CNLA Newsbrief September 2010 edition by Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

CNLA Members save with Telus Mobility

Landscape PEI the Newest Association

Rose and Ornamental Breeding Program

Green Industry News September-October 2010 Vol. 19 Issue 5

What’s inside: • Government invests in the future of the horticulture industry • Landscape Horticulturist becomes official apprenticeship trade • Casey Van Maris Award recipient • Canadian presented with the 2010 Perennial Plant Association Service Award

New broker

measures up for

HortProtect The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s (CNLA) insurance committee, board of directors and staff are pleased to advise that effective September 15th, 2010 Marsh Canada has been appointed as our exclusive insurance and risk management broker for the HortProtect Property and Casualty Insurance Program.

As some are already aware, effective July 1st, 2010, Sinclair Cockburn and Lombard imposed a significant coverage restriction on the HortProtect insurance program, removing any liability coverage for snow removal operations in Ontario, along with doubledigit rate increases to all members. This restriction was clearly unacceptable to CNLA and its insurance committee, and alternative solutions and proposals were requested from Sinclair Cockburn as well as other brokers. CNLA conducted a comprehensive consultative review process to seek a partner who supports our vision of providing a high quality and excellent value program structure, while helping member organizations reduce

CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

sponsored by:

INDUSTRY NEWS EXECUTIVE BOARD:

President Past President First Vice President Second Vice President Treasurer

Cary van Zanten - BC Michael Murray - NL Bill Stensson - ON Christine LeVatte, CLP - NS Rene Thiebaud, CLP - ON

DIRECTORS: LOHTA Representative, Gerald Boot, CLP - ON Insurance Chair LNS Representative Jeff Morton, CLT - NS BCLNA Representative Michael Kato - BC Human Resources Chair Harold Deenen, CLP - ON Environment Chair Bill Hardy, CLP - BC Landscape Canada Chair Bruce Hunter, CLT, CLD, CLP - BC Government Liaison, COHA Chair, Vic Krahn, CLT - SK AQPP Representative Pierre Lavallée - QC Planning & Government, Bruce McTavish - BC NAPPO Chair LNB Representative, Darrell Nameth, CLP - NB Member Services Chair Garden Centre Canada Chair Anthony O’Neill - NL National Certification Chair Terry Nicholson, CLT - ON Landscape Canada Vice Chair, Phil Paxton, CLT, CLP - AB LANTA Representative LM Representative, Owen Vanstone - MB Growers Canada Chair LNL Representative Don Barry - NL SNLA Representative Aaron Krahn - SK

STAFF: Executive Director Member Services Manager Professional and Business Development Manager Manager of Provincial Relations Growers Manager Landscape Priorities Manager Certification Services Minor Use/IPM Co-ordinator Member Services Co-ordinator Communications Co-ordinator Executive Assistant Bookkeeper

Victor Santacruz, CAE, CLP victor@canadanursery.com Joseph Salemi, CAE joseph@canadanursery.com Joel Beatson, CAE, CLP joel@canadanursery.com Rebecca Doutre, CAE rebecca@canadanursery.com Rita Weerdenburg rita@canadanursery.com Liz Klose, B.Sc., (Agr), CLP liz@canadanursery.com Julia Ricottone, CEPIT julia@canadanursery.com Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., MPM peter@canadanursery.com Agnes Zawartka, CAE, CLP agnes@canadanursery.com Kim Burton kim@canadanursery.com Cheryl Gall cheryl@canadanursery.com Sheena Falzon sheena@canadanursery.com

Printed on recycled paper using vegetable based inks by: Harmony Printing, 50 Woodbine Downs Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9W 5R2

their risk exposures and minimize their overall costs. Marsh rose above our existing broker relationship and other proposals offered for specific reasons, such as: • experience with trade associations and group programs with dedicated specialists • extensive access and relationships with domestic and international insurers • risk management approach to risk identification and innovative solutions to create program stability • claims management and advocacy for our members • ability to offer local service through Marsh’s 13 offices nationally and retail broker network including current existing sub-broker relationships • ability to develop collaborative solutions for participating member organizations. Marsh, in collaboration with CNLA, is negotiating with a number of insurers to provide a comprehensive insurance and risk management program for our members under our HortProtect brand. By mid-October there will be an insurer in place for the program with the goal to offer the coverage industry needs, at the best possible price. Marsh is also committed to working with existing brokers of the HortProtect program, so there is a good chance your local service representative will remain unchanged. Combined with a refreshing outlook on risk and claims management, the HortProtect program will be better than ever. We encourage members to support this new initiative and will provide you with tools to help you minimize your overall costs. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss further, please contact Marsh’s dedicated CNLA service team at 1-888-949-4360 or e-mail cnla.hortprotect@marsh.com or call the CNLA office directly at 1-888-446-3499 and staff will be glad to assist you with your questions.

