Eagle Creek Growers has continued its approach to sustainable business practices by earning VeriFlora certification. The VeriFlora program provides stringent sustainability performance standards for growers working to address environmental accountability, the health and well-being of workers, their families and communities, and product quality.

“This was a natural next step for us in our continuing commitment to sustainability," said Todd Cain, owner of Eagle Creek Growers in Mantula, Ohio. "I believe it adds value not only for our wholesale accounts but also the end consumer. VeriFlora provides us an independent, third party certification that consumers can trust.”

VeriFlora requires its growers, including Eagle Creek, to meet stringent guidelines in the areas of crop production, ecosystem management, resource conservation, energy efficiency, integrated waste management, worker safety, workplace conditions, and product quality. “Energy efficiency and conservation has been the focus in our expansion efforts over the last 5 years.” said Cain. “Fiveyears ago when natural gas prices started going through the roof, we knew we had to do something big to sustain ourselves and the company. We installed our 300 HP Biomass Boiler system in 2006 and in 2009 we installed a 50 KW Wind Turbine. Both projects have helped us save energy and money, as well as reduce our carbon foot print. It’s a win-win all around.”

The Biomass heating system generates heat for the entire greenhouse range using recycled wood chips, saw dust, and horse manure, thus eliminating gas and oil consumption. The Wind Turbine, which has now been in place almost one full year, has helped the company save between 10 and 15 percent on its electricity.

Eagle Creek’s greenhouses and production warehouses are equipped with high-efficiency light fixtures with motion sensors. These sensors turn lights on only when people enter the area, and have reduced power consumption by one-third. Additionally, Eagle Creek has installed ebb and flow flooring designed to recycle all water used on site, reducing runoff and overall consumption. Moreover, all greenhouses have energy curtains designed to maintain appropriate temperatures overnight, which has reduced heat usage by up to 50 percent.

Floral Plant Growers LLC in Denmark, Wis., has earned VeriFlora certification for its commitment to sustainable horticulture practices at all three of its greenhouse locations: Denmark, Wis., Richmond, Ind., and Boyden, Iowa. In May, 2008, FPG’s Denmark facility was the first open market plug-and-liner producer and the fourth potted plant producer in North America to attain the VeriFlora certification.

VeriFlora is an agricultural sustainability and eco-labeling program recognized as the gold-standard in the horticulture industry for products sold in North America. Certification assures that all Floral Plant Growers’ retail ready and grower ready products have been produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and also meet the highest standards for freshness and quality.

“Attaining VeriFlora sustainability certification is the right thing for our customers, employees, community, and owners," said Scott Lueder, FPG president and CEO. "Being one of the first young and potted plant producers to complete this rigorous program demonstrates FPG’s commitment not only to the present, but also the future.”

Tom Mowbray, vice president of sales for FPG, echoed this sentiment. “Given the choice, there are a growing number of consumers who prefer to buy from a sustainable source," he said. "There is an increasing awareness in the marketplace as it relates to sustainability. At Floral Plant Growers, we feel VeriFlora certification is an important aspect of our future growth strategy.”

In order to earn VeriFlora certification, growers must meet leading edge environmental protection requirements covering issues such as pest management, media fertility, production yields, energy efficiency, carbon footprint, integrated waste management, water conservation and ecosystem protection. In addition, certification ensures that fair labor practices and strong community engagement principles are in effect.

ANLA is asking for an immediate industry response on the USDA’S Farm Security Administration Biomass Crops Assistance Program (BCAP) proposed rule published in February. This USDA biomass fuel subsidy program potentially threatens the availability of all wood mill-based residual materials, including bark, bark based soils and mulch supplies. The marketplace disruption could be devastating as the price and potential availability of these materials come into question. This will impact all segments of our industry, from the growing of containerized nursery stock, maintenance of plants in the landscape and retail sales of mulch, bark and bark-based soil products. 
 
ANLA is involved in cooperative lobbying efforts with representatives of other impacted industries to try to blunt the possible impact and to effect changes in the proposed BCAP rule. We will be submitting comments to USDA FSA on behalf of the nursery, landscape and floriculture industry asking that restrictions be placed on the use of wood based residues in the program.

To respond to this immediate threat please visit ANLA’s BCAP resource page.

Home Depot has implemented Spring Black Fridays, a weekend of regional price discounts in preparation for spring, which the company said is its biggest selling season. During March and April, prices on hundreds of the most sought after spring products will be significantly reduced.
Spring Black Friday discounts will be implemented on a market-by-market basis based on geography climate. Discounts in warmer southern and western states started March 18 and will begin in colder northern states at a later date. Products include a variety of live goods and lawn care, outdoor power, eco-friendly gardening products, patio items and grills.
March 18 discounts included Buy One, Get One Free deals for 6-pack annuals, seed packets and 2 cu. ft. bags of cypress mulch along with a free gallon of Roundup herbicide with the purchase of a Roundup Pump ‘n Go applicator. Prices may vary across the country.
“Spring is our Christmas,” said Craig Menear, exec. v.p. of merchandising. “Traffic in our stores is at its highest during the spring season as customers look to take on outdoor projects to improve the appearance of their homes and we want to give them the best deals possible to meet all of their outdoor needs.”
Home Depot research found the top home improvement spring projects are lawn-and-garden maintenance care, which includes plant fertilizing, cutting and trimming, followed by planting or maintaining annuals.