Annual/Termination Reports:

[07/22/2005] [04/20/2006] [09/15/2006] [04/26/2007] [09/27/2007] [03/17/2008] [09/08/2008] [03/16/2009] [07/27/2009] [03/08/2010] [07/13/2010]

Report Information

Participants

Barton, Susan (sbarton@udel.edu) - University of Delaware; Behe, Bridget (behe@msu.edu) - Michigan State University; Brumfield, Robin (brumfield@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University; Garlisch, John (jgarlisc@express.cites.uiuc.edu) - University of Illinois; Hall, Charles (crh@utk.edu) - University of Tennessee; Harkess, Richard (rharkess@pss.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State; McNiel, Robert (rmcniel@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Rainey, Ron (rrainey@uaex.edu) - University of Arkansas;
Stegelin, Forrest (fstegelin@agecon.uga.edu) - University of Georgia;

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 1:00pm. Agenda presented and approved by Charlie and seconded by Bridget. Bridget moved and Sue seconded a motion to approve minutes as received.

Presidential comments. Bob recognized Sue for her efforts in planning the summer meeting as well as extended a thank you to her assistants, Leslie Carter and Val). All committee members expressed their gratitude for her efforts. It was agreed that Ron would send thank you notes to the assistants and tour hosts.

Bob also recognized Bridgette and Charlie for the work in resubmitting the project. The committee has a new committee number, S1021, with a project date of Oct. 2005  Sept 30, 2009 . The research project also has new Administrative and CSREES Advisors, Craig Nessler and Henry Bahn.

There were no administrative or CSREES advisor reports.

Charlie gave a report on the webpage. He highlighted his recent updates to the site, specifically noting the change of the title to Green Industry Research Consortium. He also mentioned a link for publications noting that the administrative advisor really liked the link to highlight the committees productivity.

Bob started the manuscript reports. Currently updating field and landscape price information, hopefully by early fall will have progressed extensively on manuscript.
· Behe noted that Sept JEH will have an article from the landscape manuscript.
· NRAES converted the Southern Cooperative Series bulletin into a for sale publication. Enhancing Profitability in Greenhouse Firms will sale for $18 available on their website.www.nraes.org

Operation costs survey currently being conducted by Profit Planning Group organized by PLANET who works with ANLA on certain education programs.

Sue led discussions on the labor study addressing some of the sampling issues, which included issues for small states and the focus on firms utilizing migrant workers. Charlie encouraged team to seek input from Hodges on available sampling techniques. Committee also discussed the survey design in terms of formatting and content issues. One item of note is the importance of consistency in question format and pre-coding the survey on the instrument itself. Committee has concerns with the survey design in its current state. Sue will communicate committees concerns in terms of edits to survey design, content, and formatting. Several committee members (Sue, Charlie, Behe) volunteered to participate along with all the states that are participating in a conference call with Hannah.

National Nursery Survey
Charlie discussed the national nursery survey indicating the data sets have been sent to all the states. The manuscript is being developed into a Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin by the end of the summer. Data sets will also be available on Charlies Green Industry website for download. Charlie indicated that the manuscript was in need of reviewers. The reviewers were selected for the manuscript: Hinson, Behe, Rainey, Stegelin.

Economic Impact Study
Charlie sent around the weblink for the manuscript which has just been published in Pdf format from the UT website. The report can be downloaded by chapters or the entire report. Charlie noted 1000 hardcopies of the report and 2000 executive summaries were printed and that we can download and use at our disposal.

Business Analysis
No report from committee members. Charlie noted that Allan was using the analysis and on-line system model with some risk management workshops across the southern region. Sue suggested Allan and John provide an afternoon seminar session at our next meeting on using the model to the committee. Committee agreed and it was decided that Bob would contact to set up the session at winter meeting.

Price Study
No progress in the short term.

Evaluation of State Promotional Programs
Forrest led discussions on this project in terms of what has been done in other states. He indicated that the number of states that were participating has increased. Sue questioned whether the project was still active. Committee agreed that the project had been completed.

Cut Flower Budget
Robin noted that she recently submitted a grant for the project and will know by Sept. whether or not project was funded. She also noted that there was a cut flower session at the New Jersey show discussing budget generation.

New Studies
Bob discussed consumer profiles since this area overlaps in the projects new objectives. Committee agreed to research this area.

Behe talked about a national chestnut survey that she and Jennifer have conducted which led to some significant data on gardening practices and purchases. She asked for feedback from the committee in terms of some of the preliminary findings. She also suggested committee members contact her if they had an interest in assisting with some of the analysis for future research and publications.

