GGIA JOURNAL | January 2021 by GeorgiaGreenIndustryAssociation

JOURNAL GEORGIA GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

JANUARY 2021

page 19

TRY

ASSOCIATIO

LIE D

P R O D U CTS & S A

GEORGI A G

LES

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IO N

, AL

1990 SA

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RET

, LA AIL, FL ORICULTURE

2020

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ASSOCIATIO

LIE D

P R O D U CTS & S A

GEORGI A G

LES

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P.O. Box 539 Woodbury, GA 30293 ggia.org | (888) GET-GGIA |

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IO N

, AL

1990 SA

LE,

RET

, LA AIL, FL ORICULTURE

2020

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ADAPT, OVERCOME & THRIVE

he changes brought about over this past year have forced every single one of us to adopt this attitude. It is not an unnatural attitude for our industry. This industry does it every single year as we prepare and work through spring. So, it comes as no surprise that our industry, as a whole, has thrived throughout this pandemic. Our industry has grown to $9.97-billion-per-year and employs just over 104,000 Georgians. The growth has not come without many challenges to navigate, some smooth and some painful. But each challenge has allowed us to make positive changes for our industry and our organization. For the GGIA, a change in leadership, the pandemic, ensuring our "essential" designation, the split legislative session, COVID relief funding for our industry, shifting WINTERGREEN to a virtual format, and the persistent feeling that change is still afoot have kept us focused on our path forward. We continue to press on and gain ground every day. Throughout this year, GGIA has worked diligently to ensure our industry's success, whether at the national, state, or local level. The most significant victory for our industry and GGIA during 2020 was securing our "essential" designation at the onset of the pandemic. Many individuals within the GGIA leadership team and GGIA Members state-wide stepped up to the plate to meet the challenge head-on. GGIA has worked heavily on COVID-19 relief funding through both rounds of grants and loans from PPP, EIDL, and CFAP. We partnered with many other trade associations nationwide to get IRS notice 2020-32 overturned. We know these efforts have positively impacted many of our members and hope the same is true for you and your business. We focused much effort during Georgia's split legislative session to advocate for our industry on many issues. One significant success was related to HB 1057, which prohibits domestic septage inâ&#x20AC;Żfertilizer, liming materials, and soil amendments. It regulates fertilizers and liming materials derived from industrial products and would have

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required a tonnage fee on all these inputs. The GGIA Legislative Committee was able to secure a regulatory exemption for forest products (like pine bark), slates, clays, shells, gypsum, and lime. These inputs are used in many green industry products like soilless media blends, composts, and mulches. We have worked to educate children across Georgia about horticulture and hopefully spark an interest that will build the next generation of horticulturists. GGIA partnered with many of our members to co-sponsor the Horticulture Section in the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture's Mobile Ag Classroom. Our staff and members worked diligently to raise funds, develop the content, and promote this worthy cause. This classroom has the potential to pay dividends for Georgia horticulture and GGIA for years to come. The challenges that lie ahead are not new to our industry, but we continue to make progress. The Supreme Court will hear the Florida v Georgia lawsuit over waters of the ApalachicolaChattahoochee-Flint basin in late February. We are coming out of one of the wettest years on record and are heading into spring 2021 with full reservoirs and no pending drought restrictions. We continue to work on meaningful labor change at every opportunity. None of this is possible without our members and the dedicated efforts of our supporters. As always, we will continue to work toward organizational sustainability, strive to adapt and acclimate to our ever-changing world, and persevere in our effort to advance all of Georgia's green industry. We know that our greatest strength lies in our diversity, and our united voices only add to the success of our industry. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this industry that we all love!

Lanie Riner Executive Director Georgia Green Industry Association

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LANIE RINER executive director Lanie accepted the executive director position for GGIA in May 2020.

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JEREMY OXFORD chairman

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THE ROSES AMONG THE THORNS

or so many, 2020 was like a country song. Pain, sorrow, loss, heartache, and isolation. I feel you; I have had my share the last year, too. The business of living is not for the faint of heart and we have all been stress tested more than enough these past twelve months. Out of that we have also had the chance to experience innovation, adaptation, resilience, appreciation, and gratitude. With the general public stuck at home for a period of time this year, we saw a return to landscaping and gardening that helped many businesses in our industry thrive in 2020, and for that, I am grateful. I often look for some wisdom that can be found in a good quote. Wisdom that someone else gained through their experience and then shared with others. More times than not, these nuggets end up being a reminder to me of what to focus on. One such quote, often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, states, “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” Perspective. So, it is with a rejoicing mindset that I write to you, fellow GGIA supporter; it has been a fruitful year. The Georgia Green Industry Association is fortunate to represent an industry that has an almost $10 billion economic impact and employs over 100,000 people in Georgia. It is a tremendous honor to represent you, and the GGIA board of directors and staff do not take this responsibility lightly. It is for you—because of you—that we have worked so diligently over the last year secure and promote the growth of the green industry. In 2020, GGIA worked to ensure “essential” designation for our industry during the pandemic closures, supported the creation of the horticulture section in the Mobile Ag classroom, and moved

WINTERGREEN to a virtual platform to ensure the safety and health of our attendees and exhibitors. GGIA achieved all of this and more because of you and your support. Thank you! As 2021 begins, I encourage you to find the roses among the thorns. Keep moving ahead. Our industry has the privilege of providing a product that “feeds the soul,” and after last year, I believe that now more than ever. Thank you all for what you do. My hope is that we will all continue to find ways to adapt, overcome, and thrive in 2021!

Jeremy Oxford Chairman Georgia Green Industry Association

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ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE GREEN INDUSTRY IN GEORGIA

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NUMBER OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN GEORGIA’S GREEN INDUSTRY

= 1,050 JOBS

n 1990, GGIA was formed by the merger of the Georgia Nursery Association and the Georgia Association of Landscape Professionals. Since then, GGIA has continued to grow and expand into the association it is today, merging again with the Georgia Flower Growers Association in 2005, and again with the Georgia Irrigation Association in 2009. Now, our members range from wholesale nurseries to retail garden centers, landscape professionals to floriculturists, and irrigation contractors to green industry allied partners and sales groups. Throughout the last thirty years, GGIA has made numerous contributions to the promote the welfare and growth of the green industry. Our association worked to esure that the green industry is defined in the Georgia code as “agriculture.” We led the charge on regulatory efforts to ensure consistency and quality control in growing media. We were instrumental in the creation and implementation of the 2010 Water Stewardship Act which protects the industry in times of drought, and more. All of our victories have been made possible by the continued support of our members and partners, and all of our combined efforts continue to pay off in a big way. In 2020, the green industry contributed $9.97 billion to Georgia’s overall economy. Ornamental horticulture ranked as the No. 5 commodity group in the 2018 Georgia Farm Gate Value FGV) Report— the FCV of the division totaling $888.71 million. Furthermore, the industry supports over 100,000 jobs in the state. The figures on this page and the next represent these numbers and more. These facts were sourced from the University of Georiga College of Agriculture and Environmental Science AgSnapsots 2020 and Ben Campbell, associate professor of agricultural and applied economics at UGA. Despite numerous challenges, the green industry had a successful year in 2020, and GGIA is proud to have been a part of that success. As we continue into 2021, we look forward to working with our members, partners, and supporters to ensure that this year, the green industry is as prosperous as the last. Together, we will adapt, overcome, and thrive.

T O L A s ’ t a h (T !) y e n o of m

(in millions)

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CONTAINER NURSERY

FIELD NURSERY

GREENHOUSE TURFGRASS

OTHER HORT

PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL BREAKDOWN

GREENHOUSE

CONTAINER NURSERY

FIELD NURSERY

TURFGRASS

OTHER HORT

GEORGIA GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION’S TOP 3 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS OF 2020

When statewide shutdowns threatened the viability of the businesses that make up Georgia’s green industry, GGIA worked diligently with state legislators to ensure all such businesses received an “essential” designation so that they were allowed to remain open.

In partnership with our national sister organizations, GGIA worked with state and federal officials to secure COVID-19 relief funding for Georgia’s green industry. These funds help to sustain the viability of businesses statewide who have been adversely affected by the global pandemic.

GGIA and its members sponsored the horticulture section of the Georgia Ag Experience Mobile Classroom. You can read more about this exciting new program on page 23.