RBC Grower of the Year The RBC Grower of the Year Award is the newest addition to the CNLA’s National Awards of Landscape Excellence program. The Growers’ Award program is unique in that this national program is part of an international awards program, and the winning Canadian entry will be automatically qualified to participate in the International Ornamental Horticultural Producers Association (AIPH) Grower of the Year Award. The RBC Grower of the Year Award has been designed to encourage participation from companies of all sizes. CNLA will follow the criteria as established by AIPH to ensure the winning Canadian nursery is eligible to participate in their international awards program. Companies will be judged on the following criteria: Economic Performance and Marketplace Position; Innovation in Production and Growing Techniques; Market Orientation and Company Image; Environmental Standards; Human Resource Policies.

Investing in a vibrant horticulture future The federal government of Canada will be investing $5 million in science and innovation in the horticulture industry, by bringing together key academia, industry and government minds to address challenges and to furher research in ornamentals and breeding programs. The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), working with both the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA) and The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, has been in consultion with the government to develop a policy framework for investment into ornamental horticulture research.Through the government’s investments, two science clusters will be formed: • The Canadian Horticultural Council will receive $3.6 million to create an Edible Horticulture Cluster focused on improving production and increasing market-

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

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INDUSTRY NEWS

ASSOCIATION NEWS

able yields, particularly, field sanitation for blueberries and enhancing the storability of apples. • The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre will receive $1.5 million, creating a new Ornamental Horticulture Cluster. Research will focus on a number of key areas, including developing best practices for pest and weed control and fertilization, optimal production conditions to reduce energy consumption and improved product development, in efforts to help increase profitability through improved efficiencies and new market opportunities.

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“The support for the horticulture science clusters is indeed welcome and very much appreciated,” said Andy Vermeulen, President of Canadian Horticulture Council. “Research and innovation are the foundation to the continued success of Canada’s vibrant and diverse horticulture sector.” The horticultural sector is vital to Canada’s agriculture industry and plays an important role in the economy. “Delivering the ornamental horticulture cluster on behalf of the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance is a major step forward for both the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and the horticulture industry,” said Dr. Jim Brandle, CEO Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. “The cluster will bring together top class horticulture scientists at Vineland and from across the country to conduct leading-edge research that will deliver environmental and economic benefits for Canadian producers of ornamental plants.” The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s aim is to encourage both Vineland and COHA to adapt the research into ornamentals as part of the agriculture value chain and focus on the total output of both edible and ornamental, rather than simply the process of production. This investment is part of the Agri-Innovations program and the Growing Forward framework, a $158 million, five-year program supporting industry-led projects in science and technology. For more information on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s programs visit www.agr.gc.ca. For more information on the efforts of the CNLA on behalf of the horticulture industry, visit www.canadanursery.com.

Members (and their employees) of the CNLA are eligible to receive 10% off selected Business Share Plans through TELUS Mobility. The plans are very competitive and the value added benefits of membership make the offer that much better. All members who activate new accounts with TELUS automatically receive a $240 credit for smartphone activations and $150 for cellphone activations (credit received on third invoice). Visit your local Telus store or call 1-877-266-9663 to activate new accounts. Current Telus customers contact Alexandra Pascu (alexandra.pascu@telus.com) to switch to the CNLA plan.

Member plans include 10% discount and: • no activation fee ($35 value) • call waiting, call conference, caller ID, voicemail 10 • unlimited evenings and weekends starting at 6pm • unlimited national TELUS to TELUS calling • $0.10 overage minutes • $0.10 CDN long distance rate • pooling of minutes (bonus minutes not pooled) • add 1gb CDN data package for $25 For full details, visit www.canadanursery. com/telus

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes CAT-114.indd 1 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@canadanursery.com | www.canadanursery.com

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CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

sponsored by:

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Government of Canada invests in hort sector Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver and Secretary of State for Agriculture & Agri-foods, announced an investment of $273,000 in the BCLNA to lead two projects that will help the ornamental nursery industry capitalize on opportunities and stay competitive and profitable into the future. The announcement, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, was made public on July 23, 2010 at British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) Great Northern Way campus in Vancouver.

IAF Chair, Stuart Wilson and BCLNA president, Ruth Olde (both pictured at right) attended the CAAP funding announcement made by MP Andrew Saxton (centre). Michelle Nakano (left), project researcher at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and Maureen Connelly, Director of Centre for Architectural Ecology at BCIT are the Green Roof project’s lead researchers.