Charlie mentioned the Container Cost publication report development. The report is an update of the zones 7 and 8 report. Committee has begun the initial stages of the update in terms of visiting with state production specialists.

Future meeting dates: The Winter 2006 meeting was agreed to be San Jose, California during mid-February. It was agreed to have two days of tours: one day for garden centers/retail sales with the other day focusing on nursery production.

The Summer 2006 meeting was decided to be in Atlanta during the SNA conference. The meeting will be held at the SNA researchers headquarters on the Wednesday morning.

Meeting adjourned at 3:30pm

Respectfully submitted
Ronald Rainey

Accomplishments

Webpage update: Green Industry Research Consortium. http://www.s290.org/<br /> <br /> Operation costs survey currently being conducted by Profit Planning Group organized by PLANET who works with ANLA on certain education programs.<br /> <br /> Economic Impacts of the Green Industry in the United States at http://www.utextension.utk.edu/hbin/greenimpact.html

Publications

Impact Statements

Back to top

Report Information

Participants

McNiel, Bob (rmcniel@uky.edu), University of Kentucky; Garlisch, John (jgarlisc@uiuc.edu), University of Illinois; Behe, Bridgett (behe@msu.edu), Michigan State University; Bahn, Henry (hbahn@csrees.usda.gov), USDA/CSREES; Hodges, Alan (awhodges@ufl.edu), University of Florida; Nessler, Craig (cnessler@vt.edu), Virginia Tech; Uva, Wen-Fei (wl32@cornell.edu), Cornell University; Dennis, Jennifer (jhdennis@purdue.edu), Purdue University; Mathers, Hannah (mathers.7@osu.edu), Ohio State University; Brumfield, Robin (brumfield@aesop.rutgers.edu), Rutgers University; Barton, Susan (sbarton@udel.edu), University of Delaware; Hall, Charlie (crh@utk.edu), University of Tennessee; Rainey, Ron (rrainey@uaex.edu), University of Arkansas.

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was held at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Mountain View, California. It was called to order at 8:40 am on February 21, 2006 and began with a roll call of meeting participants.

McNiel discussed changes in the committee's membership since the last meeting. Hall commented on the committee's website listing of project participants. There were several comments about potential new committee members, and Hall overviewed the NIMSS process for inviting participants to the project.

The agenda was presented and approved with a motion by Hall, seconded by Behe. Behe moved and Brumfield seconded the approval of the last meeting's minutes as received with one amendment adding the meeting date, June 29, 2005.

Presidential comments (Bob McNiel): McNiel commented on the tour activities for this meeting, summarizing the previous day's tour and discussing the Wednesday tour schedule. Hall noted appreciation for McNiel's efforts in arranging a fantastic tour schedule and selecting exceptional accommodations.

Administrator's Report (Craig Nessler): Nessler gave an overview of the President's recently released budget, discussing some of the changes in formula funds and other funding allocations, specifically noting increases in competitive funds.

He mentioned that the Southern Agricultural Experiment Station Directors had a conference call and unanimously opposed the proposed budget. Each of the Directors is proposing impact statements to discuss some of the potential impacts. Extension Directors are also examining impacts on their state budgets.

Nessler commented on the need to examine the reporting systems to ensure that project activities are accurately reflected. He noted the success of this committee's reporting efforts and overall level of activity.

CSREES Report (Henry Bahn): Bahn began his report by commenting on the President's budget and the changing situation with the budget. He noted that much of the NRI growth has been at the expense of other programs. He supports the President's budget and stated his belief that the current trends - more competitive and multi-state funding - are likely to continue with additional increases in those areas. Additionally, he highlighted the change in funding focus away from commodities and more toward scientific areas, genomics for example. He noted that there was more money available for integrated funding proposals.

He then began discussions on the importance of the reporting systems. He noted that it is difficult to find relevant data on telling what is being done, specifically in terms of output, outcomes and impacts for CRIS reports. He mentioned the importance of identifying the scope and scale of work areas. He noted that we should be more attentive to discussing the impacts (macro) of our work, for example impacts on management practices, cost changes, revenue changes, etc.

Webpage Update (Charlie Hall): Hall gave an update of the committee's webpage. The committee will continue to use the www.S290.org registration since we are paid through the summer of 2006, changing to www.S1021.org upon the expiration date. Hall commented on the information available on the website (upcoming meeting information, tour information and pictures, project participants, and publications).

