News
Articles
Case Histories
Buyer's Guide
PGR Data
Career Center
June 2008
May 2008
2008 Pack Trials
Automation
Disease Management
Poinsettia
Structures
Water Quality
Click here for a subscription to
Greenhouse Product News
Give us your feedback on our site.
Change your subscription info
Subscribe to our
GPN e-Newsletter.

News this week sponsored by: Yoder Brothers Inc.

Aequitas Capital Management’s Catalyst Fund Purchases Skagit Gardens    Jul 7, 08   Aequitas Management, Inc.
Skagit Gardens has been acquired by the Catalyst Fund of Aequitas Capital Management, Inc.
‘Metallic Mist’ Honored by Begonia Society    Jul 7, 08   Terra Nova Nurseries
The American Begonia Society recently awarded begonia ‘Metallic Mist’ by Terra Nova Nurseries its blue ribbon.
Seed Companies Try Out East Texas Conditions    Jul 7, 08   Texas A&M University
The annual horticultural bedding plant trials in Overton, Texas, attracted major seed companies and featured more than 500 varieties of bedding plants.
Hortica Announces Association Health Plan for SAF Members    Jul 7, 08   Hortica
A health insurance plan exclusively for SAF members is now offered by Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits.
Seven Students Receive Shinoda Foundation Scholarships    Jul 7, 08   Joseph Shinoda Memorial Foundation Inc.
The Joseph Shinoda Memorial Foundation announced the recipients of this year’s scholarships. The awards, given to seven undergraduate horticulture students, totaled $12,000.
Around the Industry    Jun 30, 08   Various
Lace Up Your Sneakers!    Jun 30, 08   Dramm
The 2008 Dramm/OFA 5K Relay is just around the corner. It’s not too late to form a team and take part in the 9th annual race, benefiting American In Bloom.
Raker Trial Gardens Slated For July    Jun 30, 08   C. Raker & Sons, Inc.
Visit the Raker trial gardens, beginning July 16, to explore acres of annuals and perennials. Beds sponsored by breeders from around the world will also be available for viewing.
SGC Shows Southern Hospitality    Jun 30, 08   SGC
The Southeast Greenhouse Conference (SGC) welcomed attendees with a bit of Southern flair. Instead of the traditional conference format, the SGC engaged participants in some new and unusual ways.
SAF, ANLA Join Forces to Fight Disease    Jun 30, 08   SAF
The Society of American Florists and American Nursery & Landscape Association recently teamed up to spread awareness of the quarantined plant disease chrysanthemum white rust.
University of Florida Picks Top Performers    Jun 27, 08   University of Florida
Spring trials at the University of Florida have put new and old varieties to the test. Find out the results of the trials, including the university’s picks for “Best New Varieties,” “Outstanding New Varieties,” “Best of Trials” and “Consumer Picks of the New Varieties.”
Aquatrols Launches Water Impact Alliance    Jun 27, 08   Aquatrols
Aquatrols recently announced the launch of a new organization, Water Impact Alliance, dedicated to educating and promoting effective communications between regulators, consumers and water users in the green industries. The goal is to ensure that industry professionals have a voice in the ongoing regulatory debate surrounding water management and conservation.
Around the Industry    Jun 23, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Valent U.S.A. Corporation, Ball Horticultural Company and Fine.
Cold-Temperature Growing Becomes a Hot Topic    Jun 20, 08   Ecke Ranch
Ecke Ranch to offer a webinar educating growers about cold-temperature poinsettia growing. Cold-temperature growing uses less energy and reduces production costs.
Have a Field Day!    Jun 20, 08   Cornell
Head to the Cornell Floriculture Field Day next month in Ithaca, N.Y., to learn from industry experts, view and discuss plants, and even have some fun in a container design competition.
Find New PANTS in Atlantic City    Jun 13, 08   PANTS
The Penn Atlantic Nursery Show offers industry owners and managers a chance to meet with the experts and see the latest trends.
Around the Industry    Jun 13, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Jelitto Staudensamen GmbH.
UW-Madison Announces Launch of Horticultural Website    Jun 13, 08   Wisconsin Ag News
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has created a website that unites horticultural resources. The site hopes to create a portal to information for and by the industry.