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See our Partners in Sustainability on page 43.

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Now more than ever, GGIA needs your financial support. In this time of global crisis, national partisan disruption, and local economic turmoil, legislative advocacy which promotes the continuation and growth of Georgia’s green industry is utterly crucial. Such legislative monitoring and action are two of the reasons the Georgia Green Industry Association exists. The work we do in the political realm continues to serve and protect our industry daily. This past year, GGIA worked with our state lawmakers to ensure all green industry businesses were classified as “essential” and therefore exempt from the statewide shutdowns which permanently closed countless small businesses across the state. This act alone helped to preserve the livelihoods of the 100,000 people who work in Georgia’s green industry, and it helped to protect the nearly $10 billion the green industry contributes annually to Georgia’s economy. On top of this, GGIA worked to secure COVID-19 relief funding for these businesses to help support their operations during these tumultuous times. Despite these victories, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present our association with its share of challenges. Health and safety concerns for our members and friends forced GGIA to suspend, postpone, or transform a great number of its in-person fundraising efforts. The association’s largest revenue-generating event, our WINTERGREEN Trade Show and Conference, moved to a virtual platform for 2021 and thus suffered a drastic decrease in exhibitor, attendee, and sponsorship dollars—funds typically used throughout the year to aid the association in its mission to protect and promote the industry on the legislative forefront and beyond.

We need your help—your partnership—to make it through these difficult times, together. Now in its twelfth year, GGIA’s Partnership in Sustainability is a proven way for industry members to support the work of GGIA beyond the level of paying dues. The revenue the program generates allows GGIA to continue to lead on behalf of the industry on legislative and regulatory issues while keeping members informed on issues that impact the industry. In return for your support as a partner, you will receive recognition throughout the year in our various publications and are prominently featured at the WINTERGREEN Trade Show and Conference in January. This not only provides valuable visibility for your company, it tells your peers that you are working for the greater good of the industry. Contact the GGIA staff to discuss how your contribution can be an effective part of your marketing efforts as well as options for periodic payments. On behalf of the board of directors and staff, we would like to sincerely thank our partners for their ongoing support of the association. Working together, we can continue to make Georgia’s green industry better. G G I A .O R G | J O U R N A L // 1 1

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IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON PLANT SALES AND PURCHASING HABITS IN THE SOUTHEAST

Ben Campbell Alicia Rihn Julie Campbell

Curbside Pickup Available

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Curbside Pickup Available

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n January 31, 2020 the Secretary of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency to deal with the novel COVID-19 virus (HHS, 2020). By March 13, 2020, the concern around COVID-19 had been elevated to a nationwide emergency (FEMA, 2020) and many states began to implement lockdowns. These lockdowns and the subsequent reactions to COVID-19 have had a potentially profound impact on the green industry. CHANGES IN PLANT EXPENDITURES In order to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the green industry, 650 consumers from throughout the Southeast were surveyed in late July 2020 about their plant purchasing habits. From the time periods between January-July 2019 to January-July 2020 consumers in the southeastern U.S. increased their plant purchasing by 3.4%. This equates to around $132 million in increased sales for the industry. This increase cannot completely be attributed to COVID-19 as plant purchasing was trending upward over the last couple of years. However, we can have some confidence that the change is due to COVID-19 given plant purchasing generally follows the economy (i.e., economy slows, plant purchasing decreases). In March 2020 when COVID-19, and specifically stay-at-home orders and business closures hit, the economy came to a drastic stop. Given the direct connection between the

economy and plant sales, the expectation would be that a decrease in plant sales would occur. However, this is not what happened in many states. For instance, 6 of the 8 states surveyed had increases in plant sales, with Tennessee and South Carolina being the only exceptions. CHANGES IN SHOPPING PATTERNS During the coronavirus pandemic, the way consumers purchased plants changed, especially from state-to-state. Notably, both curbside and online purchasing increased. On average, curbside pickup increased by 4.7% while online purchasing increased by 4%. However, the change varied considerably by state and type of retail outlet. For instance, Alabama saw a 6% increase in curbside sales with only a 2% increase online. Florida saw a 7% increase in curbside and a 10% increase of purchases online. Tennessee saw the largest change with nearly 17% increase of curbside sales and an 11% increase in online purchases. While in Georgia, there was relatively little change in shopping patterns. POST-COVID-19 SHOPPING PATTERNS Though making quick recommendations to industry stakeholders is important, it is vital to realize that post-COVID-19 purchasing behaviors may or may not resemble pre- or during-COVID-19 purchasing patterns. Therefore, before producers and retailers expend resources on making changes in anticipation of the post-COVID-19 world, they should understand how consumers envision their purchasing habits. For instance, 57% of respondents perceived themselves as going back to their pre-pandemic purchasing habits (Table 2). This ranges from 48% in Alabama to 68% in Tennessee. Approximately 15-20% of consumers surveyed indicated even post-pandemic they plan on maintaining the same purchasing patterns they were displaying during the pandemic. The remaining 20-30% of consumers perceived their purchasing habits changing but including a mix of pre- and during pandemic levels. A majority of consumers that either decreased or increased their curbside purchasing during

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the pandemic perceive themselves as returning to pre-pandemic purchasing patterns (i.e., instore) once the pandemic ends. For instance, 53% of respondents that decreased their curbside purchasing during the pandemic indicated they would return to normal after the pandemic. However, 47% indicated they planned to continue to purchase less from curbside options after the pandemic. For consumers that increased their purchasing at curbside during the pandemic, 59% indicated they would return to normal (i.e., in-store) after the pandemic. Twenty percent indicated they wanted to continue purchasing curbside as they had during the pandemic. While the final 21% of consumers purchasing curbside during the pandemic, would revert back to purchasing in-store. For online purchasing, a majority of consumers indicated they would return to their pre-pandemic purchasing patterns. Of the consumers that

purchased more plants online during the pandemic, 56% indicated they would purchase less online once the pandemic ends. Twenty percent noted they planned on purchasing less online after the pandemic with 24% planning to purchase online more than pre-pandemic but less than during RECOMMENDATIONS For the majority of customers, the post-pandemic plant buying world will look very similar to the prepandemic plant buying world. Though the return to pre-pandemic levels may not be instant, a majority of consumers perceive their purchasing habits and plant expenditures to revert to pre-pandemic norms. Given these findings, producers and retailers should make sure they thoroughly analyze the market, especially their customer bases, in order to make informed decisions about how they change the way they do business. Ben Campbell is an associate professor and extension economist for the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Georgia. Alicia Rihn is an assistant professor for the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Tennessee. Julie Campbell is an assistant research professor for the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia. Article adapted from Campbell, Rihn, and Campbell (2020a, 2020b). To read the full text with visual aids, click here.

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I PHOTO ABOVE Georgia State Capitol Building

n a year as rife with political and legislative activity as 2020, it’s difficult to know how and where to begin to present the association’s legislative update. From the COVID-19 pandemic to water issues, new labor regulations, and transportation updates, to the election of new agricultural legislative leaders, many changes, many improvements, and many new opportunities on the political front await the green industry in 2021. COVID-19 RESPONSE: SAVING THE INDUSTRY At the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, there was (and still is) much talk in D.C. of closing nonessential businesses. Such closures threatened to permanently shutter numerous businesses across the country, from mom-and-pop small businesses to large corporations, and our state’s green industry businesses were no exception. Fortunately, early into this process, GGIA stepped in on behalf of the green industry as a whole and worked diligently with Commissioner Black and other officials at the state and local levels to ensure that all industry businesses receive an “essential” designation, thereby exempting them from the initial shutdowns as well as potential future shutdowns which allow essential businesses to remain open.

