July 11, 2019 Issue #264
Dear MNLGA Members:

We are well into the thick of Summer - and I hope that this email finds you all enjoying the weather, and hopefully resting a bit over the past holiday 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!
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.  

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.

Sincerely,

Vanessa A. Finney
MNLGA, Executive Director
410-823-8684
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!
Tax Information for H-2A Employers
Source: UMD Ag Law Education Initiative

The below is from the UMD Ag Law Education Initiative - they are a great resource for our industry.

In response to the numerous questions we received on tax withholding for H-2A employees, we reached out to the Maryland Comptroller's office for further guidance. Specifically, we asked whether and how Maryland employers should withhold state income tax for foreign workers with H-2A visas. Please see the linked document here for the response (in italics) from the Maryland Comptroller's office. 
Maryland's 2019-2020 Cover Crop Program
Accepting grant applications through July 17th at Soil Conservation Districts

The annual sign-up period for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s cover crop program will run through July 17 at soil conservation district offices statewide. This popular grant program provides farmers with cost-share assistance to offset seed, labor, and equipment costs associated with planting fall cover crops.

This year’s program includes two new incentives for farmers. The first is the Extended Season option which pays $15/acre to farmers who agree to terminate their cover crops after May 1. There is also a $10/acre incentive for farmers who hire an airplane or helicopter to aerial seed cover crops into standing corn by September 1. Learn More!
4 Free Horticulture Classes! CCBC

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is offering a new entry level certificate in basic Horticulture technology. This one-semester, 12 credit program combines 4 FREE Horticulture courses with on the job experience. Students that complete the semester will earn 12 college credits and a Basic Horticulture Technician Certificate

The Certificate is being offered Fall Semester 2019. (August 30-December 15) Classes are every Thursday and Friday, all day, at the CCBC Hunt Valley campus. The co-op work experience can be 1, 2, or 3 days per week.

Tuition is free to the first 18 students that qualify. This a work force development program. Applicants should be relatively new to the Horticulture industry and will be prepared to enter the workforce when they complete the Certificate program. View the informational flyer!

For more information contact Martha Pindale, CCBC Sustainable Horticulture Outreach Coordinator: 
[email protected] or call 410-688-5115 cell
Governor Hogan, Secretary Bartenfelder Kick Off 2019 Maryland's Best Ice Cream Trail
Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder kicked off the 2019 season of the Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail on May 24th at Chesapeake Bay Farms in Berlin, Md. The Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail officially will run through September 23. Now in its seventh year, the trail has become increasingly popular drawing participants from around the world.

“Maryland is home to outstanding dairy operations that provide high-quality, local dairy products to millions of people throughout the region,” said Governor Hogan. “The Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail is a great opportunity for our citizens to learn more about dairy farming. By visiting one of the nine dairies on the Ice Cream Trail, you are helping support Maryland dairy farmers, local producers, and rural communities.” Read the full press release.
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.
AmericanHort Comments on Senate Agricultural Trucking Relief Act
Source: AmericanHort

AmericanHort President and CEO Ken Fisher released the following statement after the introduction of S. 2025, the Agricultural Trucking Relief Act, by Sens. Perdue (R-GA) and Merkley (D-OR).

“We applaud Senators Perdue and Merkley for introducing this bill to finally create a single, concrete definition of agricultural commodities that reflects the consensus of many government agencies and the needs of the entire agricultural industry,” said Fisher. “While horticultural products are treated as ‘agriculture’ when they are grown and when they are sold, transportation of our products is hampered when drivers and inspectors alike are forced to attempt to interpret the current ambiguous definition. This bill would correct that problem and place all agricultural goods, including horticultural products, on a level playing field and ensure prompt delivery to the consumer.” Read the full press release.
Tips to Retain Good Employees and Prevent Turnover
Source: GardenCenter

In “The Wizard of Oz,” the Munchkins rejoiced when Dorothy inadvertently killed the Wicked Witch of the East. Relief, hope and joy filled the air. While those in the real world rarely burst into song, a similar euphoria erupts when a poor, disgruntled and disruptive worker or boss leaves. On the other hand, regret and sadness accompany the loss of a highly competent and caring employee or boss.

Are you experiencing turnover in your business or department? Are you losing great, mediocre or poor employees? Is your turnover isolated, or can you identify pockets and patterns where it occurs most often? Do you know why your people have left? Read the full article.
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.
MD Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Partner to Better Serve the Baltimore Design Community

The Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (Maryland ASLA) announces the appointment of the Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Baltimore) as the new managing organization of the chapter. AIA Baltimore will be responsible for administrative services to fulfill the day-to-day operations of the Maryland ASLA chapter and its mission of promoting the profession of landscape architecture in Maryland through fellowship, advocacy, communications, and education.

AIA Baltimore brings a well-qualified team of professionals to expand and improve the services and scope of the Maryland ASLA. Founded in 1871, the AIA Baltimore is the third oldest AIA chapter and with over 1,000 members, one of the largest in the country. Read the full press release.
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, July 20th, 9am-1pm 
Getting the Plants Right: Selecting Species to Survive and Thrive  
 
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 - June 28th

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.


If you would like to read any of the previous IPM reports - visit the IPM reports webpage.
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.
Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association, Inc.
410-823-8684
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