“Through their hard work and high quality products, our growers, retailers and landscapers are building a healthy environment and a healthy economy,” said Saxton. “ The investment is going towards two projects. $165,391 will go towards growers implementing The Clean Plants Nursery Certification program which ensures participating nurseries will be the front line of defense against incoming pests, whether insect or disease. A further $108,172 will help evaluate green roof methods, and technologies that support vegetation growth on rooftops, in efforts to improve air and water quality, and reduce energy costs. Research carried out collaboratively between BCIT and Kwantlen Polytechnic University will help the sector gain access to this quickly expanding market. “Our industry is proactive in adapting to new technologies and anticipating the effect a changing global marketplace will have on the ornamental horticulture industry,” said Ruth Olde, President of the BCLNA. “The excellent support we receive from the Government of Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaption Program (CAAP), as well as the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF), enables us to grasp new ideas and set them in motion quickly. Funding from IAF for strategic plan development has provided further encouragement and direction for future challenges ahead.” Olde emphasized that BCLNA

members are already a significant contributor to the greening of the province, “but we are always looking for a new place to plant plants. The Green Roofs project enables us to add a new dimension and a direction — planting straight up and sideways — to create even more environmental benefits.” “This project investigates new technologies to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases and noise pollution by planting plants on roofs,” she said. “It represents a collaboration between educators, researchers and industry members; wrapped up nicely with matched CAAP funding from Agriculture and Agri-food Canada through the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.” “These investments will help our nurseries adapt to emerging issues and seize new market opportunities,” commented Stuart Wilson, chair of the B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF). Funding for these projects is being provided by the Government of Canada’s $163-million Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program. Eligible CAAP projects could be in areas of traceability, environment, climate change, capacity development, pests and diseases, and more. For more information on CAAP, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/caap. To learn more about the IAF, please visit www.iafbc.com.

Cities across Ontario fight EAB The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in two new areas of Ontario; Brampton and Waterloo, but communities are waging war against this major pest. The Region of Waterloo conducted an inventory in 2009, estimating the cost to remove and replant the 4,522 ash trees will be $4.75-million over ten years; not including the municipality’s park system. Chris Mark, director of Oakville’s Parks and Open Space department says, “Timing is critical, as 2010 has been deemed the tipping point with EAB populations poised to enter a significant growth phase. With new technological advances Oakville helped develop, we have the potential to lead the municipal effort in detection and management of EAB.” The Community Services Committe (CSC) has approved $447,000 to finance the EAB Work Plan that involves increased lobbying efforts for investigation and funding of treatment and tools for EAB management. TreeAzin™ Systemic Insecticide, owned by the Canadian Forest Service and developed in collaboration with BioForest Technologies Inc., has received emergency registration from Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency in 2010 for use against EAB in Ontario and Quebec. When injected into ash trees, it inhibits emerald ash borer larval development and prevents adult emergence. Both Oakville and Burlington are applying TreeAzin™ to street and park ash trees, and launched an EAB trapping project. Oakville has also ceased planting ash trees and claims to be the first municipality in Canada to complete an early warning detection project that monitors the increase in insect populations. Meanwhile, the City of London spent $640,000 to fight the infestation, but officials claim there are no funds to replace all the thousands of ash trees still expected to die. London estimates it would cost $10-million to remove and replace all of the ash trees. In Ottawa, city officials say all of the 75,000 ash trees on city-owned property will probably be cut down within the next decade, but plans to plant 100,000 new trees. Additional information is available at www.inspection.gc.ca/pests or by calling 1-866-463-6017.

CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

sponsored by:

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Official Apprenticeship Trade Status in New Brunswick Landscape Horticulturist is set to become an official apprenticeship trade in the province of New Brunswick. Don Arseneault, minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour is set to proclaim this latest forward step; the result of many months (some would say years) of groundwork and negotiations, carried on by LNBs' Education committee, chaired by Darrell Nameth. This means our association is ushering in journeypersons and training apprentices as our primary functions, and we promise not to disappoint. Through promotion, the general public, and in particular students, will see our line of work as a viable professional trade, with all of the perks that go along with education in the other trades. At the same time, it will work towards alleviating some of the human resource issues, such as the lack of high skilled labour, that has plagued the green industry for years. For green industry business owners, this is another level of professionalism, along with Industry Certification, that works towards elevating the perception of landscaping, beyond the ‘mower, shovel and truck’ mentality to one of excellent quality in any job completed.

Announcing Landscape PEI By Seth Marriot

During the recent summer executive board meetings, held in Charlottetown, PEI, it was announced that Landscape PEI had been formed. After several months of meetings and encouragement from Landscape New Brunswick’s board of directors, the Island committee decided it was time for the green industry in PEI to have their own brand, to chart their own direction, and to promote themselves as Landscape PEI members and not Landscape NB members. “Now that there is an island identity, there may be more interest among other island

companies to join; in fact, there has been evidence of widespread interest from across the island, as companies see first hand the benefits of belonging,” said Cyndy McCormac, chair of the committee for Landscape PEI. “Our job is to parlay those companies into new members and we fully hope to double membership in the next year.” The committee is already working towards bringing some of LNB’s winter training program to the Island, and Landscape PEI has adopted the logo, website and promotional potential of Landscape Ontario’s Green for Life initiative. “It’s all very exciting,” say both

John Evans, LNBs’ president and Jamey Smith of Red Oak Landscaping on the Island, who currently holds a position on the Board of Directors. The contacts and administration for Landscape PEI will remain in the Landscape NB office; we just bought a filing cabinet shaped like a potato.