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Though GGIA and other industry supporters were able to protect green industry businesses from statewide shutdowns and shelter-in-place orders for the foreseeable future, some businesses had already suffered severe financial loss due to the pandemic. In response, GGIA partnered with its national sister organizations to ask Deputy Administrator William Beam of USDA to consider Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) direct payment eligibility be extended to our nursery and floriculture producers in an equitable manner. The letter sent to Beam describes the differences between green industry crops and other specialty crops, the need for equitable relief, and some suggestions as to how that could be accomplished. The USDA announced on July 9, 2020 that it would make more than 40 additional specialty crops eligible for CFAP, including crops that had suffered a five percent or greater price decline between midJanuary and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, had produce shipped but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channel, and had shipments that did not leave the farm or mature crops that remained unharvested. Additional eligible specialty crops were announced in August. In September, President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced up to an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Many horticultural crops were included in this relief package (named CFAP 2). Eligible crops included cut flowers, cut greenery, container grown annuals and perennials, nursery crops grown in a container or controlled environment for commercial sale, cactus, and Christmas trees. In addition to CFAP relief funds, GGIA advocated that the green industry be included in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which passed the house and senate earlier this year. One of the most significant benefits included in the bill for the green industry is the tax-deductibility of forgiven PPP loans. This supersedes IRS guidance that such expenses could not be deducted and brings the policy in line with the AGC of America letter that GGIA and hundreds of state and national organizations signed on in support of the intent of Congress in the CARES Act. The COVID-19 relief bill clarifies that “no deduction shall be denied, no tax attribute shall be reduced, and no basis increase shall be denied, by reason of the exclusion from gross income provided” by Section 1106 of the CARES Act (which has been redesignated as Section 7A of the Small Business Act). This provision applies to loans under both the original PPP and subsequent PPP loans. GGIA will still continue to monitor the situation in D.C. closely as our newly elected officials work together to make decisions regarding the pandemic.

LABOR UPDATES In addition to financial aid for struggling green industry businesses, the COVID-19 relief bill brought with it changes in the H-2B visa program which stand to benefit the industry. According to AmericanHort’s Senior Vice President Craig Regelbrugge, the bill “[p]rovides authority for the Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to increase the H-2B cap for Fiscal 2021 by up to approximately 69,000 visas if it determines that the needs of seasonal businesses cannot be met with U.S. workers; [e]nables the use of private wage surveys; [p]rohibits DOL from enforcing the corresponding employment and guarantees provisions of its H-2B regulations promulgated during the Obama administration; [p]rovides for a maximum season of up to 10 months, as opposed to 9 months in current DOL regulations; [and provides] for staggered crossing for seafood workers.” However positive these changes may be for the industry, on December 31, 2020, the Trump administration extended an executive order suspending guest worker programs (including H-2B) until March 31, 2021. Regelbrugge writes, “The March 31st deadline will not impact second half April 1st filers, as we learned during the last six months that processing of H-2B visas was not impacted. Under guidance provided by the Trump Administration concerning National Interest Exemptions, we remain confident that if your date of need is between now and March 31st that you will qualify under one of the three exemptions: returning worker, DOL-approved certification after July 2020, [or if such action] will cause financial hardship to the U.S. employer. “[AmericanHort] ha[s] been in contact with offices on Capitol Hill hat have informed us that Biden plans to rescind the order on January 20th.” If this occurs, AmericanHort and GGIA will send a timely press release to our members and contacts. In addition to the changes imposed on the H2-B visa program, the H2-A visa program has also seen numerous changes and challenges in the last year. In November 2020, a day after the Department of Labor issued a new H2-A wage rule, a federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction which blocked the rule. Regarding this issue, Regelbrugge writes, “That rule, which included a two-year freeze on the so-called Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), was scheduled to take effect on December 21. [. . .] The likely outcome will be publication of new 2021 AEWRs, but that publication will be delayed until USDA has been able to collect and tabulate its Farm Labor Survey data for the final quarters of FY2020, which ended in September.” However, there is something positive to come out of last year’s legislative changes surrounding the H-2A visa program: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a temporary final rule G G I A .O R G | J O U R N A L // 1 9

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which, according to the document, “extends the amendments to certain regulations regarding temporary and seasonal agricultural workers, and their U.S. employers, within the H-2A nonimmigrant classification. Namely, the Department will continue to allow H-2A employees whose extension of stay H-2A petitions are supported by valid temporary labor certifications issued by the Department of Labor to begin work with a new employer immediately after the extension of stay petition is received by USCIS. [. . .] The temporary extension of these flexibilities will ensure that agricultural employers have access to the orderly and timely flow of legal foreign workers, thereby protecting the integrity of the nation’s food supply chain and decreasing possible reliance on unauthorized aliens, while at the same time encouraging agricultural employers’ use of the H-2A program, which protects the rights of U.S. and foreign workers.” This rule applies to those H-2A petitions received between August 19 and December 17, 2020. WATER ISSUES The seemingly never-ending, decades-long battle between Florida and Georgia regarding Georgia’s usage of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin may be drawing near to a close as the SCOTUS prepares to hear the case for a second time in a hearing scheduled to begin on February 22, 2021. In December 2019, U.S. Circuit Judge Paul Kelly Jr., the special master appointed to hear the arguments from both sides of the suit, recommended that

the SCOTUS rule in Georgia’s favor as he found no “clear and convincing evidence” that substantiates Florida’s claim that Georgia’s usage of basin has substantially damaged the Apalachicola Bay and its oyster industry. In his 81-page ruling, Kelly writes, “The evidence has shown that Georgia’s water use is reasonable, and the evidence has not shown that the benefits of apportionment would substantially outweigh the potential harms.” According to Tamar Hallerman of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, “The ApalachicolaChattahoochee-Flint river basin originates near Lake Lanier, cuts southwest and flows along the Alabama border into the Panhandle. It serves as the main source of drinking water to more than 4 million people, including roughly 70% of metro Atlanta, and irrigates farmland in southwest Georgia [. . .]” “The case’s first expert judge, who died in 2019, implored Georgia, Florida and Alabama for years to strike an accord to prevent an expensive and potentially unfavorable court decision. The states’ governors met several times but failed to reach such an agreement. So far, Georgia has spent roughly $50 million in taxpayer money defending itself.” GGIA will follow this case closely as it unfolds and will keep our members and contacts informed. TRANSPORTATION UPDATE The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) finally issued their ruling on the definition of the terms “any agricultural commodity,” CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

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“livestock,” and “non-processed food,” as the terms are used in the definition of “agricultural commodity” for the purposes of the Agency’s “Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers” regulations. The FMCSA has formally recognized horticulture to belong under the umbrella of agricultural services. The interim final rule states that “the Agency considers plants, including sod, flowers, ornamentals, seedlings, shrubs, live trees, and Christmas trees, within the scope of the definition,” and therefore growers will be able to use the agriculture exception under the HOS regulations. 2020 LEGISLATION SESSION SUMMARY The GGIA Legislative Committee worked with legislators on many bills that impact our green industry throughout the 2020 Legislative Session, and we have followed the progress of these bills as they have moved forward. We have summarized them here for you. HB 105 State Income Tax Exemption for Disaster Payments from Hurricane Michael – The bill exempts the USDA Hurricane Michael disaster relief income paid to farmers from state income tax. This bill was signed into law on August 5, 2020, effective immediately. HB 779 (Alternative Ad Valorem Tax, redistribution of proceeds from motor vehicles) – The bill would modify the distribution of proceeds for ad valorem taxes on motor vehicles to counties, municipalities and school districts. This bill was signed into law on June 29, 2020, effective immediately. HB 793 (Budget) – The budget vote came down to the wire on Day 40 with the House adopting the conference committee report. By law, the General Assembly is required each year to pass a budget. There are over $2 billion in reductions spread across all sectors. The Department of Agriculture and UGA Extension certainly took a fair share of hits. Many vacant seats lost funding. The Georgia Department of Agriculture did get funding to get the hemp program off the ground, but not as much as was initially designated in the House budget. UGA Extension will experience cuts to travel and general operations. On a positive note, the budget avoided furloughs for state employees. This bill was signed into law on June 30, 2020, effective immediately. HB 847 (Hemp) – This bill cleans up much of the hemp legislation passed last year under HB 213. Of particular interest to the green industry was the addition of a license that allows for grower-togrower sales. Under HB 213, each licensee had to have an agreement with a processor. This limited the ability of small plant producers to grow and sell to permitted hemp farmers. The bill also makes adjustments so that our law complies with federal regulations, establishes a pre-harvest sampling test requirement, allows for university and college research, addresses transportation requirements, and

