GLAS Special: Advance your career with the Chartered Institute of Horticulture

Winner of the Ireland YHOY 2026 Chélirs Brecq with Sarah Simpson and Mc Crudden CIH Ireland Committee at the CIH Young Horticulturists of the Year (YHOY) 2026, Greenmount College, Antrim

From Joseph Croke, chair of CIH Ireland

Horticulture

15 July 2026

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.

“I would welcome anyone to become a member. Joining the CIH has been the most positively changing choice I have ever made in my horticulture career. I think everyone should have the opportunity to start their path,” Joseph Croke, chair of the Irish branch of the CIH 2026, said.

The organisation highlights to the government and the wider public that horticulture demands high level skills and continuing professional development.

Being a member of the CIH confirms that the horticulturist and their business is truly professional, carrying similar standing to other chartered professions and professional bodies.

The role and aims of CIH

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 on matters of interest or concern to professional horticulturists
confer recognised status upon professionally qualified and experienced horticulturists
promote educational and training opportunities and encourage the development of all disciplines within horticulture
co-operate 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, seminars etc.
unite horticulturists and give our members bargaining power and national recognition.

The Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition (YHOY) was held March 24, 2025 at CAFRE Greenmount College with students coming from all over Ireland north and south.

Chélirs Brecq was the proud Irish winner, student of Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. He represented Ireland at the international final on May 28, 2026 in Rochdale Hall.

After an exciting final, Chélirs Brecq was crowned Ireland’s YHOY winner, with classmate Thomas Byrne finishing in second place after an outstanding performance in his first YHOY final. Third place was awarded to Luke Brophy of Kildalton College.

All of the contestants did themselves proud, demonstrating excellent horticultural knowledge throughout the competition, particularly during the identification rounds.

The YHOY final concluded with a tour of the Greenmount Campus grounds, led by Adam Ferguson and James Crawford.

CIH has the leading role to promote the importance of horticulture in:

ornamental and food plant production
providing professional employment, often in rural and urban areas
improving the environment
creating and managing valuable sports and recreation facilities.

Career development

There are different levels of membership of the CIH to reflect the level of professional development that any individual has in their career. This helps people to develop as professionals and for everyone to have a place on the road to chartership, there is something for everyone wherever you are in your career path.

The stages in career development status in the Institute range through Associate, Member, Fellow and Chartered levels. Membership rates start as low as €62 per year for early career horticulturists for their first three years of membership (early careers are the first five years in career) with varying rates appropriate to each level, while students join for free.

Members can use their professional title on cards, emails, and promotional materials. Benefits include exclusive access to horticultural industry visits across all regions, a quarterly magazine, elite networking opportunities, and members-only webinars on diverse horticultural topics.

The 2025 annual CIH study tour was in the Kildare and Wicklow area with visits to Commercial Nursery Stock and Vegetable Production businesses, Amenity Sports Turf and a number of important Community initiatives.

The 2026 CIH Ireland study tour will take place in the Kerry region and the exact date will be decided by members. There will also be sub-regional exclusive events in Ireland for CIH members.

The CIH is the only professional body in Ireland and the UK currently awarding chartered status. Visit www.horticulture.org.uk or email ireland@horticulture.org.uk for more information.

More information is available here or email ireland@horticulture.org.uk.