How to become a greenhouse farmer

Is becoming a greenhouse farmer right for me?

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Overview
What do greenhouse farmers do?

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How to become a Greenhouse Farmer

The education and training required to become a greenhouse farmer can vary depending on the scale and complexity of the operation, but generally include the following:

Obtain Basic Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is usually the minimum requirement. Courses in biology, horticulture, agriculture, and environmental science can be helpful.

Learn About Plant Science and Greenhouse Management
Take specialized courses or workshops focused on greenhouse management and technology, pest control, hydroponics, organic farming, or controlled-environment agriculture. Many community colleges, agricultural schools, and online platforms offer relevant programs.

Get Hands-On Experience
Work or intern at a greenhouse, nursery, or farm to learn practical skills like planting, irrigation, climate management, and equipment use.

Consider Advanced Education
Some greenhouse farmers pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, plant sciences, or a related field.

Develop Business and Management Skills
If you plan to run your own greenhouse farm, learning about farm management, marketing, and finance is essential.

Stay Updated on Industry Trends and Technology
Greenhouse farming often involves new technologies like automated climate control and soilless growing systems, so continuous learning is valuable.

Earn Relevant Certifications
There are several certifications available for greenhouse farmers. While they may vary by region, they can improve job prospects, operational efficiency, and market access, and sometimes help meet regulatory requirements. These are some notable credentials:

  • ASHS Certifications – The American Society for Horticultural Science administers these professional designations: ASHS Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH), ASHS Associate Professional Horticulturist (APH), ASHS Practicing Professional Horticulturist (PPH).
  • Certified Pesticide Applicator – Many regions require greenhouse farmers who apply pesticides or herbicides to be licensed or certified to ensure safe and responsible chemical use. Contact the Pesticide Safety Education Program in your state or territory for information on training and study materials.
  • USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Organic Certification – This USDA certification is for farms that meet strict organic farming standards in the US.
  • Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) Certification – This certification, administered by the USDA National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, validates on-farm food safety in handling, harvesting, and storage. It is valid for one year from the date of audit.
  • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification – Offered by various food safety organizations, the HACCP credential demonstrates knowledge of this globally recognized food safety management system that ensures food safety throughout the food supply chain.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support the greenhouse farming community by providing resources, education, networking opportunities, and advocacy:

  • Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) – ASCFG was created to educate, unite, and support commercial cut flower growers. It does this by providing production and marketing information, connecting members through events and communications, supporting floriculture research, and encouraging the purchase and use of locally grown flowers by the public. Its mission is to help growers produce high-quality floral material, and to foster and promote the local availability of that product.
  • National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) – NGMA is a professional trade organization for the manufacturers and suppliers of greenhouses and greenhouse components.
  • Greenhouse Grower – Primarily a trade publication, Greenhouse Grower is the voice for greenhouse production, connecting all professionals growing in a controlled-environment.
  • Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Alliance – This group promotes sustainable controlled-environment farming practices.
  • International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) – ISHS provides a global platform for research and collaboration in horticulture.
  • Hydroponic Society of America (HSA) – HSA focuses on promoting hydroponic growing techniques and education.
  • Urban Agriculture Organizations – Many local and regional groups focus on urban farming, often incorporating hydroponic methods, which greenhouse farmers may employ.
  • Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) – AVF supports growers specializing in vertical and indoor farming, the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often in a controlled environment like a greenhouse, building, shipping container, or underground space.