Students Shadow Plant Breeders, Growers, Buyers at Showcase

A group of plant science students received a behind-the-scenes look at how breeders sell the newest plant varieties to growers and wholesale buyers.

About 30 breeders gathered at AGRIscapes on Feb. 25 and 26 to display the latest horticultural and landscaping plants to wholesale buyers and their growers.

The students were able to listen in as the breeders talked about the virtues of the latest varieties of plants, including the length of blooms, color, and disease resistance.

“You learn what the growers are looking for, what is selling and what isn’t, and why these plants are attractive to different buyers,” said Emma Riley, a senior from Oak Glen.

Javier Rodarte, a graduate student from Borrego Springs, said it was very insightful to see the plant materials – both the new varieties and varieties from past years.

“You see how the trends are moving,” he said.

For Matt Brady, a senior from Downey, the experience was especially interesting because he works for a grower that takes varieties from the breeders and produces them for a big-box retail client to sell.

“It’s cool seeing the products that were picked up last year being implemented in the stores now,” he said.

Although the students were mainly there to observe, the breeders, buyers and growers weren’t above asking them for their thoughts.

“They want to hear from us too,” Brady said.

“Because we’re millennials,” graduate student Kelsey Swayze added.  “Because we are comfortable with the plant material and understand the market for the current horticulture trends, it’s beneficial to get our perspectives to help understand future industry trends.”

“They do care about our opinions,” Brady said.

In addition to shadowing the breeders, the students also attended a mixer held the night before the showcase where they could develop contacts.

“It’s really all about networking,” Brady said. “The more contacts you have the better opportunities you have for jobs and career development in the future.”

Riley, who is considering a career in plant breeding, said the whole experience was really beneficial.

“I’m hoping to get an internship from this,” she said.

Daniel Munoz, a graduate student from West Covina, said he got to understand the inner workings of the breeders, growers, and buyers from seed to plant. This was helpful since he is interested in working with people in production.

“The social mixer was the perfect opportunity to interact with all the industry people, ask questions, and get insights into what they industry is like,” he said.

The breeders complimented the plant science students, Interim Dean Lisa Kessler said.

“They said the students were engaged and asked insightful questions,” she said. “This is another example of Cal Poly Pomona’s learn by doing in action.”