More than 250 students attended the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association’s (FNGLA) Career Day program during The Landscape Show in Orlando on August 21, with 42 high school students and nine educators selected for guided exhibitor tours through a partnership with Seed Your Future.

The initiative aimed to move career exploration beyond the classroom, giving students direct exposure to the businesses and professionals shaping the green industry. Led by industry volunteers, the tours brought students to 48 exhibitor booths representing growers, landscape suppliers, turf distributors, greenhouse designers, equipment manufacturers and tree care companies.

“I am so excited for the Seed Your Future partnership with FNGLA. The idea of working together and focusing the efforts to help bring people to horticulture is much needed,” says Jennifer Parrish, president of FNGLA. “From seedlings to trees, to the tractors that dig the trees, to the financing someone may need—it is a wonderful way for people to see the full scope of our industry and how we all use our passion for plants in different ways.”

Students described the experience as eye-opening, with some rethinking their career plans after discovering roles in equipment, technology, sales and design connected to agriculture.

Volunteer Andres Fortuno Ramirez, plant expert and social media ambassador at Costa Farms, comments, “Helping them understand the importance of the green industry is both powerful and necessary. I hope we sparked their curiosity, planted a few seeds of inspiration, and perhaps encouraged the next generation to discover the world of plants.”

Lisa Grant-Fields, owner of Grant’s Farm Nursery, says, “You are the future of the industry, and your curiosity, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn were wonderful to see.”

Seed Your Future will continue the momentum with Green Career Week, scheduled for October 5-9, 2026.