August 23, 2019 Issue #265
|
|
Dear MNLGA Members:
We are well into the thick of Summer and Labor Day is just around the corner. I hope that you all are enjoying the weather, and the cool-down we are supposed to be getting this weekend. Please take a few minutes to read through the Root of the Matter as we have a lot of great articles and events to communicate. Thank you all for your support of the MNLGA and we look forward to working with you throughout the year!
|
|
2019 MAEF and MNLGA Scholarship Golf Tournament!
The MNLGA and MAEF rely on this tournament as a form of funding for scholarships. Both organizations take pride in helping our next generation of horticulturists - and we would greatly appreciate your support!
|
|
Remembering Jack Lowry
The MNLGA passed along the news of Jack Lowry's passing a few weeks ago. Please see the note below from Nancy, Jack's daughter.
"Jack Lowry passed away peacefully July 27, 2019 in his home surrounded by his beautiful garden. Recognized by many nurserymen and friend to more, Jack loved to work at selling plants, promoting horticulture and connecting with people. He made honest commitments. He was generous. He was a talented gardener. Remember Jack for his charismatic personality, his witty sense of humor and for those special plants that have enriched many of our lives.
To honor Jack’s passion for horticulture donations can be made to
Ladew Topiary Gardens, one of the top public gardens in the country, and located just six miles from Jack’s home in Baltimore County.
Ladew Gardens,
Jack Lowry Memorial Fund, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111. "
|
|
2018 Statistical Profile and Economic Survey -
If your business has not yet completed the 2018 Hort Industry Economic and Statistical survey, please do so as soon as possible as BEACON desires to wrap up survey responses within the next few weeks. Surveys have recently been mailed to non-responding companies and they will also be followed up with a phone call.
This survey is very important for measuring the impact our businesses have across the state. The results give us power, including information for making future business plans, such as availability of markets and products, and hard data about the strength of the industry when working with financiers and legislators. I can not underestimate the importance of high participation in this survey to arm us with the most accurate reflection of Maryland’s horticulture industry. Please complete your survey. If you need the link or a paper copy, please contact BEACON at
[email protected] or via 410-546-6001. MNLGA has hired BEACON, the Business, Economic, and Community Outreach Network at the Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University, to issue, conduct, and compile the survey results. No one outside of statisticians at BEACON will have access to any individual responses. All responses will remain confidential.
Sincerely,
Vanessa A. Finney
MNLGA, Executive Director
410-823-8684
|
|
H-2A Employer Information
Source: UMD Ag Law Education Initiative
In the past 12 months, inspectors from the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Wage and Hour Division have been conducting inspections on farms and nurseries in Maryland. These inspections have focused on employers with H-2A workers and have required employers to produce years of required records. Following the inspections, severe fines and penalties have been issued to employers. After hearing about these inspections, ALEI partnered with the Maryland Department of Labor and Licensing Regulation and created some resources to help better prepare farm employers for these inspections. The first is a
self-audit worksheet to help employers do an internal review of operations and recordkeeping related to both H-2A and non-H2A employees. The second is a recorded
webinar on this subject that is available for download.
Remember: If you have migrant or seasonal workers (non H-2A) you are subject to the federal Migrant and Seasonal Worker Protection Act (MSPA). For more information on this law and what is required
check out this publication and for more information, please contact the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (410-706-7377).
It is very likely these inspections will continue to occur throughout Maryland in the near future. If you have H-2A, migrant and/or seasonal laborers at your operation please take advantage of the resources above and make sure your operation is in legal compliance prior to an inspection.
|
Raising Future Retailers
Please see the article below from GardenCenter regarding one of our CPH teachers, Jerry Kelly
Jerry Kelley, agriculture education teacher and FFA adviser at Parkside High School in Salisbury, Md., believes operating a garden center on a high school campus fills the dual role of meeting academic standards and providing leadership skills students need to succeed after high school, noting, “Our students don’t get to high school knowing they want to take [agriculture education].”
It doesn’t take long for FFA members to get excited about operating retail garden centers.
Read the full article.
|
Volunteer Opportunity - PLASE!
The MNLGA was contacted by an organization PLASE about volunteer opportunities - please see their message below.
Volunteer with Project PLASE!
Project PLASE (People Lacking Ample Shelter and Employment) is a nonprofit in Baltimore that has provided housing and support services to homeless individuals and families for 45 years. PLASE serves the most vulnerable of the homeless population including veterans, ex-offenders, families, and individuals with HIV/AIDS, mental illness, physical disabilities, and addictions. We have a variety of programs, temporary and permanent, that all aim to help our clients become as financially, socially, and medically independent as possible.