ASCFG Conference Promises to Engage, Explore and Entertain    Jun 13, 08   ASCFG
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers will host its National Conference & Trade Show in Portland, slated to take place Sept. 8 to 11. Attendees will explore Oregon’s coast while learning from the experts and participating in competitions and activities.
Around the Industry    Jun 6, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Dow AgroSciences and Ball Horticultural Company
PPA Hosts International Garden Center Marketing Expert    Jun 6, 08   Perennial Plant Association
Looking to introduce international trends and techniques, the 2008 Perennial Plant Association symposium will feature guest speaker Leon Smet, a noted European garden center marketing expert.
OFA Short Course Boasts Comprehensive Growers Program    Jun 6, 08   OFA
The 2008 Short Course will feature a sweeping grower program, offering sessions on the industry’s most timely issues.
Around the Industry    May 30, 08   Various
Check out the latest from the Integrated Horticultural Alliance and by Quali-Pro Technical Services.
The Scotts Company Upgrades Peters A-B-C Website    May 30, 08   The Scotts Company
The Scotts Company recently unveiled an upgraded website aimed at making the fertilizer selection process more efficient for growers.
SAF Palm Beach 2008 Offers Something for Everyone    May 30, 08   SAF
The 124th Annual Convention, taking place Sept. 17 to 20 in Palm Beach, Fla., offers a dizzying array of sessions, workshops, programs and ideas to help your business thrive this year and beyond.
Floral Plant Growers Completes Sustainability Certification    May 30, 08   Floral Plant Growers
Floral Plant Growers successfully completed certification in the VeriFlora program, making the company the first open-market plug and line producer in North America to attain VeriFlora certification. Achieving certification assures that all their products have been produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Cornell Floriculture Field Day: An Educational Experience    May 30, 08   Cornell University
The 2008 Cornell Floriculture Field Day, slated to take place July 22, will feature educational seminars, tours of extensive plant trials and hands-on workshops.
Cleary Hosts Spanish-Speaking Educational Seminar    May 30, 08   Cleary Chemical Corporation
As Latino/a workers become an increasingly large part of the greenhouse and nursery labor force, some companies — like Cleary Chemical — are reaching out to their Spanish-speaking employees in new ways. The chemical company recently hosted a two-day educational seminar on proper handling and application of chemicals for its Spanish-speaking greenhouse and nursery employees.
Around the Industry    May 26, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Chemilizer Products, Inc.
New England Greenhouse Conference & Expo Emphasizes Energy Efficiency    May 26, 08   New England Greenhouse Conference & Expo
The 2008 New England Greenhouse Conference & Expo, taking place Nov. 5 to 7 at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass., will feature two days of in-depth programs to energy related issues.
GPN Editorial Advisor Larry Boven Dies in Helicopter Crash    May 26, 08   Michigan Gazette, www.MSNBC.com
Michigan greenhouse owner Larry Jay Boven died unexpectedly May 16, when the helicopter he was piloting crashed into a nature preserve in Kalamazoo County.
Sustainable Standards Committee Deadline Re-Extended    May 26, 08   The Leonardo Academy
The application deadline to participate in the Standards Committee and subcommittees has been re-extended to July 7, 2008. All applicants will be notified of their committee status no later than July 28, and the first standards committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Senate Committee Passes Guest Worker Measures    May 16, 08   ANLA
The Senate Appropriations Committee recently passed two measures intended to provide relief for critical labor shortages in seasonal agricultural and nonagricultural industries. The committee passages are only the first steps in a long legislative process, but they represent an important victory for green industry employees.
Seeley Conference Stresses Differentiation, Innovation    May 16, 08   Cornell University
The 2008 Seeley Conference, taking place at Cornell University June 21-24, will explore how growers can stay afloat in a maturing, changing marketplace through differentiation strategies.
Study Analyzes Pest Risks    May 16, 08   MFGC
MFGC and MSU, among other state organizations, have partnered to conduct an analysis aimed at assisting the floriculture industry in establishing a systematic approach for understanding and exploring risks associated with pests.
Ecke Enhances Focus on Breeding    May 16, 08   Ecke Ranch
As part of a move to better focus all research and product development at its corporate headquarters, Ecke Geraniums, LLC recently announced the relocation of its pelargonium and geranium breeding to its Encinitas, Calif., facilities.