Manuscript reports:

Labor Study: Mathers gave an update of the labor study discussing the activities to date. She commented on the receptiveness of the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) to this type of project, suggesting opportunities for future work addressing labor issues. The project leaders are currently in the process of finalizing the state contact lists. She noted the wide range of labor issues being discussed and talked about the impact of communication or lack of communication on labor issues, primarily with Hispanic workers. She suggested the need to further address this area in terms of researching ways to improve communication between workers and employees.

Lastly, Mathers commented on the potential for future research on the impacts of "invasive plants" on the industry. Barton commented on an alternative approach for the committee, looking at viable marketing alternatives for the industry to combat this problem. The committee was supportive of working on the project but suggested including both perspectives in it. The project would have objectives that examine the costs of invasive plants as well as some alternatives from a marketing perspective. Committee includes Barton, Behe, Uva, Hodges, Dennis, and Mathers.

Budget - McNiel indicated that recent work on the project resulted in 40-60% of inputs costs being updated. Landscapes will be the first budget updated completely. Review team includes Hall, John Haydu, Hodges, and Mathers. There will be a re-release of the updated container and field costs as well as a new release of the landscape manuscript. All three will be Southern Cooperative Series Bulletins.

NRAES (Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service) - Hall began discussing our alliance with them. We currently have two 4-color publications listed on their site. The Greenhouse Profitability report was released in June 2005 with 36 copies sold. Establishing a Garden Center was released in Dec. 02 with 820 copies sold to date. There was discussion of our marketing efforts to assist with publicizing our publications. A publications marketing committee was formed to address this issue. Committee members include: Charlie Hall (chair), Jennifer Dennis, Bridget Behe, and Ron Rainey.

National Survey and Economic Impact Study - Hall noted recent completion of the 4th national survey (89, 94, 99, 04) which included 44 states and 97% of gross receipts in the U.S. He then gave an overview of the national economic impact of the green industry on the U.S. economy. He reported the industry output at $147.8 billion with 1.9 million jobs for the U.S. The report is available online at: www.utextension.utk.edu/hbin/greenimpact.html.

Hall noted the national exposure that the report has received from national industry publications, newspapers as well as the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) legislative conference. The committee is set up to conduct the economic impact in conjunction with the national survey. Hodges suggested the idea of listing the report as a Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin which the committee supported. Hodges also commented on the difference between the committee reported and National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) estimates. It was noted that there exists a NASS sub-committee which will meet in Washington, D.C. with NASS officials to discuss some of the methodology for the upcoming NASS surveys.

Progress on current studies:

Hodges presented an overview of the online nursery business analysis program that was developed at the University of Florida. Discussion ensued regarding appropriate means of rolling out this methodology on a regional basis. Suggestions for funding included the higher education challenge grants (RFA is next February), SARE in-service grants, HRI, etc. to fund a fully integrated project (research, teaching, and outreach goals). Hodges, Uva, Behe, and Brumfield volunteered to develop a HRI proposal for this year. Barton, Hall, and Dennis are interested in serving as a subcommittee.

McNiel reported on the price study. He collected prices on viburnums and junipers and needs someone to work on the study with him.

Brumfield reported on the status on the cut flower budget project. Ten budgets on cut flowers are underway as part of a Risk Management Association (RMA) grant project. Uva received a grant to do a cut flower study on cut flower production in high tunnels. Dennis and Behe also expressed an interest in working on this topic. Collaborations on this subject matter area were discussed.

Hall reported on the status of the cost of production study (climatic zones 7 & 8). A grant pre-proposal to the Southern Region Risk Management Education Center was approved, and the committee was invited to submit a full proposal for consideration for funding. If funded, Mississippi State University will update the budget generator to accommodate nursery crop budgets.

Behe reported on 2 manuscripts in progress on a project looking at (1) differences in consumer purchases by ethnicity and satisfaction/regret associated with such purchases, and (2) a study looking at the cognitive and emotional drivers of repeat purchases (loyalty) in terms of delight and perceived value which is being submitted to the Journal of Marketing Research.

Future meeting sites:
Summer meeting: Atlanta, Georgia
Winter meeting 2007: Florida (Alan Hodges will make the exact decision where).

Subcommittee meetings on invasive plants, NASS, publications marketing.

