Horticultural Training in Wallonia: A Collective Action Plan to Transform the Image of the Sector
Horticultural Training in Wallonia: A Collective Action Plan to Transform the Image of the Sector
In June 2026, the IIS Wasabi 2.0 Training Working Group presented a progress report on its action plan dedicated to horticultural training programs in Wallonia. This report reflects an unprecedented sector-wide effort to address a twofold challenge: increasing enrollment in training programs and making the sector more attractive to young people, families, and the general public.
A Three-Pronged Roadmap
The plan is organized around three complementary priorities: taking action on the ground and through social media to increase the visibility of training programs and careers, strengthen ties between organizations, and build a media presence to counter misconceptions about the sector; and finally, evolving educational content and formats to better align with the realities of the profession and the aspirations of learners. These priorities are broken down into about twenty concrete actions, ranging from introducing careers in elementary schools to creating short videos, as well as integrating concepts of sustainability and business management into curricula.
A Common Language to Discuss a Single Sector
One of the most foundational achievements has been the development of a unified message across Wallonia. Two workshops facilitated the collaborative creation of three career profiles. The horticulturist is presented as a key player in the ecological and social transition, “combining traditional know-how with innovative technologies,” offering a rare balance between intellectual, physical, and creative work. The market gardener is highlighted as an agile entrepreneur, capable of getting started quickly and contributing to a local, environmentally friendly food system. The horticultural laborer, meanwhile, embodies a hands-on, accessible profession rooted in nature and the rhythm of the seasons. These descriptions, the result of a collective effort, are intended to be adopted by all partners to build a unified and positive image of the sector.
Initiatives Already Underway
Several initiatives have already borne fruit. A workshop for educational advisors from the SIEP and the Cité des Métiers brought together 35 participants, including eighteen advisors who (re)discovered careers with clear career paths and accessible training programs. A shared cloud drive, hosted by the Collège des Producteurs, now centralizes the tools and video content produced by the network.
In terms of resource sharing, an internal catalog of Walloon educational facilities is under development, linked to the CADEP (Cadastre des équipements pédagogiques) managed by Forem. The goal is to encourage institutions to get to know one another better, organize reciprocal visits, and share their equipment. Model agreements between operators are being finalized to facilitate these collaborations.
Libramont 2026, a showcase for the sector
The most visible initiative is taking shape at the Libramont Fair. Starting in 2026, a new “Education and Careers” hub will be inaugurated under the banner “Cultivate Your Flow: the careers that nourish, care for, protect, and shape the world of tomorrow.” Horticulture, veterinary medicine, and bioengineering will come together in a space dedicated to career guidance, featuring a course selection app, alumni testimonials, an escape game, and a resume wall. A joint horticulture-specific booth is also being considered for future editions.
Conclusion: Maintaining Momentum
While the results are encouraging, questions arise about the way forward. Initiatives focused on evolving training content elicited only six responses during a recent consultation. Who is ready to take the lead on this? As the IIS Wasabi 2.0 project nears its end, ensuring the sustainability of these collaborations—beyond the institutional framework that made them possible—has become the central challenge for a network that has, in a short time, cultivated much more than mere coordination.