Around the Industry    May 16, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Conrad Fafard, Inc., Griffin Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies and PBH Nature.
Around the Industry    May 11, 08   Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits
Check out the latest from Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits.
Improve Your Bottom Line with Lean Flow Workshops    May 11, 08   FlowVision
FlowVision, a leading consulting company teaching growers how to drive down costs and boost profits by implementing the lean flow business strategy, are offering two-day workshops to take your business to the next level.
SGC Session Tackles Drought    May 11, 08   SGC
Do drought concerns have you worried about the future of the industry in general and your business in specific? Then the daylong session, “What You Need to Do Right Now to Survive the Drought,” offered on Thursday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the Southeast Greenhouse Conference is a not-to-be-missed program.
Se Habla Español    May 11, 08   BASF
To help Spanish-speaking growers select the most effective solutions for their pest management challenges, BASF Turf & Ornamentals has posted a free Spanish version of its Pest Management Guide to their website.
OFA Short Course Makes 200 Largest Trade Shows List    May 11, 08   OFA
The OFA Short Course, which has expanded to more than 1,500 exhibition spaces this year and is expected to draw about 10,000 people, has once again claimed a spot on Tradeshow Week magazine’s 200 largest U.S. trade shows list.
Around the Industry    May 2, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Hawaiian Sunshine Nursery and the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.
Ready, Set, Go!    May 2, 08   OFA
Time to start gearing up — and forming your team — for the 2008 Dramm/OFA 5K Relay, taking place at 7 a.m. July 12 during the OFA Short Course.
Register Now for 2008 Field Days    May 2, 08   University of Florida
It’s not too late to register for the 2008 Floriculture Field Days, taking place May 14 to 15. The annual event, held at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center and Fifield Hall at the University of Florida in Gainesville, provides plenty of opportunities to get you up to speed on the latest information impacting the field.
Americans Can’t Contain Fondness for Container Gardens    May 2, 08   Texas A&M AgriLife Media Relations
When it comes to using plant-filled pots on the porch or around the landscape, Americans are willing to dig a little deeper into their pockets. By providing educational material with container garden purchases, retailers can capitalize on this growing trend.
International Organization Launched to Clear Up Taxonomy Confusion    May 2, 08   IACPT
A new organization, the International Association for Cultivated Plant Taxonomy (IACPT), was recently launched with the goal of sharing information regarding cultivated plant taxonomy. The IACPT also will encourage international cooperation among individuals and institutions interested in this field and related disciplines.
Southwest Growers Conference Set for July    May 2, 08   Texas A&M University
The Southwest Growers Conference, featuring a tour of innovative operations and several educational sessions on timely issues, will take place in Conroe, Texas, from July 8 to 9.
“Smart” Greenhouse Research Project Unveiled    May 2, 08   Kent State News
Cleveland Botanical Garden and Kent State University’s Liquid Crystal Institute recently announced a joint research project exploring the potential of liquid crystal technology in the quest to create more energy-efficient greenhouses.
Around the Industry    Apr 25, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Novalis and Bill Moore & Co., Inc.
AFE Enhances Website    Apr 25, 08   AFE
The American Floral Endowment’s (AFE) just upgraded its website to help you stay informed on the latest scientific research endeavors. Upgrades include updated information on all current and previously funded projects, as well as an expanded reporting section.
Project GREEEN Selects Funding Recipients For 2008    Apr 25, 08   MSU
A diverse array of more than 100 plant agriculture research projects — targeting the industry’s most pressing needs — will share almost $2.5 million in grant funding from Project GREEEN for fiscal year 2008. The selected proposals run the spectrum of Michigan’s plant agriculture industries.
Around the Industry    Apr 18, 08   Various
Check out the latest from SePRO Corp. and Berger Peat Moss
ANLA Provides H-2B Testimony    Apr 18, 08   ANLA
The American Nursery & Landscape Association submitted testimony last week for a hearing held by the House Sub-committee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law, criticizing the failure of Congress to promote viable guest worker programs.
Grant Application Deadline Approaching    Apr 18, 08   American Floral Endowment
The deadline for Educational Grant Applications for the 2008/2009 American Floral Endowment (AFE) Funding Cycle is June 1, 2008.