adjusts the processor permit fees. Under HB 847, the processor permit has an initial cost of $25K and an automatic renewal rate of $50K. This bill was signed into law on July 22, 2020, effective immediately. HB 894 (Seed Commission Staggered Terms) HB 894 allows for staggered terms of commission members similar to other boards and commissions. This bill was signed into law on July 29, 2020, effective January 1, 2021. HB 1057 (Soil Amendments from Industrial ByProducts) - HB 1057 gave us quite a scare during this session. The bill seeks to regulate industrial by-products by local governments, and prohibit domestic septage from being part of fertilizers, agricultural liming, or soil amendments. While 1057 was not targeting the green industry, we use many industrial by-products in our soilless media. The GGIA Legislative Committee worked to get some exemptions included in the bill prior to it passing out of the House Ag and Consumer Affairs Committee. This bill was passed through the Senate with exclusions in place and was signed into law on July 29, 2020, effective January 1, 2021. Following are the proposed bills that have stalled or died somewhere along the way. HB 286 (Right to Repair) This bill was introduced in the 2019 session, assigned to the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and did not get picked up during the 2020 session. HB 545 (Right to Farm) – The bill sought to strengthen Georgia’s Right to Farm law to better protect farms in areas zoned agricultural from nuisance lawsuits from neighbors. The version passed by the Senate did make it more difficult but removed some of the vital language in the bill, and allowed the bill to move forward. Unfortunately, the House did not vote on the Senate-passed version. HB 690 (Exemption of Permitting for Ag. Structures) – The bill passed the House by Substitute, but and made it to Assignments in the Senate. It was never picked up by a committee. HB 930 (Georgia Agribusiness and Rural Jobs Act) - Georgia Agribusiness and Rural Jobs ActChanges the definition of ‘rural,’ provides additional capital investments to these areas, and repeals conflicting laws concerning rural Georgia. It was assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee and has stalled there. HB 1035 (Tax Exemption and Credit Reform) – HB 1035 targeted filling the gap for the state budget shortfall. It would have eliminated some longstanding tax exemptions across many industries had it been approved. One such measure would have affected our sod producers and their ability to sell competitively in the southeast. This one did not make it through, and the exemption stands. There were a couple of Senate Bills that we had reported on earlier in the session that never made it past crossover day. Those are SB 351 and SB 415. G G I A .O R G | J O U R N A L // 2 1

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lementary students across the state will have the opportunity to experience the Horticulture industry in a new way beginning in 2021. Thanks to the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s “Georgia Ag Experience,” students will get to immerse themselves in an interactive mobile classroom that features seven of Georgia’s top agriculture commodities. With an economic impact of $10 billion and employing over 100,000 in Georgia, the Horticulture industry is proudly represented. The horticulture section within the trailer highlights the diverse career opportunities that exist within the green industry and gives a nod to its many sectors. Nursery/ Greenhouse growers, retail garden centers, turf growers, landscape and irrigation contractors to name just a few. Students are introduced to important facts about the green industry in Georgia and get to follow the journey of a plant from the greenhouse to a home landscape through an augmented reality feature. Getting to select plants for specific locations using the concept of

“right plant, right place” and being matched with careers in the Ag industry are other components of the tour. All these aspects create a thorough introduction for kids and provide a glimpse into the Horticulture profession. GGIA had the chance to partner with other allied organizations to help make this exhibit a reality and our membership rose to the occasion. Thank you to all the industry businesses and professionals who supported this project financially and to those who helped develop the content. GGIA Chairman Jeremy Oxford says, “The mobile classroom provides an interactive experience that highlights the scope and impact of the horticulture industry in Georgia. It is a great setting to introduce the next generation of horticulturists to the opportunities available in our industry.” Traveling around the state, the “Georgia Ag Experience” is sure to reach a broad audience and connect students with Georgia’s horticulture industry for years to come. Click here for more information.

Click here to go the website to schedule a visit and more! See the list of sponsors on page 42. PHOTOS Georgia Mobile Ag Experience website

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DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

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ick T. Place, an academic leader with a record of applying research-based expertise to the needs of agricultural producers and communities, has been named dean of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and director of the UGA Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Experiment Stations. Prior to accepting the position at UGA, Place was dean for extension, director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service and a professor in the department of agricultural education and communication at the University of Florida. His appointment at UGA was effective Jan. 1, 2021. In his address to UGA faculty, staff, students and friends, Place writes, “As I begin my tenure as dean for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, let me say how honored and humbled I am to be stepping into this prestigious position. I fully understand the gravity and challenges this vital role entails. And just as I have done with every position I have held throughout the past 30 plus years, I will fully embrace this role. My wife, Deb, and I look forward to making Georgia our home. “Since my land-grant career began as a regional dairy science educator at Penn State, my focus has been to generate a positive impact to improve people’s lives. With every new position I have held from a USDA delegate in Poland, to faculty member at the University of Florida Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, to associate dean and director for Extension at the University of Maryland, to dean and director for UF/IFAS Extension, I have strived to make a positive difference to ensure a lasting influence. Just as importantly, I feel I have grown at each step of my career; including my leadership skills, my connections with federal, state and local government officials, my relationships with stakeholders, as well as my overall passion for our land-grant mission and ideals. “I look forward to being a part of elevating CAES to even greater heights; specifically, to ensure that CAES is widely recognized as the #1 ag college. Our college provides tremendous support and resources for Georgia’s leading industry – agriculture – and it is my commitment to strengthen our recognized impact. Our CAES faculty and staff have great dedication to teaching, research and extension. I am pleased to be joining them in enhancing our contributions to agricultural and environment sciences.” A 24-member search committee co-chaired by Jennifer Frum, vice president for Public Service and Outreach, and Dale Greene, dean of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, helped identify finalists for the position. The committee was assisted by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller as well as the Georgia Green Industry Association and the UGA Search Group. TEXT Sam Fahmy PHOTO University of Georgia

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TEXT Lauren Muller Lauren Muller is the Conservation Outreach Coordinator for the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Muller is passionate about preserving the integrity of local plant and insect diversity in our natural and urban areas through habitat restoration and creating more ecologically relevant landscapes. PHOTOS Allan Cressler (Thermopsis villosa), Richard Ware (Pycnanthemum virginianum and Conoclinium coelestinum), Shannah Montgomery (Lonicera sempervirens) ABOVE FROM LEFT Carolina Lupine (Thermopsis villosa) Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)

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he start of 2021 marks the inaugural year for the Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year (GPPY) program. And with this new year comes hope for a return to normalcy, hope for new opportunities, but also hope for the diminutive but ever-important pollinator. A year ago, the 2021 GPPY winners were announced as a call to arms for Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s robust green industry to participate in this new program by growing the four winning plants: Conradina, Sweet Pepperbush, Downy Goldenrod and Butterfly Weed. Plants are annually chosen for the following four categories: Spring Bloomer, Summer Bloomer, Fall Bloomer, and Georgia Native and are proven to be top performers in the landscape while also provide valuable resources for critically important pollinators. The latter function is one that has become an increasingly significant consideration as we select plants for urban and suburban landscapes, which can harbor diverse insect populations. Once again, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the selection committee of accomplished horticulturists, entomologists and conservation experts proudly share the

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FROM LEFT Blue Mist (Conoclinium coelestinum) Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

winners for 2022â&#x20AC;&#x201D;a year in advance to align with the timelines of our important green industry partners. These four species have been carefully selected based on ecological value, consumer appeal, and ease of propagation. SPRING BLOOMER Carolina Lupine (Thermopsis villosa) is a shrub-like perennial that reaches three to four feet tall. This plant puts on a stunning display in late spring as spikes of cheery yellow flowers emerge turretlike from the mounding gray-green foliage. The flowers provide pollen and nectar to many native bees while solitary leafcutter bees us the leaves to line their nests. The Carolina Lupine is excellent for planting en masse as a background or center of perennial flower beds. SUMMER BLOOMER Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) is a two- to three-feet tall fragrant perennial wildflower that blooms throughout the summer months. Clusters of tiny white flowers provide an ample landing pad for an astounding array of pollinators, a true delight for the insect observer. It grows easily in full sun and in a variety of soil conditions. There are 5 common species of Pycnanthemum native to Georgia

that grow in a variety of habitats and all are excellent for supporting pollinating insects. FALL BLOOMER Blue Mist (Conoclinium coelestinum) is short in stature but not short on blooms. This low growing and spreading perennial wildflower blooms from late summer into the fall, creating a mist-like swath of pale blue to purple flowers. Perhaps even more charming than the plant itself is the white to pale blue pollen collected by the small bees that enjoy the flowers. GEORGIA NATIVE Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a native twining vine that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. This vine comes alive in mid-spring as its bright coral flowers put on their annual show. The nectar is a treat for hummingbirds; in the fall, many birds feed on the bright red fruit. Look no further for a high impact wildlife plantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this species also serves as the larval host for the Snowberry Clearwing Moth. Click here to learn more about the program and nominate your favorite pollinator plants. You can also reach out to conservation staff at garden@uga.edu for help sourcing and promoting winning plants. G G I A .O R G | J O U R N A L // 2 9

