When a group of young growers from Brazil joined us through the Young Farmers Brazil/RS – Canada Exchange, they stepped into more than a new workplace—they stepped into a community ready to learn with them.
Over their time at Van Belle Nursery, students like students like Lucas, Augusto, and their peers worked across multiple departments, gaining hands-on experience in automation, pest management, crop care, and sustainable growing practices. But the most meaningful growth didn’t just happen in the greenhouse. It happened in the conversations, shared meals, small breakthroughs, and the everyday moments where cultures met and curiosity took the lead.
From day one, our team made it a priority to help the students feel at home. And soon enough, the learning became mutual. Their fresh perspectives challenged us to think differently. Their stories reminded us how diverse experiences enrich our approach to growing. And their excitement brought renewed energy into our daily work.
As one student, Augusto, reflected:
“In the last week of August, I completed another important chapter of my life, an unforgettable experience in Canada. I had the opportunity to work at Van Belle Nursery Inc., meet people from different parts of the world, and experience the power of diversity in practice. Every conversation was an exchange of knowledge: I absorbed a bit of their culture and shared a bit of ours, from Brazil.”
For us, that’s what programs like this are all about. Van Belle’s role is simply to guide—to create a space where people feel supported, valued, and free to explore their potential. The students did the rest. They showed resilience, openness, and a willingness to step into challenges that will shape their careers and our industry for years to come.
Stories like these remind us why investing in people and embracing international collaboration truly matters. When different perspectives come together with a shared purpose, everyone grows—one skill, one conversation, one idea at a time.
See their journey through their own lens…