Michigan Garden Plant Tour Slated for August    Apr 18, 08   MSU
If you want to observe how thousands of garden plants perform under Michigan growing conditions and view side-by-side comparisons of new plant material, join leading young plant growers and Michigan State University (MSU) during the fifth annual Michigan Garden Plant Tour set to take place Aug. 4 to 15.
2008 OFA Scholars Announced    Apr 18, 08   OFA
The names of this year’s OFA Scholars have been released. The rigorous competition identifies some of the industry’s brightest young professionals and helps launch their careers in floriculture by providing education and guidance.
Register Now for the University of Florida’s 2008 Field Days    Apr 18, 08   University of Florida
The 2008 Floriculture Field Days, featuring various educational sessions on everything you want to know, is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to get you up to speed on all things impacting the floriculture industry. Field Days is slated for May 14-15.
Around the Industry    Apr 14, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits, Ball Horticultural and Fine Americas.
Standards Committee Deadline Extended    Apr 14, 08   Leonardo Academy
Because of increased interest in the development of the sustainable draft standard, the Leonardo Academy, a nonprofit organization and standard developer spearheading the initiative, has extended the deadline for applications to participate on the standards committee or supporting subcommittees to May 23, 2008.
America in Bloom Elects Officers and Board Members    Apr 14, 08   OFA — An Association of Floriculture Professionals
America in Bloom announced the election of its officers and board members at its annual meeting in March .
News from HRI    Apr 14, 08   HRI
The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) recently announced that is now accepting research applications for its fiscal year 2009 competitive research grants program. HRI also announced the establishment of the Home Nursery, Inc. — Chuck & Jean Tosovsky Family Fund.
Get Ready for the 2008 Southeast Greenhouse Conference    Apr 14, 08   SGC
For growers seeking to learn more about the industry’s hottest trends, best products and latest research, the Southeast Greenhouse Conference and Trade Show offers just that — and then some.
AFE Appoints New Trustees    Mar 28, 08   The American Floral Endowment
The American Floral Endowment has elected three new trustees to serve three-year terms on the Board of Trustees: Dwight Larimer, Design Master Color Tool Inc., Boulder, Colo.; Robert Maddux, Krueger-Maddux Greenhouses, Cincinnati, Ohio; and Eric Nissen, Sunshine State Carnation, Inc., Hobe Sound, Fla.
Climate Change May Be Fueling Weed Growth    Mar 28, 08   Weed Science Society of America
Global warming may be the culprit behind a new generation of more aggressive weeds, recent research finds.
New England Show Set for November    Mar 28, 08   New England Greenhouse Conference & Expo
Mark your calendars! The New England Greenhouse Conference & Expo, is slated for Nov. 5 to 7 at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass.
Ball and Alliance 47 Approach Bio-Packaging    Mar 28, 08   Ball Horticulture Co.
Ball Horticulture Company and French firm Alliance 47 have joined forces to develop and commercialize new bio-packaging options for the horticulture industry.
More to Love at 2008 OFA Short Course    Mar 28, 08   OFA
The annual OFA Short Course, the floriculture industry’s premier educational and trade show event, promises to be better than ever this year with new offerings and an inspiring “Learn, Grow and Connect” theme.
Help America Go from Eco-Weak to Eco-Chic    Mar 26, 08   Project EverGreen
For the second year in a row, Project EverGreen is inviting garden centers to pull out all the stops and motivate Americans to turn their lawns and gardens into stylish green displays with its “Turning America from Eco-Weak to Eco-Chic” contest.
Short Course Steps Up Offerings for Garden Centers    Mar 26, 08   OFA
This year’s OFA Short Course, scheduled for July 12 to 15 in Columbus, Ohio, will offer a garden center tour as well as many educational sessions tailored for retailers.
Deadline Approaching for Sustainable Standard Committee    Mar 26, 08   Society of American Florists (SAF)
If you’re interested in being part of the voting committee to create a national sustainability standard, your application deadline is approaching.
Companies Announce New Appointments    Mar 24, 08   Fine, Fides and Selecta
Fine Americas, Fides North America and Selecta have all announced personnel appointments recently.
