Are you a member of OFA?
If you're not a member, you should join today! OFA - The Association of Horticulture Professionals is the leading horticulture educational association in the United States.
It is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization with a mission "to support and advance professional horticulture." Industry segments served include garden centers, greenhouses, nurseries, landscapers, florists, interior plantscapers, emerging professionals, and allied trade.

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Message from the President
Dear Members,
WOW! How is it already the end of September? I sure hope that everyone had a great summer this year and is ready to take on a busy fall season. Before we know it, poinsettias will be in stores and we'll be turning our calendars over to 2014!
We've got lots of exciting events in the next couple of months, so make sure to mark your calendars! We have two locals events in Arroyo Grande and Nipomo as well as our annual meeting on December 5th.
Below you will find a link to the Economic Contributions of San Luis Obispo County Agriculture report that has recently been published. Please take a moment and read this report - it's very interesting!
I hope to see many of you at our upcoming events!
Layci Gragnani, President
Greenheart Farms
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Economic Contributions of SLO County Ag
This report was recently released and it helps answer some of the questions that most of us often wonder about. How many jobs does agriculture provide in our county? How much money does agriculture bring to our local economy?
To view the full report, please click here.
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California Ag in the Classroom
Two really cool things are going on with Ag in the Classroom right now. Please pass this information along to our local educators!
$500 for nutrition, garden, and Ag science projects!
Application deadline: Oct. 1, 2013
Literacy for Life Grants will provide 25 educators with $500 grants to promote agricultural literacy through initiating new projects, or expanding existing ones. These grants are designed to help your students gain a better understanding of how their food and fiber is produced. A minimum of two grants will be provided to vocational agriculture educators. Click here to learn more.
Imagine this... Story Writing Contest
Win an e-reader and trip to Sacramento! Contest deadline: Nov. 1, 2013
Agriculture is all around us! Inspire your students to get out their pencils and think creatively about an experience they have had that involves food, fiber, or any topic related to agriculture.
The contest is open to all third through eighth grade students attending public, private, charter, or home schools in California. Stories can be fiction or non-fiction, and should be 750 words or fewer. Nearly 8,000 stories were written by students from throughout the state last year. Help us reach 10,000 this year! Click here to learn more.
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Annual Meeting - Save the Date!
Our annual meeting will be held on December 5, 2013 at the Edward's Barn. We'll send out more information about this event next month, so please mark your calendars and save the date today!
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Open House 2014 - Save the Date!
Save the date for our 13th annual Open House event on April 12, 2014. This year we were able to raise over $18,000 for scholarship funds. Let's see if we can increase that for 2014!
If you're interested in participating in Open House next year or have any questions about the event, please contact Krista.

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Plant Something - Brave New Campaign
It's a simple statement, but it packs a powerful message. Two simple words are a short-but-sweet motivating phrase that piques consumers' curiosity and starts them thinking... then talking... then acting.
The campaign is in select states right now and hopefully California will be added to the list soon. For more information about this campaign, visit www.plant-something.org
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Scholarship Recipient Update
This year we provided 14 outstanding and deserving students with $18,000 in scholarships. The 2013 scholarship recipients are:
- Ana Marquez - Currently attending San Jose State University
- Cristine Vana - Currently attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
- Daniel Hertel - Currently attending UC Berkley
- Erica Guido - Currently attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
- Forrester Fringer - Currently attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
- Israel Barajas - Currently attending UC Santa Barbara
- Joel Fischbein - Currently attending UC Davis
- Katrina Moldenhauer - Currently attending Cal Poly, SLO
- Kirk Wilenius - Currently attending Loyola Marymount University
- Lauren Moss - Currently attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
- Mason Duarte - Currently attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
- Rachel Mairoino - Currently attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
- Tyler Poole - Currently attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
- William Rose - Currently attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
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Where do you go for your local Ag news?
San Luis Obispo Farm Bureau provides several sources for local information about issues, events and matters of importance to agriculturalists.
Ag Update E-Newsletter E-mailed to you eight times a year with news you need to know! Please help us sign up your friends and associates to receive it: click here and then e-mail the page to them. Farm Bureau Website slocountyfarmbureau.org SLO Country Magazine Mailed to Farm Bureau members or read it online.
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Do you know someone who would benefit from becoming a member of CCGGA?
We're always looking to expand our membership, so please spread the word about our organization!
Krista Herlihy Central Coast Greenhouse Growers Association
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The Central Coast Greenhouse Growers Association (CCGGA) was founded to provide a cohesive organization that acts as a good neighbor within the local and regional community, providing information and education to neighbors; other community groups or businesses; and county, state, or federal agencies.
The CCGGA acts on behalf of its members in resolving issues that may arise with neighboring communities, as we work to coexist and enjoy the numerous benefits the Central Coast provides for both living and growing high-quality plants.
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