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CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Touring with LNB

Landscape New Brunswicks summer tour was a great success once again, thanks to the efforts of Bob Osborne of Cornhill Nursery and Rebecca Wetselaar of CNLA. A coach picked up the participants in Moncton and took them across the bridge to visit some green industry attractions on PEI. First stop was Kool Breeze Farm in Summerside, and then on to the Delta in Charlottetown to pick up growers from across Canada who were in town attending meetings. Then on to Jewells Country Market for lunch and a tour, before heading to the Dunes Studio Gallery at Brackley Beach. J. Frank Gaudet Nursery was next and the last stop was Arbour Nursery where everyone enjoyed the beautiful location and hospitality. A reception was held back at the hotel, hosted by the CNLA. This year’s tour was sponsored by Sheridan Nurseries, Envirem Organics, and Connon AVK Nurseries. If you have any suggestions for next year’s tour, please give the office a shout.

landscape industry

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Canadian Receives International Award

At the 28th Perennial Plant Symposium in Portland Oregon, July 2010, Paul Zammit, Director of Horticulture at the Toronto Botanical Garden, was presented with the 2010 PPA Service Award for his exemplary dedication, volunteering for committees and time and effort contributions to the association. Paul served six years as the Canadian Region Director, lead chairperson for the 2006 PPA Symposium in Montreal and was the 2002 recipient of the Young Professionals Award. Paul is a passionate plantsman with a penchant for perennials. He is an active member of many Canadian and international gardening communities, provides lectures on a wide array of subjects, including container gardening, perennials, ground covers, tropical plants and vegetables and is renowned as a lively and engaging speaker. The Perennial Plant Association is dedicated to improving the perennial plant industry. www.perennialplant.org

The evaluation form asks candidates the benefits they see in being certified. The number one answer is professionalism within the industry, but there are countless reasons why people get certified. Here are just a few more: • Confidence • Job security • Expand job possibilities • Challenge yourself and learn new things

Tyler Garrard will be the recipient of the Casey Van Maris Memorial Scholarship, as he embarks upon his post-secondary education at Fanshawe College in London, ON. Tyler came to CNLA as part of his high school co-op program and thanks to the help of industry professionals taking the time to teach, advise and guide him, Tyler wond gold in the Ontario SKILLS Landscaping Competition; proving he had the knowledge and passion to be a landscaper. “I hope that by the time I graduate and am running my own company, there will be more green products, more green initiatives and everyone will be more willing to invest in our environment and our planet,” says Tyler. “I want to invest in the green future as a professional landscaper by truly living ‘green’ in all aspects of life and work.” Liz Klose, Landscape Priorities Manager with CNLA and former college educator says, “With a talented individual like Tyler, we can expect a bright future.”

Certification Corner

Certification – What’s in it for you? At each Landscape Industry Certified Technician exam, candidates are given the opportunity to provide feedback on the exam through an anonymous evaluation form. After a long test day, candidates tend to leave with a positive outlook toward certification. In many cases, people only take the test because their boss requested it; however, after seeing the level of professionalism demonstrated on test day, they end up with a different perspective on the industry.

Casey Van Maris Memorial Scholarship Recipient

• • • •

Being involved in a community of trained and proven professionals Know the expectations of the industry Prove to clients you are serious about what you do Be able to train new employees properly

If you aren’t sure how certification will benefit you, talk to others you know who are certified to get their perspective. Certified individuals are a unique community; dedicated to improving our industry and donating countless hours to test days across the country because they see value in the program. Certification is a challenging, but rewarding experience for everyone involved. You’ll never fully grasp this positive feeling toward certification until you experience it for yourself. Sign up for an exam near you, and get Landscape Industry Certified.

Recently Certified Steve Adams, CLT Robert Cable Baker, CLT, CLP Michelle Barker, CLT Chris Diacur, CLT Chris Downey, CLT Nick Fratoni, CLT Nicholas Funke, CLT Ryan Heath , CLT, CLP Hironori Kamoshita, CLT Anne Kulla, CLT Marie-Claude Laski, CLT Conway Lum , CHT, CLT Mark Mastuono, CLT Eli McDonald, CLT Damen Merrylees, CLT Adam Panziera, CLT Steve Ribbink, CLT Scott Scherrer, CLT Justin Thomson, CLT

ON BC BC ON ON ON BC ON BC BC BC BC ON ON ON BC ON ON BC

*as of September 2010

CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

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Garden Centres Corner Inspections scheduled for June 2011

Garden Centres Canada is pleased to announce that we will be bringing Eve Tigwell back in the summer of 2011, to continue her inspections with Canadian retail garden centres. We are offering an early bird discount for garden centres that register for the program before February 28th, 2011 — register today to save!