Meeting adjourned 4:04 p.m. Appreciation expressed to Drs. Bahn and Nessler for their invaluable contributions to this meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Ronald Rainey

Accomplishments

Research conducted under Multistate Research Project S-1021 was initiated October 1, 2005 to revise and carry on the studies initiated with Project S-103 and continued by Project S-290.<br /> <p><br /> Nineteen Land-Grant institutions participate in this project, and participants are both research and extension horticulturists and economists. Three major objectives have been identified, and subcommittees have been formed to design and implement the project.<br /> <p><br /> Selected landscape installation techniques were evaluated based on establishment success and time required. Establishment was characterized using whole plant growth parameters. Regional conditions, such as soil type, amendment availability and temperature extremes were considered. Economic inputs required for installation and establishment will be developed. <br /> <p><br /> Data to support analysis of adjustments in marketing and management practices of wholesale and retail firms will continue to be obtained by mail survey techniques.<br /> <p><br /> Researchers plan to (1) ascertain the important quality factors and plant quality characteristics for a variety of woody plants and floriculture products, (2) identify the quality preferences of consumers and professionals, and (3) investigate the relationships between quality attributes and prices paid by customers. Studies will be conducted to investigate consumer expectations and perceptions of service quality received from diverse retail outlets for horticultural products and services.<br /> <p><br /> Controlled in-store marketing tests will be conducted to determine the effect of display and price on purchasing decisions.<br /> <p><br /> Participating states will use a common questionnaire soliciting information regarding management and marketing practices, production information, and detailed sales information regarding interstate movement of the product and the volume of business with various types of buyers. Plans are to ascertain the important quality factors and plant characteristics for a variety of woody plant and floriculture products, identify the quality preferences of consumers and professionals, and investigate the relationships between quality attributes and prices paid by customers. <br /> <p><br /> Green roofs have been shown to reduce the stormwater runoff from buildings. In order to model the reduced stormwater effect of green roofs, reliable estimates of ET from the CAM plants is required. Greenhouse controlled environmental conditions were used to measure and predict ET from CAM plants during winter and fall/spring regimes, along with climatic parameters including air temperature, wind speed, radiation and humidity during 21-day periods without rain. The planted boxes evapotranspired 28% and 57% more water to the atmosphere than was evaporated from the unplanted boxes for the winter and spring/fall, respectively. ET for a green roof with CAM plants averaged 0.61 mm/d and 1.12 mm/d for each dry day during the winter and spring/fall season, respectively. The original Penman equation and Penman-Monteith ET models explained the observed ET rates very well with crop coefficients of 0.74 in winter and 1.97 in fall/spring. <br /> <p><br /> A computer program designed to allow businesses to enter their data through a website is being developed to process the business analysis data from each company. The computer database will be able to generate individual business analyses, make comparisons with industry benchmarks, and be searchable based on specified characteristics. The survey will occur annually to maintain an ongoing working relationship with the greenhouse businesses and to establish a long-term database for industry trends, with a plan to expand the data collection to regional and national bases in the coming years.<br /> <p><br /> Marketing- and production-related data have been collected as part of the S-290 Regional Research Committee's activity (formerly S-103) since 1988. Beginning with 1988, and then at five year intervals, in 1993, 1998, and 2003, mail-back surveys have been used to collect information on selected production practices, plants produced within various categories, sales by type of outlet, distribution of sales by state, advertising expenditures, and selling methods. The most comprehensive nationwide nursery industry survey was conducted for 2003. A master file of all certified nursery operations in 44 states resulted in a list of 38,269 certified nursery operations. These cross sectional data sets were provided to researchers and Extension workers in all of these states for their use in research and educational endeavors. <br /> <p><br /> Risk management has received additional attention in the ornamentals industry. In response, scientists have received funding from the USDA-Risk Management Agency to conduct a series of workshops on financial analysis and risk management for horticulture industry producers in the southeast United States. These were conducted in 2005. A total of 10 states and territories were involved in the project. The training sessions were two-day events for 15 to 25 persons with a qualified interest (owners and managers of nurseries, greenhouses and sod farms, and other segments of the industry such as landscapers, lawn & garden retailers and other allied industry professionals, as appropriate) <br /> <p><br /> In 2005 we were engaged in activities related to the multi-state project investigating the laborer level of the nursery industry, with seven state representatives from the S-1021 committee as cooperators. Outside funding was awarded.<br /> <p><br /> In 2005, approximately 25 garden centers, landscapers and public gardens were added to the original three pilot sites. Data were collected during the 2005 growing season on plant sales and customer reaction to the point-of-purchase materials.<br /> <p><br /> Research from this project has provided practical guidance to businesses in the environmental horticulture industry on a wide range of issues, including human resource management, financial management, business management, and marketing. More recently, a major national study of trade flows and marketing practices was just completed and published. This information allows growers, wholesalers, and retailers to better understand traditional product market flows, as well as emerging market trends. Economic impact analysis provided the industries with information on the contribution of their industry to the national, state, and local economies in terms of revenues generated, value added to the economy, jobs generated, and taxes paid. In addition to establishing an industry value and contribution, it also sheds light on investment opportunities for nursery firms and allied businesses.<br />

