Jim Hole

Keynote Speaker | Edmonton, Alberta

Farming, Horticulturalist & Agriculture Expert

Jim Hole Expertise Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, Health & Wellness, Innovation & Creativity, Resilience & Change, Business Leadership, Economic & Market Trends, Nutrition & Fitness and Change Management.

Jim Hole

About Jim Hole

Jim Hole is a Certified Professional Horticulturist, Arborist, Gardening, and Agriculture Expert, as well as a sought-after speaker and bestselling author in Alberta. Jim Hole co-owned a leading greenhouse and garden center in St. Albert until its sale in 2020. Currently, Jim Hole is the Director of Science at an agricultural innovation company. Jim Hole holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Plant Science from the University of Alberta. Jim Hole is a Professional Agrologist, Certified Arborist (International Society of Arboriculture), and Certified Professional Horticulturist (American Society for Horticultural Science), with licenses for pesticide application. Jim Hole is also a gardening columnist for CBC Radio, known for sharing tips on gardening in an engaging and humorous way.

Jim Hole Videos

Jim Hole: Local Food versus Food Fit to Ship

Jim Hole: U of a Alumni Honour

Jim Hole's Better Choice: Btk

Jim Hole's Better Choices: Poinsettia Care for This Holiday Season

Jim Hole's Better Choices: Christmas Cactus

Jim Hole Interviews & Podcasts

Ypur Gardening Questions with Jim Hole

JIM HOLE BIOGRAPHY

Jim is a well-known and knowledgeable Alberta horticulturist. He is ardent about plants, the environment and business. As the founder and former co-owner of Hole’s Greenhouses Ltd., Jim is passionate on explaining what makes plants, grow and be available for consumption for food or pleasure.

Hole’s Greenhouse is an award-winning garden center with a longstanding reputation as a fully functioning garden and events destination, built with sustainable and reusable resources. It is recognized for horticultural excellence, innovative growing practices, sustainable development, and a deep-rooted commitment to educating and inspiring

Jim Hole knows the business of farming and horticulture and food like no other. He is the current Director of Product Science Pure Life Carbon Inc. where plays a critical role in advancing sustainable agriculture technologies with a strong focus on innovation in soil health and controlled environment agriculture.

Pure Life Carbon specializes in carbon-based growing mediums, which offer cleaner, more sustainable, and biologically resilient alternatives to traditional substrates used in greenhouses and vertical farms. With his extensive background in horticulture and farming, Jim bridges the gap between scientific innovation and practical application for growers worldwide.

In this role, Jim would be overseeing research and development initiatives, collaborating with global agricultural partners, and applying his expertise to optimize growing systems that use Pure Life Carbon’s proprietary products. His leadership is pivotal in scaling sustainable solutions for commercial agriculture, especially in regions like the Middle East and locations where food security and environmental challenges are critical.

Most recently, Jim Hole has been called upon as a horticulturist and advocate for sustainable agriculture, has recently expanded his expertise to international projects, notably in Saudi Arabia. His endeavors focus on establishing greenhouses, promoting sustainable building practices, and advancing vertical farming techniques in arid regions. These initiatives aim to enhance local food production, improve food security, and introduce innovative agricultural methods tailored to challenging climates.​

In Saudi Arabia, significant strides have been made in sustainable agriculture. For instance, the NEOM project has collaborated with Dutch greenhouse specialists to develop high-tech greenhouses that create controlled climates for year-round crop cultivation in the desert. Additionally, the construction of the largest indoor vertical farm in Riyadh is underway, aiming to produce up to 2,200 kilograms of leafy greens daily within a 20,000-square-meter growing area spread across 19 layers. These projects align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and promote sustainable agricultural

Jim brings decades of agronomic wisdom to projects that require not only innovation, but also a deep understanding of plant science, climate adaptability, food supply, the future of agriculture and food and crop performance in controlled environments. Jim is also the former VP of cultivation with Atlas Biotechnologies, a licensed producer of medicinal cannabis. The entire facility is dedicated to ‘Controlled Environment Cannabis,’ where every parameter—from growing to curing and processing—is tightly controlled.

Jim Hole learned about growing and selling produce from his parents, Ted and Lois Hole, who set up a vegetable farm in St. Albert in the mid-1950s, expanding the business into a successful greenhouse operation, the “Enjoy Centre”. The Hole family has been in the greenhouse business for more than 68 years which started as a backyard business on their family’s farm outside of St. Albert, AB. Ted and Lois Hole transformed the red barn on their farm into the family’s first retail store on their vegetable farm in St. Albert in the mid-1950s and eventually expanded the business into a successful greenhouse operation.

In 1979, Jim Hole, Bill Hole, and Valerie Hole took over the company and expanded it where it became one of the largest independent retail garden centers in Canada. In 2009, Jim Hole constructed a multi-use facility featuring a greenhouse, conference center, café, restaurant, market, and pop-up shops. Jim Hole and his family recently sold the greenhouse facility to focus on other projects. Jim Hole is ardent about plants, the environment, and business.

His humor and engaging spirit are legendary, making him a highly sought-after speaker across the country. In addition to writing bestselling books, and newspaper columns for a variety of major newspapers, Jim Hole can be heard on CBC radio and seen on various TV stations sharing his messages and tips on gardening and horticulture, continuing his family’s legacy.

Jim Hole is also the past President of a prominent university alumni association and co-chaired the university’s centenary celebrations. Jim Hole holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, with a major in Plant Science. Jim Hole is a Certified Professional Horticulturist (American Society for Horticultural Science) and a Certified Arborist (International Society of Arboriculture).

Jim Hole Topic Presentations

Jim Hole Edmonton, Alberta, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Growing up: The Future of Food, Farming, and Feeding Our Cities

Think Outside the Barn: Sustainable Farming Through Innovation

From Farmhouse to Future: Rethinking Local Food, Labels, and Sustainable Growth

Feeding Tomorrow: The Global Shift Reshaping Agriculture and What It Means for the Future

The New World Farmer: Innovation, Adaptation, and the Future of Food

Communities, Connection & Nature: Growing Food and Belonging in the Urban Age

Growing Mental Wellness

Growing Smarter: How Technology is Cultivating the Next Generation of Agriculture

Jim Hole Books & Articles

What Grows Here? Problems: Favorite Plants for Better Yards by Jim Hole
What Grows Here? Problems: Favorite Plants for

In What Grows Here? Volume 2: Problems, Jim Hole tackles some of the most perplexing gardening challenges, offering solutions for both...

Jim Hole Speaking Testimonials

"Jim’s presentation was fantastic! He’s a great speaker and engaged very well with the participants (there was an opportunity for Q&A following his presentation and he took the time to engage as long as there were questions). We are pleased that he was a part of our event, provided some good energy for the opening. Very practical, approachable and real (not afraid to share successes and learning along the way, what participants/entrepreneurs value)."

Organizer

PowerUp North Conference

"All of Jim’s sessions were hugely successful. I had people consistently telling me how much they liked Jim’s presentation. So informative and entertaining. I saw it three times and never tired of it. We hope to work with Jim again down the road."

Organizer

Syncrude Oil

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jim Hole known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Jim Hole is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Jim Hole speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Jim Hole delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Jim Hole is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Jim Hole is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Jim Hole from and where do they speak across Canada?

Jim Hole is from Edmonton, Alberta and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Jim Hole available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Jim Hole is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Jim Hole deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Jim Hole may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Jim Hole to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Jim Hole is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Jim Hole for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Jim Hole is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Jim Hole as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Jim Hole keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Jim Hole for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Jim Hole may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Jim Hole for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Jim Hole should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Jim Hole represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Jim Hole is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More