Feinstein Considering Temporary Emergency Measure    Mar 24, 08   ANLA
In the wake of a continued labor crisis, the passage of anti-employer state legislation and the prospect of the social security no-match rule being reissued as early as April, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a strong supporter of the AgJOBS legislation, is gauging support for a temporary emergency measure that would contain most reforms proposed by AgJOBS.
New Assessment Tool for Greenhouse Growers    Mar 24, 08   MSU
Michigan greenhouse growers, currently facing increasing pressure from major retailers to operate in a sustainable manner, have a new assessment tool to help them meet the industry's demand for environmental responsibility.
Contact Your Local Representative    Mar 20, 08   OFA, SAF
This year will be a difficult one for funding, and Congress must hear from the industry in support of the initiative!
Around the Industry    Mar 14, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Costa Farms, Hanna Instruments and Monrovia.
Geranium Information at Your Fingertips    Mar 14, 08   Ecke Ranch
Ecke Ranch is debuting a new feature in its already popular Tech Help Bulletin Board, On Board. A new “Geraniums Forum” was launched to provide geranium growers with fast cultural support for their crops.
E&H Debuts Organic Greenhouse    Mar 14, 08   E&H Greenhouses
Elzinga & Hoeksema’s Greenhouses is unveiling its new USDA-certified, organic commercial greenhouse this spring. The facility was built with sustainability in mind from the ground up, making it one of the few of its kind in the Midwest.
MSU Researchers Go Abroad    Mar 14, 08   MSU
Two Michigan State University researchers traveled to the Netherlands to explore how growers there were dealing with the increasingly global need to reduce energy costs.
Armstrong Buys Pike Family Nurseries    Mar 7, 08   Atlanta Journal-Constitution
California-based Armstrong Garden Centers has purchased 15 Pike Family Nurseries retail locations for $5.2 million, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported last week.
MFGC Selects Policy Issues for 2008    Mar 7, 08   MFGC
Members of the Michigan Floriculture Growers Council, which was formed in 2006 to represent the industry on national and state issues, has selected the key topics to focus on for 2008. The comprehensive list includes water, labor, business tax, farm bill, energy policy, immigration and labor.
New Alliance to Enhance Efficiency in Supply Chain    Mar 7, 08   IHA
Three of the horticulture industry’s leading distributors have joined forces to create an independent organization, Integrated Horticultural Alliance, with a mission of increasing efficiency and accuracy in the supply chain.
Takii Acquires Global Flowers    Mar 7, 08   Takii
Takii & Co., Ltd. has acquired 100 percent share in Danish flower seed company Global Flowers. This move marks Takii’s second acquisition of a European flower breeding company.
Gutierrez Talks Trade, Immigration with Floral Industry    Mar 7, 08   SAF
Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez spent a half-hour with attendees talking about the open trade and immigration, as part of SAF’s Congressional Action Days, which took place Feb. 25 and 26.
Around the Industry    Mar 7, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Home Depot.
Around the Industry    Feb 29, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Fine Americas, Inc., Rancho Tissue Technologies and Fides.
Monrovia Growers Named Vendor of the Year    Feb 29, 08   Armstrong Garden Centers
Armstrong Garden Centers recently named Monrovia Growers Vendor of the Year, a new award that recognizes vendors that provide high-quality products that help differentiate the California-based garden centers from the competition.
AFE Scholarships Application Deadline Approaches    Feb 29, 08   AFE
The deadline to apply for the American Floral Endowment scholarship, benefiting eligible horticulture students pursuing careers in an industry related field, is May 1, 2008.
Non-Native Plants Costly for Environment, Pocketbooks    Feb 29, 08   The Conservation Foundation
Whereas non-native plant species cost the United States $200 billion each year to contain and control, according to ecologist Jack Pizzo, native plants contribute to the natural system in various ways.
Georgia Takes Action to Ease Drought Impact    Feb 29, 08   Office of the Governor (Georgia)
Earlier this month, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue announced exemptions to the drought response plan implemented last fall. The state has also passed its first comprehensive statewide water management plan.
Around the Industry    Feb 26, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Aquascape, Patio Enclosures and Kichler Lighting.