Publications

Acuna, A, H.M. Mathers. 2005. Extension outreach for Hispanic workers: Ohio and beyond. HortScience 40(4):1063.<br /> <p><br /> Adrian, John L., Jennifer J. Cain, Patricia A. Duffy, Elizabeth A. Guertal, and J. Walter Prevatt. 2004. Turfgrass-Sod Production: An Economic Evaluation. J. Amer. Society Farm Mgrs. & Rural Appraisers. pp.12-18.<br /> <p><br /> Barton, S., R. Darke and G. Schwetz. 2005. Enhancing Delaware Highways: Roadside Vegetation Concept and Planning Manual. Delaware Department of Transportation.<br /> <p><br /> Beattie, D. J., Berghage, R. D. and Snodgrass, E. 2005. Plants and Substrates are the Heart of the Green Roof. Proc Int. Plant Prop. Soc. Accepted for Publication.<br /> <p><br /> Behe, B., Hardy, J., Barton, S., Brooker, J., Fernandez, T., Hall, C., Hicks, J., Hinson, R., Knight, P., McNiel, R., Page, T., Rowe, B., Safley, C. and Schutzki, R. 2005. Landscape Plant Material, Size, and Design Sophistication Increase Perceived Home Value. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 23:3:127-133.<br /> <p><br /> Bigger, M. M., H.M. Mathers. 2005. Root hardiness and the influence of NA herbicides in overwintered containers. HortScience 40(4):1024.<br /> <p><br /> Bigger, M.M., and H.M. Mathers. 2005. Root hardiness and the influence of dinitroaniline herbicides in overwintered containers. Northeastern Weed Science Society Proceedings. 59:36.<br /> <p><br /> Brooker, J., D. Eastwood, C. Hall, K. Morris, A. Hodges, and J. Haydu. 2005. Trade Flows and Marketing Practices within the United States Nursery Industry. Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 404, 76 pp.<br /> <p><br /> Brooker, John, Charles R. Hall, David Eastwood and Alan W. Hodges. 2005. Marketing Practices Within the U.S. Nursery Industry: the 2003 National Survey. Proceedings of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, 50:<br /> <p><br /> Brumfield, R.G. 2005. Benchmarks for Small Greenhouses. Presented at the 4th National Small Farm Conference, Greensboro, NC, Nov. 16-19, 2005.<br /> <p><br /> Case, L.T. and H.M. Mathers. 2005. Herbicide-treated mulches for weed control in nursery container crops. Journal of Enviro. Hort. (In press).<br /> <p><br /> Case L.T. and H.M. Mathers. 2005. Oryzalin movement in one-gallon containers from spray oryzalin-treated mulch applications. HortScience 40(4):1102.<br /> <p><br /> Case L.T. and H.M. Mathers. 2005. Effects of dinitroaniline herbicides on root development in containers. Northeastern Weed Science Society Proceedings. 59:38.<br /> <p><br /> Case, L.T., H.M. Mathers and A. F. Senesac. 2005. A review of weed control practices in container nurseries. HortTechnology 15(3):535-545.<br /> <p><br /> DeNardo, J. C., Jarrett, A. R., Manbeck, H. B., Beattie, D. J. and Berghage, D. D. 2005. Stormwater mitigation and surface temperature reduction by green roofs. Transactions of ASAE 48(4): 1491-1496.<br /> <p><br /> Hall, C.R. 2005. The Price is Right. American Nurseryman. 202(6). September 15.<br /> <p><br /> Hall, C.R. 2005. Key Website Characteristics for Effective Green Industry Marketing. Tennessee Green Industry Tips. Vol.1, Issue 2. Summer issue.<br /> <p><br /> Hall, C.R. 2005. Economic Impact of the Green Industry in the United States. Tennessee Green Industry Tips. Vol.1, Issue 3. Fall.<br /> <p><br /> Hall, C., Eastwood, D., Combs, B. and Brooker, J. 2005. Structural Changes in the U.S. Nursery Industry 1988-2003. Proceedings of Southern Nurserymen's Associations Research Conference Fiftieth Annual Report. Vol. 50.<br /> <p><br /> Hall, C., Brooker, J. and Eastwood, D. 2005. Structural Changes in the United States Nursery Industry 1988-2003. Proceedings of Southern Nursery Association Research Conference. Vol. 50. August.<br /> <p><br /> Hall, Charles C., A.W. Hodges, and J.J. Haydu. 2005. Economic Impacts of the Green Industry in the United States. The Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 81pp.<br /> <p><br /> Hall, Charles R., Alan W. Hodges and John J. Haydu. 2005. Economic Impacts of the Green Industry in the United States. Report to the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Committee; University of Florida/IFAS electronic document FE566, July 2005, 88 pages, available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.