About Horticulture and Viticulture

Horticulture is the discipline of growing, improving, and commercialising flowers, fruits, vegetables, and plants for decorative purposes. The science, production and study of grapes on the other hand is known as viticulture. Viticulture is the cultivation of grapes to produce wine. Before the grapes are picked, organic viticulture encompasses all sorts of grape growth.

　　

Are Horticulture and Viticulture right for me?

If you enjoy gardening and want to increasing your knowledge in growing new stuff, then Horticulture and Viticulture is a great career option for you. Professionals in this sector have a broad and in-depth understanding of the subject. Horticulture contributes to the long-term sustainability and rehabilitation of our environment by providing beauty, greenery, and a higher quality of life to our lives. On the other hand, viticulture is such a specialist degree; you'll almost certainly end up working with grapes and wine. If you have a love for fine wine and have a genuine interest in becoming a winemaker then a degree in viticulture is just the thing for you. If you have the capacity to work under pressure, this is a fantastic career option for you: Because grapes take around a year to develop, or one growing season, winemakers only get one chance every year to brew a new wine.

　　

Horticulture and Viticulture - study options and costs

　　In Australia, a degree in horticulture or parks and gardens is normally necessary to work as a horticulturalists. Bachelors of Horticulture is around a 3-year degree following which you can start your career in the field. The cost of these degrees in a public Australian university is around 20,000-25,000 AUD/year while for private universities it is around 20,000-45,000 AUD/year. In the case of Viticulture, you can do a graduate diploma in Australia, a bachelor’s degree similar to Horticulture with roughly the same cost, and later opt for a master’s degree.

　　

Future Outlook

Horticulture is a broad area with a lot of potential. Horticulturists might work at horticultural institutions, plantations, vegetable farms, and fruit groves. Horticultural technological advancements, rising product demand, and a growingexports make this a very attractive employment choice. The Greenhouse Horticulture industry is expected to reach US$ 43.85 billion by 2027. Similarly, viticulture is a highly rewarding profession. In 2020, the worldwide wine market was valued at USD 339.53 billion.

　　

Career pathways for Horticulture and Viticulture graduates

　　

Assistant Winemaker

　　This job comprises managing the vineyard and winemaking techniques including bottling wine from barrels, fermentation of wine, racking & labeling them, and inventory control. You'll also be responsible for keeping track of grounds care, such as spraying vines for pests, mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and composting or otherwise disposing of garbage. You'd essentially be a winery's errand boy.

　　

Grower Liaison Officer

　　This one integrates several different responsibilities into a single role. You'll be in charge of monitoring the vineyard's stock portfolio, comparing actual crop yields to anticipated yields, sample collection, quality testing, and grape harvest planning are all part of the process. If you don't want to get your hands dirty and have a knack for numbers, this may be a great option.

　　

Horticulturist

　　Horticulturists are responsible for boosting plant output, vigor, size, and flavor. They also coordinate certain crop research initiatives. Horticulturists must be well-versed in a wide range of plants, including trees, flowers, vegetables, nuts, shrubs, and fruits.

　　

Plant Pathologist

　　Plant pathologists study plant materials in the lab and conduct tests to discover the features of diseases that affect plants. This work may allow you to go to areas where plant disease is rampant, where you'll most likely conduct soil composition tests and collect samples. Furthermore, you may be able to create new varieties of disease-resistant plants that will make a significant contribution to society, notably in the field of food production.