We are currently looking for a group of volunteers to help us give the gardens around our housing facility on Calverton St. a much needed face lift. We strive to provide our clients with a comfortable place to call home as they work to reach and maintain stable housing. Having a beautiful space to relax and reflect may be what a resident of ours may need to do so. If interested in learning more about the volunteer project, please email Jordan at
[email protected]. To learn more about Project PLASE and other ways you can help, check us out at projectplase.org or on social media, @ProjectPLASE. We hope to hear from you soon so you can join us in helping Baltimore's homeless community!
|
UMD Extension
Commercial Cut Flower Tour
Tuesday, September 10th
Sponsored by: UMD Extension with the Assoication of Specialty Cut Flower Growers and Maryland Cut Flowers
2019 Cut Flower Farm Tour: Visit Cool Hollow Farm in Hagerstown, MD and then it is on to Surreybrooke Farm in Middletown, MD for a tour, lunch and afternoon talks. In the afternoon, talks will be given by Dave Dowling, Ednie Bulb Company and speakers from UMD Extension are Stanton Gill, Karen Rane, and Dave Clement.
|
|
MDA Pesticide Container Recycling Program - Runs Through September
|
The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s pesticide container recycling program opened its 27th year of operation in June for farmers, pesticide applicators, and others who wish to dispose of pesticide containers properly. A total of 28 collection days are scheduled through September at seven locations throughout the state. Those participating are asked to properly rinse their empty pesticide containers before handing them in.
“This recycling program protects the environment from possible contamination and gives producers and others an easy, free way to dispose of pesticide containers,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder.
Read the full press release.
|
Boxwood Blight Webinar
September 24th 1 - 4 pm
HRI is hosting a boxwood blight research update webinar. The webinar’s purpose is two-fold: first, to provide researchers opportunity to share key updates on their boxwood blight research and, second, to facilitate a discussion about revising current boxwood blight BMPs.
Webinar ID: 749-172-267
The following researchers will present: Dr. JoAnne Crouch, Ms. Margery Daughtrey, Dr. Chuan Hong, Dr. Fred Gouker, Dr. Jim LaMondia, Dr. Nina Shishkoff, and Dr. Jerry Weiland.
HRI Offers $20,000 in Scholarships
Deadline to apply - Sept. 13th
The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) is pleased to announce it is accepting scholarship applications for the 2019-2020 school year.
These scholarships are made possible by seven special HRI endowment funds that aid students who are seeking a lifelong career in horticulture. HRI and its donor firms consider graduating students in horticulture to be the lifeblood of the green industry.
HRI is pleased to offer the following scholarships (applications due September 13, 2019):
- The Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow Jr. Scholarship (one, $3000 scholarship available)
- The Usrey Family Scholarship (one, $1000 scholarship available)
- The Bryan A. Champion Memorial Scholarship (one, $1,000 available)
- The Susie & Bruce Usrey Scholarship (one, $500 available)
- The Spring Meadow Scholarship (three, $3500 scholarships available)
- The “Muggets” Scholarship (one, $1500 scholarship available)
- The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship (one, $5000 scholarship available)
|
MDA - On Demand Webinar for PFA Renewal
The department is now offering an on-demand, pre-recorded recertification webinar for lawn care professionals who need to renew their Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certificates. Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law requires lawn care professionals be certified by the department’s Nutrient Management Program or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. Certificates may be renewed annually for a $100 fee and verification of two hours of recertification training. Successful completion of the webinar and accompanying quiz awards two education credits.
The webinar and quiz are posted on the department’s website.
|
Akehurst Recognized As the Place for Your Career
Landscape and Snow management leader, Akehurst Landscape Service, Inc. is proud to have been named one of Snow & Ice Management Associations (SIMA) Best Snow & Ice Companies to Work For in 2019.
The award, handed out and received by V.P. William Akehurst at SIMA’s 22nd annual Snow & Ice Symposium in Grand Rapids, MI, recognizes “companies in the industry that focus on being great places to work and create successful and rewarding careers.” Award nominees are judged on the company culture, personnel support and team work.
Read the full press release.
|
|
Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine in DE, PA, and NJ
– Quarantine permits will be strictly enforced as of May 1! Our neighboring states have added staff to enforce quarantine compliance and trucks not displaying the quarantine permits will be stopped and fined. Please get your quarantine training; it's easy and relatively quick, online. Please visit the
DDA website at this link to view the specifics regarding the Delaware quarantine. For a refresher on the
PA and NJ quarantines, please visit this link; PA and NJ go hand-in-hand with quarantine training.
|
|
Hogan Administration Announces New State Development Plan
A Better Maryland
The Hogan administration today announced the filing of a new state development plan, A Better Maryland. In 2017, Governor Larry Hogan signed Executive Order 01.01.2017.18, directing the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) to coordinate with local governments and other stakeholders to prepare a revised State Development Plan.