<br /> <p><br /> Hall, C., Sorochan, J., Samples, T., McElroy, S. and Robinson, D. 2005. Cost of Managing a Bermudagrass Football Field in Tennessee. UT Extension. SP651.<br /> <p><br /> Harod, J., S. Barton, V. Budischak, J. Gochenaur, F. Kuehn and G. Schwetz. 2005. Controlling Backyard Invaders. Delaware Cooperative Extension, Newark, DE.<br /> <p><br /> Haydu, John J. and Alan W. Hodges. 2005. Florida sod production industry: a look back at the past forty years. Proceedings of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, 50:<br /> <p><br /> Haydu, John J., Alan W. Hodges and Charles R. Hall. 2005. Economic Impacts of the Turfgrass Industry in the United States. Report to the International Turfgrass Producers Foundation, University of Florida/IFAS, 41 pages.<br /> <p><br /> Haydu, John J., L.N. Satterthwaite, and J.L. Cisar. 2005. An Economic and Agronomic Profile of Florida's Sod Production Industry in 2003. Florida Agricultural Experiment Stations, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Food & Resource Economics Department, Mid-Florida REC, University of Florida, IFAS, April, 34 pp.<br /> <p><br /> Hodges, Alan W., Charles R Hall and John J. Haydu. 2005. The Big Green Machine. Ornamental Outlook, p. 36, Nov. 2005.<br /> <p><br /> Hodges, Alan W., Charles R. Hall and John J. Haydu. 2005. Economic Impacts of the Environmental Horticulture Industry in the United States. Proceedings of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference, vol 50, pp. 305-310, Dec. 2005.<br /> <p><br /> Hodges, Alan W. and John J. Haydu. Analyze This! Greenhouse Grower, p. 60, May 2005.<br /> <p><br /> Hodges, A., Haydu, J. and Hall, C. 2005. Economic Impacts of the Environmental Horticulture Industry in the United States. Proceedings of Southern Nurserymen's Associations Research Conference Fiftieth Annual Report. Vol. 50.<br /> <p><br /> Jarecki, M., Kling, J.G. and Williams, D.J. 2005. Effect of planting depth on the growth of four taxa of shade trees. Proceeding from the Root Architecture Symposium, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois.<br /> <p><br /> Klingeman, W., Hall, C. and Babbit, B. 2005. Master Gardener Perception of Genetically Modified Ornamental Plants. Proceedings of Southern Nurserymen's Associations Research Conference Fiftieth Annual Report. Vol. 50.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M. 2005. Ornamental weed control. Summary of presentations Ohio pesticide applicator recertification conference Pp. 42-47.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M. 2005. Greenhouse weed control. American Nurseryman 202(7): 24-26, 28-29.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M. 2005. Overwintering ornamental plant material: The cold facts. Indiana Nursery and Landscape News 65(5):30-33.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M. 2005. Problematic weeds in Ohio landscapes and nurseries: Part 4. The Buckeye. January Pp. 16 and 18.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M. 2005. The power of Ayuda Techna: Technical training opportunities for Hispanic employees. The Buckeye. June Pp. 14, 17.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M. and L.T. Case. 2005. Field evaluation of various herbicide and mulch combinations for ornamental weed control. HortScience 40(4):997-998.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M. and L.T. Case. 2005. Field evaluation of various herbicide and mulch combinations for ornamental weed control. Northeastern Weed Science Society Proceedings 59:45.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M. and L.T. Case. 2005. Problematic weeds in Ohio landscapes and nurseries: Part 4. The Buckeye. February Pp. 15-18.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H. M. and L.T. Case. 2005. The latest research in ornamental weed control. Part 1: Issues, new herbicides. The Buckeye. March Pp. 15-18.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H. M. and L.T. Case. 2005. The latest research in ornamental weed control. Part 2: New formulations. The Buckeye. April Pp. 14, 18.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H. M. and L.T. Case. 2005. The latest research in ornamental weed control. Part 3: Field evaluation of various herbicide and mulch combinations for ornamental weed control. The Buckeye. May Pp. 14, 18, 20.