Top Story, May 2013

Greenhouse conference planned in N.J.

On June 20 the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association will be rolling out a new educational opportunity for greenhouse growers in New Jersey and surrounding states. This full day program slated at the Rutgers Eco-Complex in Bordentown has been designed with input from suppliers, growers, and university experts to be focused and practical.
University researchers from Rutgers University and Cornell University will be offering presentations on a variety of topics from pest and disease management to energy saving techniques.  There will be something for anyone who manages greenhouse operations, including nurserymen, commercial greenhouse growers, and retail garden centers engaged in producing or finishing their own plants and flowers.
“We heard from some of our members, and others in the industry, that greenhouse producers in our area were often attending conferences and programs that didn’t exactly meet their needs, but there wasn’t much else going on.” Dominick Mondi, executive director of the NJNLA, continued, “We approached some industry leaders, including the Mid-Atlantic Grower newspaper, and all agreed it was a great idea to launch a conference like this.”  
“We are happy to help sponsor this new conference to help New Jersey greenhouse growers get the up-to-date information they need at a convenient location,” said Carol Kinsley, editor of the Mid-Atlantic Grower.
Greenhouse growers, like all agricultural producers, are required to have a pesticide applicators license from their state if they make any applications to control pest and disease problems.  This program has been been approved for recertification credits in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The program has been submitted to New York and the credits are pending.  For complete credit information visit www.njnla.org/ggc.
Confirmed speakers and topics include Dr. Neil Mattson, Cornell University presenting on techniques for finishing spring flowers and baskets in unheated high-tunnels; Dr. A.J. Both, Rutgers University, discussing his work on reducing energy use in greenhouse management; and Joanne Lutz, Griffin Greenhouse Supply, talking about best control measures for common greenhouse pests.
Registration for the conference will begin at 8:30 a.m.; the program will run until 3:30 p.m.
Registration is $35 for NJNLA members, and $95 for non-members.  Non-member registrants will receive a six-month membership to the association.  Non-members who wish to bring multiple employees from the same company need only pay the non-member rate for the first registration.  
Complete registration information and detailed speaker and presentation information online at www.njnla.org/ggc.