“This new state development plan was developed to coordinate the planning needs of state agencies and local governments while encouraging Maryland to grow responsibly,” said Governor Hogan. “This inclusive bottom-up approach listens to the needs of our communities and puts planning authority in the hands of local government, where it belongs, while balancing economic development and environmental preservation.”
Read the full press release.
|
|
7 Things Growers Should Know About Proposed H-2A Reforms
Please see the article below from Greenhouse Grower
In an effort to address grower complaints about the H-2A program, the White House recently initiated an interdepartmental process involving the four agencies that have a primary role in managing the program to seek improvements – the Departments of Labor, Homeland Security, State, and Agriculture.
“Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has been instrumental in the process,” according to Craig Regelbrugge, Senior Vice President of AmericanHort. “Secretary Perdue hears from growers and producers all the time how serious the labor crisis has become, and we are grateful for all efforts to make a challenging program better” he says.
Read the full article.
|
|
AmericanHort - Impact Washington News
Long Awaited H-2A Modernization Proposal Unveiled
Craig Regelbrugge
The Department of Labor (DOL) has
posted on its website a copy of the long-awaited H-2A modernization proposed rule. The official version should have appeared in the Federal Register during the week of July 22.
The rulemaking intends to streamline the process by which DOL reviews employers’ applications for temporary agricultural labor certifications.
Read the full article using the link above.
House Votes to Raise Minimum Wage
Craig Regelbrugge and Laurie Flanagan
On July 18, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to raise the $7.25 federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. The bill would increase the minimum wage in steps until it reaches the $15 level. After that, the wage floor would be indexed according to growth in median wages.
Read the full article using the link above.
H-2B Appropriations Update
Craig Regelbrugge and Laurie Flanagan
Congressional Democrats and the White House continue negotiations around a deal to increase the debt ceiling and impose annual federal spending caps. Speaker Pelosi hopes to reach an agreement before Congress goes on recess for the month of August. On July 19, the Speaker rejected an initial offer from the Administration that calls for $150 billion in spending cuts as debt ceiling deal negotiations continue.
Read the full article using the link above.
EPA Issues Final Order on Chlorpyrifos
Jill Calabro, PhD
Meeting the July 18 deadline set by the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a decision against a ban of chlorpyrifos, citing insufficient evidence to warrant discontinuation of the product.
Read the full article using the link above.
|
|
CBLP - "Know Your Bioretention" Workshop Series
These advanced training classes will be led by landscape designer, Darlene Robbins, in Derwood, MD. The program was designed for certified CBLP professionals, but is open to all. Discounted registration is available for CBLPs and for anyone who registers for all three workshops. Space is limited!
Registration and More Information.
See Informational Flyer.
Saturday, August 24th, 9am-1pm
Determining Friend or Foe: Common Bio Weeds and What to Do About Them
Saturday, September 21st, 9am-4pm
Building a Better Bio: Blending Design & Ecology into Stormwater BMPs
|
|
UMD IPM Report - August 16th
Now that we are in the heat of the Summer - as many of you know UMD Extension releases a weekly Landscape and Nursery IPM Report. If you would like to be included on the distribution list -
please email Suzanne Klick.
The link below is for the most current IPM report.
|
|
AmericanHort - Impact Washington Summit
September 16-18 in D.C.
Impact Washington is a two-day advocacy summit where green industry business owners and leaders can take action in Washington, D.C. Providing a united front, this is an opportunity for the landscaper, plant grower, garden retailer, and entire green industry communities to personally and collectively advocate for decisions that help us continue the growth of our $193 billion industry.
Over the course of two days, participants will hear from elected leaders, their staff, and other policy experts on issues of great impact on green industry business success. Attendees will share their experiences directly with policy makers, providing real-world context and influence to the decisions being made.
Learn More.
See the tentative schedule.
|
|
|
AG Literacy Opportunities
New Ways to Participate in the Ag Literacy Program
George Mayo would like to share the following information: This Ag in the Classroom program seeks to instill in Maryland students the importance of agriculture in their daily lives. Any group or individual wishing to promote agriculture is invited to participate – Farmer Bureau members, FFA students, Young Farmers, Commodity group leaders, retirees, or interested individuals.
Literacy Volunteers set up a time to visit in a nearby school and read to students in grades K-3. Following the reading of the book, volunteers conduct an activity with the students and share their experiences in agriculture. The book is then left in the classroom or media center.
For more information or to order a book for $10, contact Jeanne Mueller at
[email protected] or 410-848-4745.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