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M. and L.T. Case. 2005. Field evaluation of various herbicide and mulch combinations for ornamental weed control. The Buckeye. July Pp. 18-19.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M. E.S.I. Grosskurth, M. M. Bigger, L.T. Case and J.A. Pope. 2005. Development of an Ohio liner production system in retractable roof houses: Field comaparison with West Coast-grown liners. HortScience 40(4):1048.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M., S.B. Lowe, D.K. Struve and C. Scagel. 2005. Factors altering root growth in nursery containers. Part 2: Media decomposition and chemical Properties. The Buckeye. October Pp. 15-18.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M., S.B. Lowe, D.K. Struve and C. Scagel. 2005. Factors altering root growth in nursery containers. Part 1: Media physical properties. The Buckeye. September Pp. 15-18.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M., J.A. Pope and L.T. Case. 2005. Further investigations into herbicide treated mulch. Northeastern Weed Science Society Proceedings. 59:47.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M., A. A. Stoven, D. K. Struve, L.T. Case and E. S. I. Grosskurth. 2005. Liners benefit from retractable roofs. Nursery Management and Production 21(9):67-70.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H.M., A. A. Stoven, D. K. Struve, E. S. I. Grosskurth and L.T. Case 2005. Tree liner production in retractable roof greenhouses (RRGs). The Buckeye. Educational Update. June Pp. 1-8.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H. M., and Stushnoff, C. 2005. Screening Malus seedlings for cold resistance. HortScience 40 (2):318-322.<br /> <p><br /> Mathers, H. M., Yeager, T. and Case, L. T. 2005. Improving irrigation water use in container nurseries. HortTechnology 15(1):8-12.<br /> <p><br /> Maynard, B. 2005. What is Your Favorite Plant? Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association Newsletter. 51(3):14-16.<br /> <p><br /> McNiel, R. E. & S. Bale. 2005. Evaluation of Hydrangea macrophylla for Cut Stem Potential. Nur. Land. Prog. Res. Report PR-520. Univ. of Kentucky. pp. 35-36.<br /> <p><br /> Park, D.M., Cisar, J.L., McDermitt, D.K., Williams, K.E., Haydu, J.J., and Miller, W.P. 2005. Using Red and Infrared Reflectance and Visual Observation to Monitor Turf Quality and Water Stress in Surfactant-treated Bermudagrass Under Reduced Irrigation. Journal of International Turfgrass Research, 10(2): 115-120.<br /> <p><br /> Phillips, J. D. 2005. Assessing Consumer Preference for Value-Added Horticultural Products. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 106 pp.<br /> <p><br /> Sicuranza J., N. Castrataro, B. Johnson, and B. Maynard. 2005. Softwood Cutting Propagation of Native Lauraceae (Lindera benzoin (L.) Bl. and Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees.) as Alternatives to Invasive Horticultural Plants. Proc. Int. Plant Prop. Soc. 55: (in press).<br /> <p><br /> Stachler, J, M. Rose, H.M. Mathers (Technical advisors/contributors). Folck, C. and J. Kick-Raack. 2005. Ohio pesticide applicator training: A study guide for commercial industrial vegetation applicators. Ohio State University Extension Bulletin 841-5. Pp. 1-105.<br /> <p><br /> Thuring, C. E. 2005. Green Roof Plant Responses to Different Media and Depths when Exposed to Drought. M.S. Thesis. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 96 pp.<br /> <p><br /> Uva, W.L. 2005. Chapter 5. Variable Costs: General Discussion, Chapter 6. Calculating Variable Costs, and Chapter 15. Profitability in the Greenhouse Industry. -Tips on Operating a Profitable Greenhouse Business. OFA-An Association of Floriculture Professionals. Columbus, Ohio.<br /> <p><br /> Uva, W.L. 2005. Chapter 10. Ornamentals. New York Economic Handbook 2006. Dept. of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.<br /> <p><br /> Wehry, R. H., Kelley, K. M., Berghage, R. D. and Sellmer, J. C. 2005. Using intercept and telephone survey methods to assess consumer awareness and purchasing of Pennsylvania gardener selects, HortTechnology 15 (1): 157-163.<br />