Garden centres who book a half-day can expect the on-site inspection to take oneto two-hours (depending on the size of their centre), followed by a one- to twohour consultation period. Garden centres who book a full-day inspection will have a longer consultation period with Eve Tigwell. Following the on-site inspection, all participating centres will receive a detailed report with their scores and comments from Eve, along with a CD of photo’s to accompany the report.

Registration is now available, but space is limited. The program is offered only to members of their provincial green industry association and the CNLA. Visit www.canadanursery.com and click on “Garden Centres Canada” to download a copy of the 2011 registration form. For more information contact Rebecca at the CNLA office at 1-866-383-4711 or rebecca@canadanursery.com.

JVK Sustainables Green Products for the Green Industry The inspections involve a half- or full-day with our consultant, Eve Tigwell, in your centre, reviewing the following areas: • Approach and Parking Lot • Entrance and Exit • Facilities for Disabled/Toilets • Play Area • Customer Service Points • Safety • Checkout Area • People • Garden Care • Outdoor Living • Indoor Lifestyle • Food Hall/Farm Shop • Aquatics and Petcare • Houseplants • Bedding and Patio Plants • Hardy Plants • Growing Media • Outdoor Ornamentation • Garden Construction • Catering • Website

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CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

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Growers Corner

By rita weerdenburg

Signature Rose Series and Ornamental Breeding Program Transferred to Industry The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association has recently signed several landmark agreements with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada that will put the industry squarely in charge of their own ornamentals’ breeding program. Through the signing of two historic agreements, Canada’s wholesale industry will not only gain access to the vast array of genetic material that has been developed over the years by AAFC researchers, but has also obtained the rights to collect royalty fees that are paid by nursery growers on the many new plant varieties that have been introduced by AAFC. This collaborative agreement between AAFC and CNLA was the direct result of AAFC’s long-anticipated decision to formally cease their ornamentals’ breeding program at Morden Research Station (Manitoba) and St. Jean Research Station (Quebec), including their signature rose breeding program, which had resulted in the introduction of the hugely popular Explorer and Parkland series of prairie-hardy roses. The successful proposal that was submitted by CNLA in response to AAFC’s Request for Proposal was the end result of extensive consultation between industry and government researchers on options for an industry-led continuation of an ornamentals’ breeding program.

Integral to the success of CNLA’s proposal is a partnership agreement with Vineland Re-

Excellence

NATIONAL AWARDS LANDSCAPE

search and Innovation Centre (VRIC) to head up the rose breeding initiative. Noted CNLA Research Committee chair Michel Touchette, “We made it very clear in our proposal to AAFC that as the national trade association it was not the intent of CNLA to become directly involved in ornamentals’ breeding. Rather, it will be our role to oversee the participants and resources necessary for a Dr. Rumen Conev, Research Scientist, Plant Breeding, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre heads up the hardy rose research successful ornamental plant program for the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. breeding program. The fit with Vineland Station, as Canada’s newest research centre, was a Also essential to this unique industry-led natural one.” breeding program will be the role played by COPF (Canadian Ornamental Plant Founda“We are delighted to be working with CNLA tion) as their services will be maintained for on the rose breeding program at Vineland the monitoring and collection of royalties. Research and Innovation Centre, said Dr. Notes CNLA president Cary van Zanten, Jim Brandle, CEO. “The work comple“AAFC’s discontinuation of their ornamenments a suite of research programs we tal breeding program was initially of great are leading for the nursery and landscape concern to the grower and landscape plant industry across Canada. With the hardy rose industry. However, through CNLA’s partnerprogram in particular, we see opportunity in ship arrangement with Vineland Research bringing the beauty of roses to less-thanand Innovation Centre, and with support ideal growing climates around the world.” from the Canadian Ornamental Plant Foundation, we now have in place a unique Dead model that represents the start of an excitli Nove ne for e ing new era for ornamental plant breeding ntrie mbe s: r 30, in Canada.” 20

Grower of the Year 10

CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

sponsored by:

Coin de producteurs

By rita weerdenburg

Les rosiers de séries commerciales et le programme de sélection de plantes ornementales transférés à l’industrie L’Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes a signé récemment plusieurs accords historiques avec Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada. Ces accords donneront à l’industrie le contrôle de ses propres programmes de sélection des plantes. La signature de ces deux accords historiques permet non seulement à l’industrie canadienne de ventes en gros d’accéder à une gamme de matériel génétique mis au point par les chercheurs de l’AAC au cours des ans, mais aussi d’obtenir les droits aux royautés qui sont payées par les producteurs en pépinières pour l’introduction de nouvelles variétés de plantes à l’ACC. Cette entente de collaboration entre l’AAC et l’ACPP est le résultat direct de la décision longuement attendue de l’AAC de formellement mettre fin au programme de sélection des plantes de la Station de recherche Morden au Manitoba et de la Station de recherche Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu au Québec, qui inclut le programme de sélection des séries commerciales de rosiers rustiques des prairies Explorer et Parkland. La soumission de la proposition gagnante par l’ACPP est venue à la suite de consultations exhaustives portant sur les possibilités de poursuite des programmes de sélection des plantes ornementales au sein de l’industrie auprès de ses membres et des chercheurs gouvernementaux.

Le succès de la proposition faite par l’ACPP repose sur son partenariat avec le Centre

Excellence

NATIONAL AWARDS LANDSCAPE

de recherche et innovation Vineland (VRIC) qui conduira le programme de sélection des rosiers. Comme le notait Michel Touchette, directeur de la recherche pour l’ACPP, “Nous avons clairement indiqué dans notre proposition que l’ACPP est une association professionnelle et nous n’avons jamais eu l’intention de nous impliquer directement en sélection de plantes. Notre rôle est plutôt M. Rumen Conev, de la recherche scientifique, l’amélioration des plantes, Centre de recherche et innovation Vineland dirige le de superviser les participants et gérer les ressources programme de recherche a augmenté hardy pour l’Association canadienne des pépiniéristes et des paysagistes. nécessaires au succès du programme de sélections des plantes. Notre association avec le Centre de paysagistes du Canada. Le programme des recherche de Vineland, le centre de recherrosiers rustiques en particulier, nous permet che canadien les plus récent, va de soi.” d’envisager la possibilité de faire connaitre la beauté des roses dans des coins “Nous sommes très heureux de travailler du monde où les conditions sont moins avec l’ACPP dans le cadre du programme qu’idéales à leur croissance.” de sélection des rosiers au Centre de recherche et innovation Vineland,” commente De plus le rôle joué par la Fondation canale Dr. Jim Brandle, Chef de la direction. “Ce dienne des plantes ornementales (Canadian travail se juxtapose à une suite de proOrnamental Plant Foundation) pour le suivi grammes de recherche que nous menons et la collecte des royautés sera maintenu. pour l’industrie des pépiniéristes et les Cary van Zanten, président de l’ACPP note que “l’annonce par l’AAC de l’interruption Date définitive du programme de sélection des limite pour plantes a causé beaucoup d’inquiétudes le 30 les ent ré nove aux membres des industries ornemenmbre es: 2010 tales et paysagistes. Cependant, grâce au partenariat entre l’ACPP et le Centre de recherche et innovation Vineland et avec le support de la Fondation canadienne des plantes ornementales, nous avons maintenant en place une approche unique qui représente le début d’une nouvelle époque excitante pour la sélection des plantes au Canada.”

Producteur de l’année

CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

sponsored by:

Landscapers Corner Horticulture Value Chain Roundtable (HVCRT)

The Horticulture Value Chain Round Table (HVCRT), was created in April, 2004 by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, to achieve the following priorities: secure an enduring competitive advantage for the horticulture sector, build strategic alliances to advance the sector, respond to domestic and international market opportunities, and increase innovation through research. Since 2004, the Horticulture Value Chain Roundtable has developed seven established working groups, which lead to discussions, identification of research and key priorities between meetings and develop recommendations for the larger group. The four working groups are: 1. Labour 2. Ornamentals 3. Horticulture for Health 4. Energy/Environment 5. Water 6. Market Strategy 7. Fresh Produce This is part one of a two part article series featuring a brief synopsis on 5 of the 7 Working Groups (excluding Market Strategy and Fresh Produce Working Groups). This column focuses on the ornamental working group and horticulture for health.

Ornamental Working Group (OWG)

