​With Halloween just around the corner, one of the most topical examples of farm diversification is pumpkin picking. Beyond being a fun seasonal activity, pumpkin farming is a perfect illustration of how diverse roles in agriculture can emerge from a single crop.

On a personal note, I love trying (and sometimes failing) to grow some pumpkins on my allotment. It’s fascinating to see how much effort goes into growing the speciality crops we often take for granted.

From Breeding to Picking

Pumpkin production starts long before the pumpkins reach the patch. Plant breeders work tirelessly to create varieties suited for different purposes. Some are bred for taste and culinary use, others for their striking shapes and colours that make them ideal for Halloween displays. Once the varieties have been developed and are certified by the relevant bodies, they are then available for commercial sale. These seeds can then be distributed to the farmers through seed merchants, co-operatives or directly from the breeders. The farmers then go on to carefully plant, grow and harvest the pumpkins, a process requiring knowledge, skill, and attention to detail.

Seeds, Oil, and Value-Added Products

Pumpkins are incredibly versatile, and diversification does not stop at the patch. The seeds can be roasted for snacks or pressed to produce pumpkin seed oil, which is prized for its culinary and nutritional qualities. Pumpkin pulp can be processed into flours, purees, and even cosmetic products, creating additional income streams for farmers and opportunities for skilled roles in processing, packaging, and marketing.

Supporting Jobs Along the Way

Pumpkin diversification supports employment across multiple stages of the supply chain:

1. Agronomy & Farming: Planting, growing and harvesting pumpkins involves seasonal farmworkers and skilled agricultural staff.

2. Agritourism: Pumpkin patches attract visitors for "pick-your-own" experiences, fuelled tremendously via social media channels and influencers. From guided tours, Halloween events, or just picking up a wheelbarrow, these activities create temporary roles in ticketing, customer service, event management and hubs for food retailers or pop-up coffee & snack stations.

3. Farm Shops & Markets: Pumpkins and pumpkin-based products are often sold on site or at local markets, requiring teams to manage sales, display and stock.

4. Processing & Value Added Product: Turning pumpkins into seed oil, flour or even skincare products opens jobs in production,, NPD, quality control, packaging and distribution.

Pumpkin picking perfectly demonstrates how farm diversification benefits both farmers and local communities. From breeding and seed production to farmworkers and retail teams, pumpkins support a chain of rural employment opportunities. Aside from the economic benefits, pick your own activities can also bring communities together, creating shared experiences and traditions that strengthen local connections.

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