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GGIA ENVIRONMENTAL FRIEND OF THE INDUSTRY AWARD

COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Tom McCall

Will Bentley, Bentley Farms

Tom McCall is a grain and livestock farmer and former state representative from Elbert County, Georgia. He has been farming since 1976. He first served Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) in 1982 when he and his wife, Jane, were state Young Farmer and Rancher chairs. He then won a seat on the GFB Board of Directors where he served from 1984 to 1996 representing the organization’s 2nd District. McCall served in the Georgia House of Representatives starting in 1994. He was proud to carry on his family’s history of public service by representing Elbert and Lincoln counties and portions of Madison, Wilkes and Columbia counties. He retired at the conclusion of the 2020 session as the chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, after serving on the Natural Resources and Environment, Transportation, and Game, Fish and Parks committees. In recognition of his long record of service, McCall received numerous achievement and distinguished service awards from various groups for his dedication to agriculture and natural resources. He recently was given the National Honorary American Future Farmers of America degree. McCall received a degree in agriculture from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and later a bachelor’s degree in agronomy with a focus in animal science from the University of Georgia. McCall and his wife, Jane, are the proud parents of three children: Bud, Al and Katie. Though he has enjoyed success with farming and political endeavors, his greatest joy is his family.

Will Bentley is originally from Thomaston, Georgia, where he and his family own and operate Bentley Farms. He is a Shorter College graduate with a major in business marketing and a minor in communications. Will serves on the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Advisory Council. He is also a member of the UGA AgriAbility Board, the Macon Civic Club, the Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture Board, and is a member of Leadership Georgia class of 2017. Bentley serves as the current president of the Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC). Prior to his leadership role with GAC, he served as the executive vice president of the 5,500-member Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and the Georgia Beef Board. In these roles, he has been extremely active in local, state and federal policy formulation and advocacy, and has direct lobbying experience in our Capital. He is well known in Georgia by our elected officials and within the agribusiness community. Bentley is married to Ember Bishop Bentley and they have a daughter Holland. They live in Macon, Georgia with the family dog, Gordon. The Bentleys attend Vineville United Methodist Church. We thank Bentley for his contributions to the green industry. His dedication and service are greatly appreciated by all.

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JAKE TINGA DISTINGUISHED YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD

JAKE TINGA DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL AWARD

Brandon Coker, Pike Nurseries

Stewart Chandler, Monrovia

Raised by gardener parents in Lexington, Georgia, Brandon Coker grew up playing in the dirt. His first job was with Goodness Grows in his hometown. He earned his associate’s degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, majoring both times in agriscience and environmental systems. And throughout his post-collegiate career, Coker has steadily climbed the horticulture ladder, recently transitioning from his position with the UGA Trial Gardens to become a section grower overseeing production at a Pike Nurseries Growers greenhouse in Ringgold, Georgia. He has been featured in many prominent industry publications such as HGTV, Southscapes Magazine, Greenhouse Management magazine, and the GEMC Georgia Magazine. Coker and his wife, Heather, have been married for 11 years. They have 2 girls, Lynly, 5, and Sabrina, 3. He loves his family and spends every available moment with them. An avid Christian, he believes that God has given him “the gift of having the ability to grow plants for a living.” Of this gift, Coker says, “I could not be happier knowing that I will spend my days playing with plants.” We are proud of Coker’s accomplishments thus far, and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow and flourish in the future.

Stewart Chandler’s 41-year career in the green industry began when he was 15, working at a shade foliage nursery in southern Florida. During this tenure there, he developed a love for plant propagation and worked a number of years early in his career for various growers as a propagator. Chandler joined Monrovia in 1994 as a grower with a focus on woody shrubs and trees. He was promoted early-on and led the research and development program at the nursery for more than 10 years. He worked closely with top plant breeders and originators, evaluating and introducing new plant varieties in the industry. He also conducted practical nursery research projects to support growers at Monrovia and has worked extensively in environmental stewardship programs to include nutrient management initiatives and the implementation of the nursery’s constructed wetlands. In 2009, Chandler returned to plant production in a technical capacity where he worked as the plant health manager dealing with all technical aspects of plant production and pest management. He remained in this capacity until 2015 when he began his current role as general manager of Monrovia in Cairo, Georgia. Over the years Chandler has participated in leadership roles for a number of organizations promoting the horticultural industry. He has been involved with the International Propagators Society for close to 30 years. He currently serves as an executive board member on the board of the Georgia Green Industry Association and believes that the association represents the values of our industry and the very people that make it strong.

PHOTO OPPOSITE RIGHT metroatlantaceo.com PHOTO TOP LEFT Greenhouse Management magazine

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THE VIVIAN MUNDAY, BUCK JONES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Frank Watson

Frank Watson served as a county extension agent for 37 years. He served the Screven, Glascock, Wilkes and McDuffie counties in Georgia. Watson’s program area covered all aspects of agriculture during that time, but he became heavily involved in the green industry when he became county extension coordinator in McDuffie County. Watson has been involved with the Center for Applied Nursery Research since its inception and continues to serve as ex-officio board member to this day. He worked diligently with Jean WilliamsWoodward to develop protocols for getting diagnosis results of diseased nursery crops back to the producer in a timely manner. Watson also organized a Pesticide Clean Day which saved regional producers thousands of dollars in hazardous waste disposal fees. Though that know him best know just how deserving he is of this prestigious award, Watson accepts it with his characteristic grace and humility, saying, “I have enjoyed serving others throughout my career with UGA Cooperative Extension. I am humbled that the impact of my work would cause me even to be considered for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Thank you to GGIA for recognizing me in this special way.”

770-567-3874 Visit www.midgeorgiansy.com

and download our current availability WHOLESALE B&B TREE FARM

727 Rose Hill Road, Meansville, GA 30256

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EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD Tim Smalley, University of Georgia It comes as no surprise to those who have had the pleasure of learning from him that Tim Smalley has been named the GGIA Educator of the year. With 45 years of gardening experience combined with his own education in horticulture, he savors every opportunity to share his love for, knowledge of, and curiosity about plants and gardens as well as broader topics such as history, literature, music and art. Smalley cultivated his gardening expertise as a student gardener at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Scotland a tree farmer at Walt Disney World, and as assistant director of the botanical garden of Cornell University. Smalley earned his Ph.D. in horticulture from the University of Georgia where he now works. His classes include horticultural professionalism, woody plant identification, landscape horticulture, and a study abroad class discussing the effect of climate, topography, art, literature, economics, religion, and politics on garden history, design, and plant selection. Smalley has led 30 European garden tours and countless American garden tours with students and professionals. Smalley won a teaching award in his first year of teaching at the University of Georgia and has received a Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professorship, the university’s highest teaching

award. Smalley has also received the Outstanding Educator Award from his national professional society, American Society for Horticultural Scientists. And it’s no wonder—Smalley is consistently mentioned as his students’ favorite professor during senior exit surveys, a claim supported by his superb student evaluations. Furthermore, in 2018, his students organized a surprise ceremony in his honor upon their own initiative and funded a planting of a tree on campus to recognize Dr. Smalley for “enriching the lives of students in horticulture.” Upon accepting GGIA’s Educator of the Year award, Smalley writes, “I am very honored to have received this award and thank all of the industry professionals who have taught me along the way, assisted me in the classroom, and set extraordinary examples. I would also like to thank the students who have enriched my life by making my teaching so rewarding and enjoyable. I am pleased to see that many former students have now become industry leaders.” The green industry thanks Smalley for his efforts and dedication to teaching and inspiring so many generations of horticulturists. Because of his leadership and guidance, the future of our industry is very bright indeed. G G I A .O R G | J O U R N A L // 3 3

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BILL INABINET

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Bill Inabinet was a vocal leader in the green industry and a long-time supporter of education efforts. In 2017, GGIA revamped our scholarship program and named the new program to recognize Bill and his lasting impact on the industry. The Bill Inabinet Scholarship Fund will help support the dreams of students who are pursuing a career in horticulture. Scholarship availability will be announced each fall with the winners being recognized each year at WINTERGREEN.