Chair: Luce Daigneault, FIHOQ Members: Brian Cocks, Cocks Nursery and Landscape; Guy Boulet, Quebec Multiplants; Victor Santacruz, CNLA; Bill Stensson, Sheridan Nurseries; Jouke Sypkes, Ontario Flower Growers; Tom Mulleder, United Flower Growers Co-operative Association; Nathalie Deschenes, Table filière de l’horticulture ornementale du Québec; Tom Lekman, Sierra Flowers Montreal; Jim Turley, Turley’s Florist; Anthony O’Neill, O’Neill’s Gardenland; Dean Shoemaker, Flowers Canada; Pierre Petelle, Croplife Canada Observers: CNLA - Rita Weerdenberg and Liz Klose; Flowers Canada - Jamie Aalbers, and Michel-Anthoine Renaud, FIHOQ - Bertrand Dumont. In November 2005, members of the HVCRT agreed on the need to create an Ornamentals Working Group (OWG), which

would address sector-specific issues, such as floriculture, nurseries and landscaping. The OWG, launched in April 2006, aims to resolve issues that impact the competitiveness of the Canadian ornamentals industry by: creating a shared understanding of the key market challenges and opportunities facing the sector; developing and implementing strategic action plans to achieve goals and targets; providing advice and recommendations on policies, programs and regulations that contribute to the development of the sector, and; tracking progress and ensuring results of agreedupon action plans. The OWG priorities are water-related issues, trade standards and data classification, plant health risk management, and building national alliances. The OWG completed four research studies in support of ornamentals marketing strategies: George Morris Centre - Literature Review of Documented Health and Environmental Benefits Derived from Ornamental Horticulture Products; Marco Water Use Related to Ornamental Horticulture; James C. Lowe Associates - Literature Review of Consumer Demographics and Behaviour Related to Ornamental Horticulture, and; Marcon – Benchmarking Study of Ornamental Horticultural Marketing Campaigns. Within the OWG, an Export Development Sub-Committee was struck to address the need for a Canadian ornamentals marketing campaign and will undertake a study to explore export markets for development. Brian Cocks, Landscape Canada Committee member, CNLA, has attended several OWG meetings and shared his experience, “The face-to-face meetings and dialogue around the table with the various associations is a great opportunity to share information. It is a means to communicate not only the priorities of the nursery landscape sector in the future developments across Canada, but it also builds on and recognizes the great work that is being done.”

Horticulture for Health

Chair: Jane Proctor, CPMA Members: Alison Robertson, OFVGA; Amy Argentino, CHC; Andy Vermuelen, CHC; Anne Fowlie, CHC; Brian Gilroy, Ontario Apple Growers; Claude Laniel, UPA; Dean Shoemaker, FCG; George Gilvesy, OGVG; Larry McIntosh, Peak of the Market; Luce Daigneault, FIHOQ; Mike Furi, the

By Liz Klose BSc. Agr, CLP

Grocery People; Melanie Richer, CPMA; Michel-Antoine Renaud, FCG; Nathalie Deschenes, FIHOQ; Sav Tsoukalas, CH Robinson; Victor Santacruz, CNLA The Horticulture for Health Working Group was established to engage the Ministerial champion role, which has two aspects: one as a sector ambassador; the other to champion issues with other federal departments. To pursue the champion role, the link must be made between food consumption and/ or ornamentals and health. A two-pronged engagement strategy should support this role through public and departmental engagement. Gleaning of research information and statistics linking horticulture to health is in progress. For more information on the Horticulture Value Chain Roundtable, bulletins and industry committee members (industry and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), see www.ats-sea.agr.gc.ca/rt-tr/hort-eng. htm, or contact Stephen Page, AAFC 613-773-0265 or Stephen.Page@agr.gc.ca

George Morris Centre – New Development

A new initiative that addresses CNLA member human resource skills development priorities is presently in progress. In collaboration with related CNLA committees, discussion with the George Morris Centre has resulted in a proposed new educational training venture. The draft proposal received favourable review and support to proceed by the CNLA board. It will be a capstone professional business management program for executives, managers, and owneroperators who want to reach a different and heightened level of excellence in their businesses. It will be customized for our sector, and will be focused on experiential training, where participants will use their own business profiles in the learning process and application of principles. It is targeted to build upon the strong foundation of Landscape Industry Certified Manager and the successful programs the George Morris Centre presently delivers. Visit www.georgemorris.org and review the Executive Development Program (EDP) and Canadian Total Excellence in Agricultural Management (CTEAM) to get an idea of the learning outcomes that will be integrated into the new program.

CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

Klosing Comments

CNLA has a successful working relationship with the George Morris Centre and this new venture promises to be a milestone development to benefit our members and industry. The next Newsbrief will feature an article on the George Morris — the man and the Centre — and will provide more information about the new program. “The Centre’s products and services assist public and private sector clients who are adjusting to change, and those leading the change.” Are you ready for a change in the way you grow your business?

28th Perennial Plant Association Symposium

sponsored by:

Kirk’s presentation brought a long-standing ovation. We don’t think we have ever heard a more passionate speaker ! He reflected on the “truths” in a very no nonsense way.

