GLAS Special: Elevate your career through the Chartered Institute of Horticulture
Joseph Croke, president of the CIH Ireland says the organisation offers a tailored pathway to chartership, ensuring professional development for all
Print18 July 2024
The Institute of Horticulture was established in 1984 with the aim of fostering a close relationship between all sectors of professional horticulture throughout Ireland and the UK. On 21 July 2014, the Institute became Chartered. It is now known as the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH).
Chartership has improved the status of horticulture as a profession for Irish horticulturists in all sectors including Landscape Design and Construction, Nursery Stock Production, Sports Turf and many more Horticulture sectors.
The organisation highlights to the government and the wider public that Horticulture demands high level skills and continuing professional development.
CIH responsibilities
- Promote the profession of horticulture and the professionalism of those working in the industry
- Act as an authoritative body, consulting with Government and other policy making bodies
- Confer recognised status upon professionally qualified and experienced horticulturists
- Promote educational and training opportunities and encourage the development of all disciplines within horticulture
- Cooperate with other bodies on matters of common concern
- Disseminate information on matters affecting the profession and provide opportunities for discussion amongst horticulturists through the website, publications,conferences and seminars
- Unite Horticulturists and give their members bargaining power and national recognition
The annual event, Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition, held 14 March 2024, in Glasnevin Botanic Gardens was brilliant. Students came from across Ireland, north and south, including Irish winner Chloe Callanan, a third year SETU student based at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. Callanan represented Ireland at the international final on 9 May 2024, in England. VIP tours were given of Glasnevin Botanic gardens by Dr Paul Fitters at the Ireland Final and the event is kindly sponsored yearly by Bord Bia.
Career development
CIH offers various membership levels to accommodate different career stages, facilitating professional growth and providing a pathway to chartership for all.
The stages in career development status in the Institute range through Associate, Member, Fellow and Chartered levels. Membership rates start at €62 per year for early career horticulturists in their first three years of membership (early careers are the first five years in career) with varying rates appropriate to each level. Students are FREE.
This year is the 40th anniversary of the CIH, with an amazing AGM in Kew Gardens on 15 October 2024, including CIH’s very own Pat Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald’s Nursery, one of many speakers at the event.
The CIH study tour in Westport, Mayo, 2023, focused on horticulturists’ role in landscape development. Talks by Peter Gill and Simon Wall highlighted sustainable design. Visits to CIH-supported Social & Therapeutic Horticulture centre were some of the highlights.
CIH members reviewing a Mayo modified French planting system in Westport
The 2024 Ireland study tours will take place in the Belfast region on August 30-31. Exclusive sub-regional events will also be held in Ireland, catering to CIH members from England, Scotland, and Wales.
The CIH is the only body representing horticulture in Ireland and the UK that is currently awarding chartered status.
For more information, visit: www.horticulture.org.uk or email ireland@horticulture.org.uk
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