Bord Bia has launched HortLink, a new grower-led community designed to bring ambitious emerging talent from across Irish horticulture together to learn, connect and develop.

The network has been established in response to a recognised challenge facing the sector.

Many growers and horticulture professionals work independently or in small businesses, with limited opportunities to connect with peers, share experience and learn from others facing similar opportunities and pressures.

By bringing people together, HortLink aims to create strength in numbers, encourage shared learning and build greater confidence and positivity about the sector’s future.

The initiative is also intended to support longer-term priorities for Irish horticulture, including generational renewal and attracting, developing and retaining talent across horticultural enterprises.

Future leaders

At the heart of the network is the Future Leaders Programme, a development initiative designed for emerging professionals working in Irish horticulture.

This includes growers and those who are already contributing to, or aspire to take on, leadership roles within horticultural enterprises.

Through a combination of practical workshops, industry visits and networking opportunities, participants will gain exposure to leading businesses, connect with industry experts and peers, and develop skills that will support their growth as future contributors and leaders in the sector.

Unlike traditional short-term training programmes, HortLink offers ongoing membership of a wider professional community.

This will enable participants to continue building relationships and sharing knowledge long after completing the Future Leaders Programme.

Speaking about the launch, horticulture client manager and HortLink lead at Bord Bia, Marek Pisarczyk, said:

"Through HortLink, we want to create a space where people can come together to learn from one another, share ideas and support each other in addressing both current and future challenges.

"Whether you are developing your career as a grower or building your role within a horticultural enterprise, HortLink offers an opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded people who are passionate about Irish horticulture.

"We hope members will not only benefit from the knowledge and experience of others but will also contribute their own perspectives and help shape the future of the industry."

Adding to this, senior manager of horticulture at Bord Bia, Emer Gallahar Hall said: “The launch of HortLink builds on recent industry efforts to strengthen the long-term resilience of Irish horticulture, including the Irish Horticulture Grower-Retail Charter launched last month.

"While the Charter focuses on building stronger, more transparent relationships across the supply chain, HortLink responds to a related need within the sector: creating more opportunities for people to connect, learn from shared experience and build networks beyond their own businesses.

"By supporting emerging leaders and helping to build stronger connections across the sector, we hope HortLink will play a role in encouraging more people to see horticulture as a dynamic and rewarding career path.”

Participants in HortLink and the Future Leaders Programme can expect:

Practical workshops and learning experiences;
Industry visits and exposure to leading horticulture businesses;
Access to growers, industry experts, and peers;
A trusted environment for sharing ideas and challenges;
Opportunities to build long-term industry connections;
Support to develop leadership capability and sector knowledge;
Ongoing membership of the HortLink network.

Before applying, prospective members are encouraged to read the HortLink Charter, which outlines the purpose of the community, member expectations and the principles that make HortLink a trusted environment for growers and emerging horticulture leaders.