Our Mission

KY GreenWorks is here to help Kentucky’s green industry thrive by supporting the people who keep it moving forward. Whether you’re a business owner, a student exploring your next steps, or a seasoned professional building new skills, we’re here to connect you with training, resources, and support across the Commonwealth.

What is green industry?

Green industry is the science, art, and business of plants: cultivating, selling, caretaking, and more. Here’s some of the career and business types we’re prioritizing through KY GreenWorks —>

Click here to read more about why we need horticulturalist and green collar workers

  • Landscaping and grounds management

  • Arboriculture and tree care

  • Plant nurseries, garden centers, and greenhouses

  • Turf production and maintenance

  • Controlled Environment Agriculture / Protected Agriculture

This is not an exhaustive list — if you’re green industry and want to get involved, reach out!

The Workforce Challenge

Tree care, landscaping, plant nurseries, you name it — it’s difficult to attract and retain quality talent. Approximately 30% of horticulture positions remain unfilled by qualified applicants or graduates of a horticulture program. At the same time, employers are planning to increase hiring needs.

To make matters even more challenging, there’s low public understanding of what the green industry is and what opportunities exist.

Data from Seed Your Future, circa 2019 https://www.seedyourfuture.org/case_for_support

Bridging the Disconnect

KY GreenWorks bridges the training and awareness gap by connecting people, training opportunities, and Kentucky’s green industry to support long-term growth for workers and businesses. We also advocate to increase awareness of green collar careers and opportunities. You can work for a business or start your own!

Our Partners

KY GreenWorks is led by the Kentucky Horticulture Council in collaboration with statewide industry associations, employer partners, business-support organizations, educational partners, and community stakeholders.

Together, we’re creating pathways for Kentuckians to remain and thrive in their local communities.

Kentucky Horticulture Council • Kentucky Nursery & Landscape Association • Kentucky Arborists’ Association • Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development • University of Kentucky