Selling at Prices Higher Than Your Competition

Larry Steinmetz, High Yield Management, Boulder Colorado - price cutting is a self-inflicted wound - your competition does not cut your price — you do - there is no way you can make it in this industry without selling - nothing in this world is so good that it will sell itself - price is more significant in the mind of the seller than in the mind of the buyer

- companies go broke by cutting their price and saying “I want to work with you, where do I need to be – I want to negotiate with you to get your business”. - hang in there and get the sale without cutting prices or making deals that lead to an unprofitable sale This is part one of a three-part series. The next issues of the CNLA Newsbrief will feature symposium speakers on Garden Trends, The Next Gardening Generation, Perennial Plant of the Year, and the New Plant Forum. For more information on the Perennial Plant Association, visit www.perennialplant.org

SUBMITTED BY LIZ KLOSE, CLP AND BETH EDNEY, CLD The Perennial Plant Association is an international trade association dedicated to improving the perennial plant industry. As a long time Perennial Plant Association member, the Symposium in Portland, Oregon was one not to be missed. My colleague and friend, Beth Edney, CLD, Designs by the Yard, Toronto, and I spent a weeks’ vacation in July, totally immersed and inspired by perennial splendour: five days of touring nurseries, retail garden centres, private and public gardens, and two action packed days of top notch speakers! Below are highlights of two guest speakers. Their message addresses topics of significance in the landscape-nursery sector.

rECOnection: Ensuring our Future

Kirk Brown, Joanne Kostecky Design, PA - “First do no harm” should be the only definition of sustainability - one green initiative at a time, every day, is your responsibility and duty to the world - Sustainable Sites Initiative is the way of the future - http://www.empowermentinstitute. net/lcd/ Empowerment Institute is the world’s premiere consulting and training organization specializing in the methodology of empowerment. See link for new book: Low Carbon Diet – a 30-day program to loose 5,000 lbs, 2007 award winning book most likely to save the planet is a must read for anyone in the green industry - 42% of clients are asking for green design initiatives (2008 ALNA survey) - new term for green roofs = eco roofs.

Attract and retain the right employees Did you know that almost half of the employees surveyed agree that workplace sponsored financial guidance and savings programs can improve their productivity at work?* Through an RBC Group Savings Plan, you can help your employees navigate today’s complex financial environment with personal advice from qualified investment professionals. Employees like it because they benefit from:

Employers like it because they gain:

• personalized one-on-one advice

• a group savings plan with no administration fees

• ongoing education

• the ability to reinforce employee loyalty and retention

• tax efﬁciency • convenient payroll deductions with potential match programs

• ongoing support for plan management • easy plan contribution options

For more information on exclusive offers available to CNLA members only, please call us at 1-877-633-2425 or email us at GFSnationalaccountrep@rbc.com All products and services are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and its subsidiaries and may be changed, terminated or withdrawn at any time without notice. Some terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions may apply. Financing is subject to the lending criteria of Royal Bank of Canada. ® Registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2010 Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. © 2010 Royal Bank of Canada. *MetLife: 8th Annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends

CNLA Newsbrief

September-October 2010

sponsored by:

Certification testing Ontario December 3, 2010 CLT (written only), CLD, CLP Landscape Ontario, Milton Nova Scotia November 6, 2010 CLT, NSAC, Truro, NS (Turf Maintenance and Ornamental Maintenance only) *

November 22, 2010 CLT (written only), CLD, CLP, HortEast, Halifax, NS British Columbia October 22-23, 2010 CLT, CLD, CLP Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley

#1 in Cutquiks®

#1 in Chain Saws

#1 in Backpack Blowers

#1 in Straight Shaft Trimmers

October 27-30, 2010: PLANET Green Industry Conference + GIE, Louisville, KY www.landcarenetwork.org/cms/gic.html

Special thanks to our Canadian customers. Canadian professionals trust their independent STIHL Dealer everyday for product demonstrations, straight talk and expert advice. The legion of over 1,000 STIHL Dealers coast to coast are committed to fast on-site service and to stand behind every STIHL product. Thanks to your support of the servicing dealer, STIHL is the Number 1 Brand in Canada.

Industry events November 8-9, 2010: ATLANTIC GREEN FORUM, St. John’s, NL www.landscapenl.org

Sales & Service

November 18-19, 2010: GREEN INDUSTRY SHOW & CONFERENCE, Edmonton, AB, Edmonton Expo Centre www.greenindustryshow.com November 22-24, 2010: HORTEAST 2010, Halifax, NS: Cunard Centre www.horteast.ns.ca

* Source: 2008 - 2009 Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Canadian Market Share Report for yearly imported gasoline chain saws, gasoline backpack blowers, gasoline cut-off machines and gasoline grass trimmers.

January 11-13, 2011: Landscape Ontario’s Congress, Toronto, ON: Toronto Congress Centre www.locongress.com February 8-9, 2011: Manitoba Green Show, Winnipeg, MB: Victoria Inn www.landscapemanitoba.com February 16-17, 2011: Landcapers & Contractors Expo Tradex, Abbotsford, BC www.landscapingexpo.net

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