Virginia's Plant Systems pathway develops expertise in crop production, horticulture, greenhouse operations, and sustainable cultivation systems. Virginia's agricultural production ranges from specialty crops in the Shenandoah Valley to tobacco in Southside, creating diverse learning opportunities.
Students study plant genetics, crop management, soil science, pest management, greenhouse operations, and precision agriculture technologies. They gain experience through school gardens, commercial greenhouse operations, and field work with crop producers, learning both traditional and modern cultivation methods.
Graduates work as crop consultants, greenhouse managers, horticultural specialists, nursery managers, or precision agriculture technicians. Virginia's growing organic and specialty crop sectors offer expanding opportunities. Advanced students transition to Virginia Tech and Virginia State's horticultural science programs.
Plant Systems at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's plant systems standards align with Virginia Tech's horticultural research and integrate precision agriculture technologies and sustainable growing practices. Standards address traditional crop production, ornamental horticulture, and emerging sustainable methods.
Students complete competency assessments in soil analysis, plant identification, pest management, and crop planning. The state emphasizes dual credit opportunities and university articulation with agricultural institutions.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Plant Science Foundations |
| Crop Production Systems |
| Horticultural Science |
| Precision Agriculture Technology |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
- ✓Certified Horticulture Professional
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Greenhouse Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $33,910 - $43,560
Crop Consultant
ExperiencedSalary range: $33,910 - $43,560
Nursery Manager
Entry LevelSalary range: $33,910 - $43,560
Agricultural Sales Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $62,760 - $94,450
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work at Virginia Tech research facilities, commercial greenhouse operations, nurseries, and crop production farms throughout Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Ready to Build Plant Systems Programs at Scale?
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