GROWERS

Canada, COPF or the nursery industry, we as growers and breeders have to accept the many changes that have come to the industry. Breeders have found that the costs and maintenance fees of Canadian PBR do not pencil out for many new plants in the small Canadian market so an organization such as COPF may have a role as a royalty collection agency. Some nurseries do not fully support the large nursery “Brands” and are looking for access to roses from Canadian breeding such as the “Canadian Artist” series available through COPF or the “49th Parallel” roses supported by COPF funding. It is obvious that many growers like new plants but do not have the breeder’s skills to develop and commercialize these plants much less support long term or modern research breeding technology.

For now, a downsized COPF plays a role, through CNLA’s Heritage Fund, in supporting the Vineland rose breeding and University of Saskatchewan programs. Growers who pay royalties faithfully want a level playing field where all growers have uniform royalty costs. Growers and breeders look for good communication and administration from COPF. The COPF has played a role in the Canadian nursery trade for close to 60 years. Its future will depend on how it evolves to support breeding of new plants and communications to growers. Will more of the few Canadian breeders collect their own royalties? Will the costs of Canadian PBR protection be a sound investment for the small Canadian market? Will the use of lower cost trademarks be an alternative to more expensive PBR? Will COPF still have a role for the future as a royalty collection service? Do private nurseries and individuals have new plants they wish to place with COPF? Could COPF have a role as an agent for Vineland 49th Parallel roses? These are valid questions which will determine the future of COPF in the Canadian nursery industry.

CANADIAN NURSERY WINS 2023 AIPH GROWER OF THE YEAR!

Congratulations to Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Limited (BTN) of Schomberg, Ontario, this year’s Gold Rose winner of the coveted AIPH International Grower of the Year. BTN also finished first place in the Finished Plants and Trees Category. Jeff is a strong proponent for nursery growers in Canada to apply to future AIPH awards. “You don’t know If you will win going into it, but the process of applying itself is good for your company, good for your team and challenges you to review all of the key success indicators of your farm. Winning of course is an amazing feeling and accomplishment, but even if you don’t win the application process and attendance at the event is an experi ence you will not regret.”

“We feel amazing, so blessed, to be honoured with these awards. It means so much to me personally and our whole team back in Canada.”

Jeff Olsen, President and CEO of BTN, International Grower of the Year 2023

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards. If you are interested in applying, check out the AIPH website and contact me. CNLA can help with letters of support and acknowledgement of good standing in a national horticulture association.