Jan 23, 2004

NFF Showcases Learning and Warm WeatherSource: The University of Florida

The National Floriculture Forum theme for 2004 is “Making the Connection Between the Public and Our Industry,” focusing on improving national communications and touching base with governmental agencies as well as dealing with current national issues.

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This year’s topics focus on the image of floriculture across the United States and how it is impacting the future of our industry. Pressure continues to grow, forcing industry to move away from population centers or go off shore; greenhouses and nurseries are feeling the brunt of water and chemical restrictions. What kind of image does our industry present to the average consumer or to the average legislator?

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Some of the highlighted speakers will include Drew Gruenberg, Society of American Florists ; John Gaydos, Proven Winners; Mike Williams; Ball Corporation ; and lobbyists and representatives from government, academia and industry.

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Sunday morning will include an in-depth look at internships as well. How can we improve them and how can your teaching programs get involved?

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There will be a tour held to some of the largest growers in Florida, some of the stops will include Costa Color , Kerry’s Bromeliads & Orchids and USA Bouquet with the Association of Floral Importers of Florida (AFIF).

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The event is sponsored by a number of groups and companies including the American Floral Endowment, American Society of Horticultural Sciences Floriculture Education and Research Working Groups, DeGlas Greenhouses, Fairchild Botanic Gardens, GPN, H.E. Anderson Company, Ludy Greenhouses, Micro-Grow Greenhouse systems, P.L. Light systems, University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Department and Wadsworth Control Systems.

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The event will be held February 20-22, 2004 at the Hampton Inn Dadeland & Fairchild Botanic Gardens, Miami, Fla. For more information go to http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/nff . For registration information go to the Web site or contact Rick Schoellhorn, University of Florida, at rksch@ufl.edu, or 352-392-1831 Ext 364.