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he Bill Inabinet Scholarship Program from the Georgia Green Industry Association exists to serve and support the students who aspire to be future leaders in our industry. The financial aid given is one way we can invest in their efforts and thereby invest in the success of ornamental horticulture in Georgia. The program is named to honor Bill Inabinet, a longtime leader in the green industry and a staunch supporter of education. Bill recognized the need to foster a desire for learning and that education was key to providing the green industry with future generations of leadership. Funding for the scholarship program comes from the generous gifts of industry members. Additional funding is provided through GGIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership dues. With pride, GGIA presents the three scholarship winners for this year and congratulates them on their accomplishments. We look forward to seeing these bright students become successful members of the green industry very soon.

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Katherine Pauda Ortega is a student at Gwinnett Technical College pursuing an associate degree in environmental horticulture. She obtained a certificate in floral design during her studies and is currently pursuing a landscape design certificate. Ortega recieved the Fulton County Master Gardeners’ Scholarship and works in the campus greenhouse part-time through the Federal Work-Study Program. As a work-study student, Katherine participates in and assists with almost all of the horticultural events on campus, including plant sales, farmer’s markets, and horticulture club activities. Aaron Poulsen, one of her professors, regards Ortega as one of the top students and leaders in the horticulture program. Ortega will be the first person in her family to receive a college degree. After graduation, she plans to work as a landscape designer and intends to go back to college to pursue a degree in landscape architecture.  KATHERINE PAUDA ORTEGA Gwinnett Technical College Major: Environmental Horticulture

Johnathon Strickland, now in his senior year, is an environmental horticulture major at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He has dedicated countless hours to serving his undergraduate institution with the ABAC Ambassadors where he currently serves as the ambassador president. He is heavily involved with the ABAC Horticulture Club and has served as both vice president and president, and he worked to plan, organize and execute the last three major Spring Plant Sales at ABAC. He completed an internship with Reynolds, Lake Oconee gaining field experience working on different golf courses. Strickland currently works as the ABAC greenhouse manager. He thrives in a greenhouse setting and hopes to one day own his own greenhouse where he can help people find a love for horticulture. He desires to share the knowledge he has been blessed to acquire in his years of involvement within the industry with others.   JOHNATHON STRICKLAND Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College Major: Environmental Horticulture

Jacob Winkles is a junior at the University of Georgia majoring in horticulture. Winkles admiration for horticulture stems from his teenage years, during which he worked for a company which provided fresh produce to restaurants and markets in Knoxville and Chattanooga. Winkles currently works two jobs at UGA while maintaining his position at the top of his class. He serves as vice president for the UGA Horticulture Club, for which he, along with the other officers, worked diligently to set up a plant sale website. At the moment, Jacob is considering either pursuing a graduate degree in breeding or starting a career in ornamental production—but no matter which career path he chooses, Winkles’ strong work ethic and outgoing personality will certainly guarantee him success in his horticulture endeavor.

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GROWING THE FUTURE GGIA Mentor Program

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horticulture industry offers a wide range of career choices. From landscape design and maintenance to high tech growing operations, there is an endless variety of job choices along with employers who are constantly searching for qualified employees. The GGIA mentoring program is designed to connect students pursuing a career in the green industry with seasoned professionals from across the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many sectors. A little time can pay big dividends. For students and employers alike, investing time in the GGIA mentor program can have big payoffs. Mentors can help students better prepare for their future with real industry experience and expertise. Students and mentors alike can make valuable connections that can lead to future job opportunities down the road. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been one year since the launch of the GGIA Mentor Program. Our active Student Membership Committee picked up the challenge of evaluating our progress and made some suggestions to improve the process. The committee is compromised of GGIA Board Members, Horticulture Advisors from 2-year and 4-year Horticulture programs across the state and Horticulture Club Presidents and student members from different Horticulture Departments. The revised program takes some of the pressure off of mentors and mentees to make a personal connection. Instead, program participants will work though the popular group messaging app, Group Me. Please reach out to the GGIA office to participate in the GGIA Mentor Program.

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ABBI-ELLA FARMS Richard Squires 214 Oak Trace Dr Thomasville, Georgia 31792 (229) 254-7162 abbiellafarms@gmail.com Abbi-Ella Farms specializes in bulk and burlap ornamentals. We have a huge selection of shaped boxwoods and podacarpus as well as magnolia and oak trees, oak leaf hollies, and lace bark elms. AGWORKS H2, LLC Dan Bremer P.O. Box 580 Lake Park, Georgia 31636 (229) 559-6879 office@agworksh2.com AgWorksH2.com Helping employers secure reliable seasonal labor. Full service H-2A and H-2B visa program access. Specializing in agriculture, horticulture and reforestation.

Director@canr.org canr.org CANR provides funding and support for ornamental horticulture research based on grower needs that is conducted under commercial growing conditions. Research results are open and available to everyone. CAM TOO CAMELLIA NURSERY, INC. Tom Lejeune 805 Oakbury Ct Greensboro, North Carolina 27320 (336) 643-3727 camtoo@earthlink.net camtoocamellia.com Wholesale grower of camellias, Liners 1, 3, 7, and 15 gallons. Other items include cephalotaxus, stewartia, EncoreÂ® azaleas, gordlinia, perennials and much more. CLASSIC GROUNDCOVERS, INC. Wally Pressey 405 Belmont Rd Athens, Georgia 30605 (800) 248-8424 sales@classic-groundcovers.com classic-groundcovers.com Grower of 120 varieties of groundcover and perennial plants. Since 1963 Classic Groundcovers is the “Home of Sudden Service.”

ATHENS WHOLESALE NURSERY Joe Napoli 495 Belmont Rd Athens, Georgia 30605 (706) 546-6638 awn1984@att.net athenswholesalenursery.com General nursery stock including aucuba, azalea, crape myrtle, ferns, fothergilla, ilex, juniper, nandina, perennials, roses, spiraea, trees, and viburnum.

DAVIS FLORAL COMPANY, INC. Jason McCarty 1851 Bowman Hwy NW Dewy Rose, Georgia 30634 (706) 283-1396 jasonmc@davis-floral.com davis-floral.com Wholesale greenhouse providing top quality liners, potted annuals, bedding plants and perennials to independent garden centers and landscapers.

BUCK JONES NURSERY Christian Roberson P.O. Box 339 Grayson, Georgia 30017 (770) 963-8227 jcroberson@buckjones.com buckjones.com Top quality grower, broker and distributor of plants, sod and allied products. A family oriented service company with three locations in Georgia.

DIVERSIFIED TREES, INC. Paul Chappell P.O. Box 1171 Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822 (706) 663-0300 paul@diversifiedtrees.com diversifiedtrees.com Wholesale grower of large container trees and shrubs. Specimen Landscape ornamentals. Nice selection of deciduous/hybrid azaleas and other native species. Contact: Paul Chappell (706) 887-1624.