National Lawn & Garden Show Takes Attendees Out to The Ball Game    Feb 26, 08   National Lawn & Garden Show
In addition to its normal “reverse trade show” appointment format, vendors who participate in this year’s VIA event will enjoy a trip to Wrigley Field for a Chicago Cubs game.
Better Homes & Gardens Website Features Proven Winners Introductions    Feb 26, 08   Proven Winners
In a slideshow featuring the best plants for 2008 in a number of categories, BHG.com has included seven Proven Winners introductions.
Around the Industry    Feb 21, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Northwest Horticulture, the University of New Hampshire and Onset Computer Corporation.
Industry Professionals Prepare for SAF’s Congressional Action Days    Feb 21, 08   SAF
More than 110 Society of American Florists members will discuss their business concerns with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
OHP to Hold PGR Demonstration during Pack Trials    Feb 21, 08   OHP, Inc.
Dave Barcel of OHP, Inc., in cooperation with American Takii, will be demonstrating PGR trials at the upcoming California Pack Trials. His work will focus on OHP’s Cycocel, B-Nine and Paczol.
Applications Now Available for AFE Intern Scholarships    Feb 21, 08   American Floral Endowment
Applications and information regarding the American Floral Endowment’s (AFE) Vic & Margaret Ball & Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Programs are now available for eligible students looking to gain experience in greenhouse production, floral retail and wholesale, and allied trade fields.
Register now for GPN Webinar Series    Feb 21, 08   GPN
Registration is now available for GPN’s free webinar on “PGR Best Practices with Perennials,” the first in a series.
Around the Industry    Feb 15, 08   Various
Check out the latest from MasterTag, Delta T Solutions and Horticultural Identification Products.
Pantone Announces This Year’s Color Trends    Feb 15, 08   Pantone
Calling this fall a “season of change,” Pantone says cool hues with bold undertones are this year’s fashion norm.
New Year Sees Employees Looking for New Employment    Feb 15, 08   Society for Human Resource Management HR Week
Finding a new — or second — job is a high priority for many United States workers this year, especially among hourly, young and Hispanic workers.
Novalis Adds New Growers for 2008    Feb 15, 08   Eberly Public Relations
Novalis adds seven growers to its production consortium of Plants that Work by Color, and Bailey Nurseries has joined its network for production of perennial and woody ornamentals.
Hawaiian Floriculture Groups Unite    Feb 8, 08   HFSA
Amid increased competition from foreign markets, floriculture associations in Hawaii, are seeking to form an industry-wide umbrella organization to help Hawaiian nursery products compete in a global scale.
Around the Industry    Feb 8, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Plant Development Services Inc.
SAF Pest Management Conference Approaches    Feb 8, 08   SAF
The Society of American Florists’ Pest Management Conference, taking place Feb. 28 to March 1 in Atlanta, aims to keep growers abreast of the latest developments in pest and disease management.
Guide Helps Business Owners Prepare for Disasters    Feb 8, 08   Nationwide Insurance
For growers, business is always at the mercy of an unpredictable Mother Nature, but a new guide, “A Disaster Planning Guide for Small Business Owners,” strives to help growers prepare themselves for the unexpected. The guide was created by Nationwide Insurance, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
New Blog “Makes Cents” of Green Industry Economics    Feb 8, 08   Texas A&M University
A new blog, developed by the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M University, is helping growers understand the key economic issues impacting the industry. The blog aims to provide careful economic analysis to help growers to make more informed managerial decisions regarding the strategies needed to survive and compete profitably in uncertain times.
Significant Overhaul Announced for Legal-Farm Worker Program    Feb 8, 08   USA Today
As the industry grapples with a chronic labor shortage, steps are being taken toward the most significant overhaul in two decades of the national’s agricultural guest worker program. The proposed changes to alter the legal–farm worker program by relaxing requirements for the H-2A visas granted to them are set against a backdrop of growing tension over illegal immigration.
HRI Awards 2008 Research Grants and Scholarships    Feb 1, 08   HRI
The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) granted $425,000 to research endeavors throughout the country for 2008. The chosen projects focus on critical industry issues, with the goal of resulting in innovative solutions and problem-solving techniques.
Project EverGreen Ends 2007 with a Bang    Feb 1, 08   Project EverGreen
Project EverGreen, a national nonprofit organization that aims to raise awareness of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of green spaces, had a busy 2007 — and plans to keep growing this year.
