Beyond the Flower Farm: Emer Gallahar Hall on Building a Career in Horticulture

My career began in the floral and indoor-plant industry, after studying amenity horticulture at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin. I then worked directly with retailers and supply chains. From an early stage, I was drawn not only to how plants are produced, but also to the people, businesses and communities behind them. Those experiences gave me a practical understanding of the challenges faced by producers and sparked a lifelong interest in helping horticultural sectors grow and thrive. Over time, my career evolved into roles focused on market development, stakeholder engagement and sector strategy. Each opportunity built on the last and ultimately led me to Bord Bia, where I work with Irish horticultural businesses to strengthen their competitiveness and connect them with market opportunities at home and abroad.

One of the biggest turning points was deciding to move from purely commercial roles into positions focused on sector development and collaboration. Completing an MSc in conjunction with Bord Bia was the catalyst for realising that I was most fulfilled not just by growing individual businesses, but by helping create the conditions for an entire sector to succeed. Joining Bord Bia a few years later provided that opportunity. It allowed me to work across the industry, bringing together growers, retailers, researchers, government agencies and consumers around shared goals. That shift significantly broadened my perspective and impact.

I lead programmes that support Ireland’s horticulture sector, including fresh produce, protected crops, amenity horticulture and some features at the Bord Bia Bloom festival. My role involves developing strategy, managing stakeholder relationships, delivering market insights, overseeing industry initiatives and helping businesses respond to changing consumer, retailer and environmental expectations. What often surprises people is how varied the role is. One day I could be discussing sustainability initiatives with growers; the next, speaking with retailers about Irish sourcing, reviewing consumer research, helping plan Bloom with our team or shaping national sector strategies. It combines commercial thinking, collaboration, communications and long-term planning.

Relationship building has been the single most important skill throughout my career. The horticulture industry is built on people and partnerships. Being able to listen, understand different perspectives and build trust has been essential. Beyond that, communication, strategic thinking and adaptability have all played significant roles. The sector is constantly changing, whether through market developments, consumer trends, climate challenges or policy changes, so being comfortable with change and helping others navigate it is important.

You learn very quickly that horticulture is both an industry and a community. While technical knowledge is important, success often depends on relationships, resilience and practical problem-solving. There is an entrepreneurial spirit within horticulture that can only really be understood by working alongside growers and businesses. I’ve also learned that innovation frequently comes from people who combine deep practical knowledge with a willingness to try something new.

The period following Brexit and Covid, and the supply-chain disruptions of recent years, presented significant challenges for many businesses across the food and horticulture sectors. Working with industry stakeholders through uncertainty reinforced the importance of collaboration, clear communication and maintaining a long-term perspective during difficult periods. It also highlighted the resilience of Irish horticultural businesses and their ability to adapt when circumstances demand it.

Every Monday brings a different set of priorities and opportunities, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role. My day usually starts at about 6 AM, reviewing industry updates, emails and priorities for the week ahead. Mornings often involve meetings with colleagues, growers, retailers or partner organisations to discuss ongoing projects and emerging issues. Throughout the day I might be reviewing market research, working on strategic initiatives, preparing for industry events, planning activities or supporting businesses through Bord Bia programmes. A significant part of the role involves connecting people and ideas, ensuring that different parts of the industry work together towards common goals.

Bord Bia is Ireland’s food board, responsible for promoting Irish food, drink and horticulture domestically and internationally. The organisation works closely with producers, growers, exporters, retailers and government agencies to support sustainable growth and market development. Funding comes through a combination of government support and industry contributions. Within horticulture, our role includes market insights, consumer research, sustainability programmes, quality-assurance schemes, export development, industry promotion and events such as Bord Bia Bloom. Much of the work happens behind the scenes, bringing together research, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning to help businesses succeed.

I’m passionate about helping secure a strong future for Irish horticulture. There is still significant work to be done in strengthening the sector’s visibility, attracting new talent, encouraging innovation and ensuring growers receive recognition for the value they deliver. I would like to see horticulture recognised more widely as an exciting, innovative and rewarding career path, and to help create more opportunities for the next generation to enter the industry. We have recently started a Young Leaders programme connecting young growers from both amenity and edible horticulture, with a view to ensuring the industry is future-ready.

The opportunities are incredibly diverse. Areas such as sustainable food production, urban greening, biodiversity enhancement, climate adaptation, horticultural technology and consumer engagement will become increasingly important. There is also growing interest in locally produced food, seasonal growing and the role of plants in supporting wellbeing and environmental health. These trends create exciting opportunities for people willing to combine horticultural expertise with innovation and entrepreneurship.

Spend as much time in the industry as possible. Visit growers, nurseries, garden centres and industry events. Seek work experience and talk to people already working in the sector. Become curious about how businesses actually operate. At the same time, develop a broad understanding of the wider issues shaping the industry, from sustainability and technology to consumer behaviour and business management. Most importantly, stay open-minded. Horticulture offers far more career paths than many people realise.

Bord Bia supports horticultural businesses through market intelligence, consumer research, business-development programmes, promotional campaigns and networking opportunities. We provide insights into consumer and retailer trends, support exporters seeking new markets, facilitate industry collaboration and help businesses strengthen their competitiveness. We also promote Irish horticulture through initiatives such as Bord Bia Bloom, quality-assurance programmes and communications activities that connect consumers with the value of Irish-grown products and plants.

Bord Bia Bloom has become a really important platform for showcasing the creativity, innovation and professionalism of all aspects of Irish horticulture. It provides opportunities for growers, designers, landscapers, nurseries and food producers to engage directly with consumers. Many businesses have built valuable commercial relationships and expanded awareness of their products through participation. Equally important, Bloom helps inspire future generations by demonstrating the breadth of careers available within horticulture and highlighting the sector’s contribution to society, wellbeing and the environment.

The sector faces several significant challenges, including labour availability, rising input costs, climate-related pressures, land-use competition and the need to attract new talent. At the same time, businesses must respond to changing consumer expectations around sustainability, provenance and environmental responsibility. Addressing these challenges will require continued collaboration across industry, government and educational institutions.

I would like to see a larger, more resilient and more profitable horticulture sector that is recognised as strategically important to Ireland’s economy, environment and wellbeing. I’d like to see stronger consumer appreciation for locally grown products, greater investment in innovation and sustainability, and more young people choosing careers in horticulture. Most importantly, I would like to see the sector continue to work collectively towards a shared vision that supports both commercial success and environmental stewardship.

Hall’s career is a reminder that the flower and plant industries also need people who understand markets, education, partnerships and the connections between individual growers and national policy. For those considering a career in horticulture, her advice is to start with the people already doing the work—and stay curious about the businesses behind the plants.