With Ontario’s food industry now employing more than 150,000 people, with no signs of demand slowing down, it’s becoming an incredibly desirable option for students across the province and Durham College (DC) is ready to help students get their foot in the door. Two of DC’s newest programs, Horticulture – Food and Farming and Horticulture Technician, are a perfect fit for those with an interest in both the food industry and horticulture.

While both two-year diploma programs have similarities, they focus on different aspects of the industry. The Horticulture – Food and Farming program offers students a hands-on opportunity to become familiar with the concepts of local food production through individual and teamwork both on- and off-campus.

Graduates from this program can find career opportunities in agri-tourism, field production, hydroponics and food inspection, to name a few.

Students interested in a more entrepreneurial route can turn to the Horticulture Technician program. Students gain knowledge and hone their skills in landscape construction, nursery management and soil and plant nutrition.

Upon completion, graduates can find wide variety of employment opportunities within the horticultural field through entrepreneurship, landscaping construction and maintenance, nursery stock, farm and tree management or maintenance companies.