CENTER FOR APPLIED NURSERY RESEARCH 4904 Luckeys Bridge Rd Dearing, GA 30808 (706) 836-7385

EASON HORTICULTURAL RESOURCES Curt Smith 939 Helen Ruth Dr

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Ft. Wright, Kentucky 41017 (859) 578-3535 tradeshows@ehrnet.com ehrnet.com Eason Horticultural Resources is a horticultural sales company serving garden centers, nurseries, and rewholesalers. EHR offers a full line of annuals and perennials, nursery stock, blooming tropicals, and greenhouse structures. EVERGREEN NURSERY, INC. Bill, Debbie & Will Ross 1501 Dials Mill Rd Statham, Georgia 30666 (678) 753-1818 (800)-521-7267 orders@evergreennurseryinc.net evergreennurseryinc.net Growers of fine perennials and groundcovers for the Garden Center and landscape trade since 1977. FLOWERWOOD NURSERY, INC. Todd Carnley P.O. Box 708 Loxley, Alabama 36551 (800) 858-3521 cbroom@flowerwood.com flowerwood.com Flowerwood offers plant brands consumers demand: Southern Living Â® Plant Collection, Encore Azalea Â®, Knock Out Â® rose, Endless Summer â„¢ Hydrangea, and other top brands; offering POP-Materials, tagging, & Pre-Pricing. GAINOUS’ SHADE TREES, INC. Lee Gainous 164 Nursery Ln Cairo, Georgia 39827 (229) 377-2202 gst.leegainous@yahoo.com gainousshadetrees.com Gainous Shade Trees Inc. has been in business for over 30 years. We continue to specialize in #5 and #7 shade and ornamental containerized trees. GEORGIA GREEN INDUSTRY ASSN Lanie Riner P.O. Box 539 Woodbury, Georgia 30293 (706) 632-0100 lanie@ggia.org ggia.org GGIA is a statewide trade association whose members include wholesale nursery growers, retail garden centers, floriculture growers, landscape and maintenance contractors, irrigation

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contractors and suppliers of allied products and services. Contact Lanie Riner, executive director of GGIA, direct at (706) 977-3076. GRACO FERTILIZER COMPANY Ken LeGette P.O. Box 89 Cairo, Georgia 39828 (229) 377-1602 nichole.r@gracofertilizer.com gracofertilizer.com Manufacturer of premium quality ornamental and turf fertilizers and custom potting soils. Distributors of I.C.L., Osmocote, Florikan products, organic fertilizers and horticultural chemicals. GREENLEAF NURSERY CO. Toby Brown 262 FM 2674 Rd El Campo, Texas 77437 (979) 578-9681 Toby_Brown@greenleafnursery.com greenleafnursery.com Over 75 years of producing predictable, premium quality plants with superior customer service.

HACKNEY NURSERY Martin Hackney P.O. Box 160 Greensboro, Florida 32330 (850) 442-6115 martin@hackneynursery.com hackneynursery.com Hackney Nursery is a wholesale grower of Woody Ornamental Shrubs, Trees, Roses, Grasses and Groundcovers. Our primary market is the Southeastern United States. We strive to offer quality products to the nursery and landscape trade. HARP’S FARM MARKET & NURSERY, INC. Mickey or Tammie Harp 1692 Highway 92 South Fayetteville, Georgia 30215 (770) 461-1821 sales@harpsfarmmarket.com harpsfarminc.com Growing quality container plant materials ranging from 1 to 30 gallons. Specializing in Native Azaleas, Japanese Maples, Camellias, Flowering Shrubs, Hydrangeas, Boxwoods, Trees, Crape Myrtles,

Conifers, Roses, Ferns, Vines, and Native Plants. HORTICULTURAL ALLIANCE Stan Deal 5604 Brackin Rd Donalsonville, Georgia 39845 (229) 309-9160 stan.deal@italpollina.com horticulturalalliance.com We offer innovative, solution-driven products that strengthen horticultural businesses in landscape, arbor, turf, & nursery. We follow nature’s systems to promote growth & vitality while reducing water demand. HOWARD BROTHERS Andy Darnell 3616 Buford Hwy Duluth, Georgia 30096 (770) 476-3006 andy@howardbrothers.com howardbrothers.com Your one stop for professional grade, quality equipment sales and service. Brands like Stihl Exmark Echo Honda Walker Ventrac and Scag. Plus full line hardware store. 5 Locations.

At Buck Jones Nursery, we are proud to be our customers’ end-to-end solutions for all of their landscape needs. From supplies to installation, we have everything you need. Buck Jones Nursery is a grower of container shrubs and trees, and a broker for plant materials and hardscape goods. We have been servicing Georgia since 1972, and have three convenient locations to best serve you. Call or come by today, or visit us online at buckjones.com. Grayson, Georgia Phone: (770) 963-8227 Woodstock, Georgia Phone: (770) 345-5506 Wrens, GA 30833 Phone: (706) 547-3342

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G E O R G I A G R E E N I N D U S T RY A S S O C I AT I O N KB TREE FARMS, LLC Bryant Collins 6678 Old Georgia Hwy 3 Camilla, Georgia 31730 (229) 881-0103 kbtreefarms@gmail.com kbtreefarm.com B&B Tree Grower KING’S SUNSET NURSERY, INC. Tommy or Sharon King 875 Five Forks Rd Liberty, South Carolina 29657 (864) 843-6880 kings_sunset_nursery@msn.com kingssunsetnursery.com At King’s Sunset Nursery, our goal is to produce the best quality plant material and offer it at a reasonable price with the best quality and service that we can offer to our customers. MCCORKLE NURSERIES Tony Rogers 4904 Luckey’s Bridge Rd Dearing, Georgia 30808 (706) 595-9702 trogers@mccorklenurseries.com mccorklenurseries.com A family-owned, wholesale nursery based in Dearing, Ga., that sends plants throughout the Southeastern United States for gardeners to buy at their favorite local garden centers. MNI DIRECT Tim Rogers 4904 Luckey’s Bridge Rd S.E. Dearing, Georgia 30808 (706) 843-1564 info@MNIDirect.com MNIDirect.com MNI Direct offers a wide variety of high quality plant material from all over the United States. We are your single source provider that delivers direct to your job site. NATURE’S ELITE TREE FARM INC. Tad Bielstein P.O. Box 605 Plainville, Georgia 30733 tad.bielstein@gmail.com Wholesale grower of quality trees. B&B tree grower in Plainville, GA NATURE’S TREE FARM Steve Kenney 2155 Strickland Town Rd Luthersville, Georgia 30251 (770) 550-3439 naturestreefarm@gmail.com naturestreefarms.com Growers of quality, container trees & shrubs. Magnolia, Oak, Maple, Birch, Elm, Holly, Crape Myrtle, Ginkgo, Serviceberry, Arborvitae, Cryptomeria, 4 0 \ \ J O U R N A L | G G I A .O R G

Cherry Red Bud, Viburnum, Osmanthus, & many other species. NYP-CORP Chad Barfield 805 East Grand St Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201 (908) 351-6550 mzagorski@nyp-corp.com nyp-corp.com NYP Corp has proudly served America’s Nursery growers with quality burlap, twine, wire baskets, bamboo and many other related products since the 1950’s. Now with 5 locations to serve you. PATTILLO TREE FARM, LLC Mark Pattillo 1468 Patterson Rd Griffin, Georgia 30223 (404) 925-5295 mark@pattillotreefarm.com pattillotreefarm.com Grower of 1 gallon to 45 gallon evergreen and ornamental trees and shrubs. PLANTANT Darryl Tackoor 10200 W State Rd 84, STE 213 Davie, Florida 33324 (954) 489-8268 info@plantant.com plantant.com The nation’s largest online wholesale plant and nursery directory. PREMIER GROWERS, INC. Lewis Sharp or Jeff Gaston 3485 S. Puckett Rd Buford, Georgia 30519 (770) 932-5234 jeff@premiergrowersinc.com premiergrowersinc.com Delivering premier quality seasonal color & bedding plants to landscaping professionals since 1987. RED PEBBLE TREES Blake Hunter 1558 Faceville Attapulgus Rd Bainbridge, Georgia 39819 (352) 398-5072 blake@redpebbletrees.com redpebbletrees.com At Red Pebble Trees our goal is to provide quality field grown trees with remarkable service. Located in Bainbridge, GA near I-10. Varieties such as Oaks, Elm, Crape Myrtle & Red Maple. SPECIALTY TAG & LABEL, INC. Paul Plumlee 3963 Falcon Pkwy Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542