Almost Time for New England Grows!    Feb 1, 08   New England Grows!
The Northeast’s largest green industry exposition and educational conference, with the zesty tag line “One Show. A Million Ideas,” is just two days away. New England Grows!, taking place Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 6-8, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, attracts a record-breaking crowd of more than 15,000 professionals from every segment of the green industry.
Hines Plans to Deregister Common Stock    Feb 1, 08   PR-USA.NET and Hines
Hines Horticulture Inc. recently announced that it anticipates filing a Form 15 on or around Feb. 7, 2008, with the Securities and Exchange Commission to deregister its common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company is able to deregister because it has fewer than 300 shareholders of record, according to an article on PR-USA.net.
2008 TPIE: A Mesmerizing Success    Feb 1, 08   FNGLA
This year’s Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition, held from Jan. 17-19 in Florida, drew 7,500 industry professionals and treated them to an eye-catching crash course in all things tropical.
Around the Industry    Jan 25, 08   Various
Check out the latest from American Coolair
Plant Community Pride Through American in Bloom Program    Jan 25, 08   America in Bloom
The entry deadline to participate in the American in Bloom (AIB) program is Feb. 28, 2008. AIB is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification programs and both personal and community involvement through the use of nature.
Speakers and Tracks Announced for 2008 Chesapeake Green Horticultural Symposium    Jan 25, 08   Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association
The 2008 Chesapeake Green Horticultural Symposium will feature 44 speakers sharing their wealth of knowledge on 13 tracks, ranging from management and technology to pesticide recertification.
Hortica Works with USDA to Solve Crop Insurance Issue    Jan 25, 08   SAF
Thanks to some quick action by Hortica and other industry groups, a USDA mandate that would have resulted in thousands of hours of paperwork for growers was avoided.
Register for SAF’s Congressional Action Days    Jan 25, 08   SAF
The Society of American Florists’ Congressional Action Days, taking place Feb. 25-26 in Washington, D.C., is your chance to put your issues on the legislative table in a critical election year.
Around the Industry    Jan 18, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Syngenta, ForemostCo and Stuppy Inc.
FNGLA Calling for Industry Award Nominations    Jan 18, 08   FNGLA
This is your opportunity to nominate an industry member who has enhanced FNGLA and the industry. Nominations for the association’s annual Industry Awards are due by March 1, 2008.
FPO Campaign Promotes Flower Power    Jan 18, 08   Flower Promotional Organization
In an innovative effort to raise consumers’ awareness of the many perks of surrounding themselves with fresh flowers in their homes and workplaces; FPO will be broadcasting an audio interview highlighting recent Harvard Medical School findings supporting the emotional, mental and physical benefits of a little flower power. The interview, featuring FPO’s Executive Director Stan Pohmer, will air during the entire month of February on American Airlines’ Sky Radio.
Slow Winter Season Aggravated by Drought    Jan 18, 08   The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WCNC
Continued water restrictions in the Southeast have made a traditionally slow season even tougher for those working in various horticulture sectors.
Horticulture in Kenya Churns on Despite Unrest    Jan 18, 08   Reuters, The Washington Post, SAF
Unlike other sectors of Kenya’s economy, the country’s vital horticulture sector reports only a slight impact in the aftermath of a disputed presidential election that has unleashed violent clashes and protests. The region is the largest exporter of cut flowers to Europe.
U.S. Breeders Remain Vigilant Amid Kenya Turmoil    Jan 12, 08   The Washington Post, GPN staff reporting
As riots, bloodshed and uncertainty continue to grip Kenya, Africa, following a hotly contested presidential election, U.S. breeders with operations in the turbulent region remain largely unaffected — but vigilant.
Around the Industry    Jan 11, 08   Various
Check out the latest from Takao Nursery, American Vanguard and Seville Farms.
Transform Mixed Beds Into Artwork    Jan 11, 08   Perennial Plant Association
The 12th annual Perennial Plant Association seminar, “Creating the Well- Designed Mixed-Bed Planting, from Design to Plant Selection,” will give attendees a crash course in designing their mixed beds. The seminar is slated to take place on Sunday, Jan. 20.