to their community for a lifetime (there are people in my family well into their 80’s and still gardening).

There is also the self sufficiency argument. The internet is full of ideas on what skills a person should have to be self sufficient and or prepared for a crisis situation. These lists can vary quite allot, but near the top of all of them is the ability to procure food. I am confident that the foundational knowledge I have developed will be applicable in and out of the greenhouse, and that these skills make me useful and self reliant.

In September I will return to classes, all doubt about my path eased. In December I will graduate. Then I will be off on the next great adventure.