(770) 965-0440 info@specialtytag.com specialtytag.com Specialty Tag provides printers, software, tags, & labels to the horticulture industry. We also provide bar code & color picture printing, tree ties, flagging tape and attaching solutions. SUNBELT GREENHOUSES Greg Hopwood 200 Thompson Dr Douglas, Georgia 31535 (912) 384-3806 ghopwood@sunbeltgreenhouses.com sunbeltgreenhouses.com With over 25 acres of production capacity, Sunbelt specializes in spring crops of bedding plants, hanging baskets, and annuals for container gardening & landscapers. THE PLANT AND SUPPLY LOCATOR Mark Massey 102 East Lee Rd Taylors, South Carolina 29687 (800) 475-2687 mark@plantlocator.net plantlocator.net Providing Plant and Hardgood references over 25 years in Print & Online! Call 1-800-4-PLANTS or email leigh@plantlocator.net to get your FREE copy of Plant Locator Magazine and visit www.plantsearch.com! THE STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA UGA Shelly Prescott 2450 S Milledge Ave Athens, Georgia 30605 (706) 542-6132 sprescot@uga.edu botgarden.uga.edu The State Botanical Garden is a 313-acre preserve set aside to foster appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of plants and nature through collection and displays horticultural gardens, education programs, and research. THUNDERWOOD FARMS, LLC Gray Riner 13488 Highway 85 Woodbury, Georgia 30293 (706) 977-3590 griner@thunderwoodfarms.com thunderwoodfarms.com Custom Grown Prefinished and Retail Ready Perennials & Herbs. TIMBERLINE NURSERY Paul Miller P.O. Box 248 Pavo, Georgia 31778

A DA P T, OV E R CO M E & T H R I V E | JA N UA RY 2 0 2 1 (229) 226-8893 becky@timberlinenursery.com timberlinenursery.com Wholesale Grower of quality plant material. We deliver on our trucks to ensure that customers receive quality plants and timely delivery. Superior plants. Superior service. TREES OF GOOD HOPE Matt Chandler 3960 Braswell Church Rd Good Hope, Georgia 30641 (770) 601-0832 info@treesofgoodhope.com treesofgoodhope.com Wholesale grower of shade and ornamental trees. 2”-6” maples, oaks, cherry, hollies, arborvitae, cypressbald, leyland, Murray X, blue ice, and brodie. UGA EXTENSION Greg Huber 1109 Experiment St Griffin, Georgia 30223 (770) 229-3251 ghuber@uga.edu extension.uga.edu You have a green industry Business and we have research-based and trusted answers. Contact us at extension.uga.edu. For more information regarding the Georgia Certified Landscape Professional and Georgia Certified Plant Professional exams and certification, visit GCLP. info for landscapers and GCPP.info for nurserymen.

Bare Root Trees 8917 Smithville Highway McMinnville, Tennessee 37110 (931) 934-7673 office (931) 934-3733 fax (931) 607-2835 cell

www.ShadyRestNursery.com

BECOME A GEORGIA CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL VISIT GCLP.INFO OR CALL (770) 233-6107

EQUIPMENT OPERATION & SAFETY PLANT IDENTIFICATION PEST IDENTIFICATION PRUNING PLANT INSTALLATION TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT IRRIGATION PESTICIDE SAFETY G G I A .O R G | J O U R N A L // 41

G E O R G I A G R E E N I N D U S T RY A S S O C I AT I O N

GEORGIA’S AG EXPERIENCE SPONSORS

Agricultural Commodity Commission for Peaches • Buck Jones Nursery • Color Burst • Landscapes of the South, Inc. • Monrovia • Jeff Davis County Farm Bureau • Jones County Farm Bureau • Newton County Farm Bureau • Ruppert Landscape • Thoms Trees & Plants, Inc. • Cleveland Tree Company • Banks County Farm Bureau • Brooks County Farm Bureau • Clayton County Farm Bureau • Colquitt County Farm Bureau • Decatur County Farm Bureau • Dougherty County Farm Bureau • Elbert County Farm Bureau • Franklin County Farm Bureau • Grady County Farm Bureau • Habersham County Farm Bureau • Hall County Farm Bureau • Hart County Farm Bureau • Houston County Farm Bureau • Jefferson County Farm Bureau • Johnson County Farm Bureau • Madison County Farm Bureau • Mitchell County Farm Bureau • Oglethorpe County Farm Bureau • Stephens County Farm Bureau • Thomas County Farm Bureau • Tift County Farm Bureau • Towns County Farm Bureau • Twiggs County Farm Bureau • Wheeler County Farm Bureau • White County Farm Bureau • Worth County Farm Bureau

2021 WINTERGREEN SPONSORS

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PARTNERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM CHAMPION...............................................$5,000-$9,999

GUARANTOR.............................................$2,500-$4,999

GUARDIAN................................................$1,000-$2,499

PATRON............................................................$500-$999 Alex Smith Garden Design, LTD • Cleveland Tree Company • Cofer’s Home & Garden Showplace Florikan Gainous’ Shade Trees, Inc. • Griffith Propagation Nursery, Inc. • Thoms Trees and Plants

SPONSOR.........................................................$250-$499 Athens Wholesale Nursery • Byron Lakeview Nursery • Chappell Mill Trees • County Line Nursery Dorsey Farms • Eason Horticulture Resources • EM Smith Nursery • Graco Fertilizer Company Harp’s Farm Market and Nursery • The Henry F. Michell Company • Hillside Ornamentals Ikthus Tree Farm, LLC • Lakeside Trees, Inc. • Mid Georgia Nursery • Nature’s Tree Farm Oelschig Nursery • Pattillo Tree Farm • Randy’s Perennial & Water Gardens • Specialty Tag & Label SunGro Horticulture • Sweetwater Creek Nursery • Thunderwood Farms

FRIEND.............................................................$100-$249 Advanced Training & Development • Gardens South Landscape & Design Inc. • Haviland Plastic Products Horticultural Specialty Services • Stockhaven Nursery, LLC

REFERRALS They really pay off.

Save 50% on your membership dues! JOIN GGIA’S MEMBER REFERRAL PROGRAM!

CURRENT MEMBER

HOW IT WORKS: In a recent member survey, 97% of members said they were likely to encourage a colleague to join GGIA. Now you have the opportunity to do so while putting money back into your pocket. Simply refer a new member* to GGIA, and you will both save 50% on your annual dues. Submit this form to the GGIA office or call us. We’ll handle the rest, and you’ll be on your way to saving.

Address:

*Applies to new members joining at the active membership level only

Name: City/State/ZIP: Email: Phone:

NEW MEMBER Name: Address: City/State/ZIP: Email: Phone: Office Use Only: Date New Member Joined: __________ Date Verified: __________ Staff Initials: ______

Call us at (706) 632-0100 or visit us online at ggia.org for more information. Email completed form to lanie@ggia.org or fax to (706) 632-0300.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION Dedicated legislative relations focusing on ensuring your positions are heard on issues that impact YOUR business

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Networking with other industry leaders, potential customers, and supply sources made easy

INDUSTRY UPDATES Timely and weekly updates on industry news and compliance issues with E-Newsletters and Legislative Updates CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS We partner with the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture to support certification programs that set you apart from your competition UNITED VOICE From legislation to economic issues, GGIA offers a united voice on the issues that impact ALL segments of the industry WINTERGREEN TRADE SHOW Special pricing and sponsorship opportunities at Georgia’s premier, multi-day horticulture conference and education event

JOIN GGIA TODAY The Georgia Green Industry Association (GGIA) is a statewide trade association whose mission is to promote and advance the economic, lifestyle and environmental benefits of Georgia horticulture for our members, our families and our communities. Through education, legislative monitoring, certification exams, trade shows, and conferences for the horticulture-related industries in the State, the GGIA is deeply rooted in the industry and continues to grow for the betterment of the industry’s future. GGIA is composed of 6 divisions that provide representation to the entire industry. Each of these divisions is equally represented on our board of directors ensuring that each sector of the industry has direct influence on our policies and initiatives.

GGIA DIVISIONS Wholesale Nursery Floriculture Retail Garden Center Irrigation Landscape Allied Products & Sales US

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P.O. Box 539 Woodbury, GA 30293 ggia.org | (888) GET-GGIA

GGIA JOURNAL | January 2021

Articles inside

Sponsors and Partners

Bill Inabinet Scholarship Recipients

Pollinators of the Year

Georgia’s Mobile Ag Unit: Discovering A Plant’s Journey from the Greenhouse to Your House

Legislative Update

Impact of COVID-19 on Plant Sales and Purchasing Habits in the Southeast

Letter from the Executive Director

Partnership in Sustainability