Impact Statements

1. Economic impacts for the U.S. Green industry were $147.8 billion in output, 1,964,339 jobs, $95.1 billion in value-added, $64.3 billion in labor income, and $6.9 billion in indirect business taxes (expressed in 2004 dollars).
2. For the production and manufacturing sectors, including nurseries/greenhouses, lawn and garden equipment manufacturers, and greenhouse manufacturers, total output impacts were $34.6 billion, employment impacts were 300,677 jobs, and value-added impacts were $20.8 billion.
3. For the horticultural services sectors of landscape services and landscape architects, total output impacts were $57.8 billion, employment impacts were 753,557 jobs, and value-added impacts were $39.0 billion.
4. For wholesale/retail trade sectors, total output impacts were $55.5 billion, employment impacts were 910,104 jobs, and value added impacts were $35.3 billion. The largest recipients in terms of employment and value-added impacts were landscape services (704,875 jobs, $35.6 billion), lawn and garden stores (347,916 jobs, $14.8 billion), nursery and greenhouses (261,408 jobs, $18.1 billion), florists (200,451 jobs, $4.0 billion), and building material supply stores (123,591 jobs, $6.5 billion).
5. The Enhancing Delaware Highways Concept and Planning Manual is posted on the DELDOT web page as a downloadable PDF and hard copies may be ordered from the website. Landscape architects, road designers, community leaders and consultants are expected to use this publication to incorporate regional vegetation planting and management strategies into design and renovation projects. The manual has been distributed throughout the country and serves as a model for sustainable landscape management.
6. Implementing green roof technology in the U.S has many benefits, but stormwater mitigation is the main advantage. We have shown that green roofs can effectively retain and detain more than 50% of stormwater in the mid Atlantic states.
7. Nurseries are now producing green roof plants which are sold as seeds, cuttings, rooted cuttings, pre-grown mats, and in pre-grown modules. Nurserymen and landscape contractors are the principle installers and maintainers of green roofs. The impact, especially for cities, can save billions of dollars in new infrastructure cost required to deal with stormwater. This technology is an environmentally sound solution that will save infrastructure costs, and create jobs.
8. Data on production, marketing trends, and structural changes provide nursery managers with information not available form any other source and help them make long-range planning decisions. For example, the shift from less field to more container production in major horticultural production states coincides with the emergence of mass merchants and home center outlets as critical forces impacting purchasing and retailing trends.
9. Risk management for producers of agricultural products is a topic of increasing importance, and has received little attention among growers of nursery and greenhouse products. Research on and dissemination of information about risk mitigation can help growers to adopt marketing and production activities that reduce revenue variability, making the firm more stable financially.

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Report Information

Participants

Hinson, Roger (rhinson@agctr.lsu.edu) - Louisiana State University; Velastegui, Marco - Louisiana State University; Black, John; Fields, Deacue (fieldde@aces.edu)-Auburn University; Dennis, Jennifer (jhdennis@purdue.edu) - Purdue University; Schuch, Ursula (ukschuch@ag.arizona.edu) - University of Arizona; Ejimakor, Godfrey - North Caorlina A&T; Posadas, Ben (benp@ext.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Coker, Christine (cec117@ra.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Hood, Ken (kenh@ext.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Little, Randy (little@agecon.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Harkess, Richard (rharkess@pss.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Bi, Guihong (gb250@msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Behe, Bridget (behe@msu.edu) - Michigan State University; Hall, Charlie (crh@utk.edu) - University of Tennessee; Stegelin, Forrest (fstegelin@agecon.uga.edu) - University of Georgia; Hodges, Alan (awhodges@ufl.edu) University of Florida; McNiel, Robert (rmcniel@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Fonsah, Greg (gfonsah@uga.edu) - University of Georgia; Brumfield, Robin (brumfield@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University; Rainey, Ron (rrainey@uaex.edu) - University of Arkansas.

Brief Summary of Minutes

A motion to approve the agenda as presented was made by Hall, seconded by Behe. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Hall, seconded by Behe. McNiel began the meeting with comments from the Chair discussing the recent experiences with submitting this years annual project report. He commented on some difficulty with getting some progress reports from project participants for the past year. He overviewed the reporting system commenting on the institutional process for Hatch reporting. Hinson commented that we can send electronic updates of the progress reports that are being submitted along to the president to assist in the timely development of the annual report. There were no administrative or CSREES reports or updates. Hall gave an update of the project website, www.s290.org. In late September 2006, the website link will change to www.s1021.org to reflect the new project number designation. Hall gave an overviewed of the resources and information listed on the website which includes publications and McNiel began the manuscript reporting discussions with an update on the container, field and landscape cost manuscripts. He plans to have the landscape manuscript completed by Nov. 2006. Hall updated participants on the NRAES arrangement. He commented that the project currently has 2 publications currently being sold on the site. One publication,
Establishing and Operating a Garden Center: Requirements and Costs, has sold roughly 900 copies to date. The other publication, Enhancing Profitability in Greenhouse Firms, has sold roughly 40 copies to date. Hodges gave an overview of the project economic impact work. He commented that the study examining the economic impact for the U.S. was completed in April. An article discussing the study was recently published in HortTechnology. Hodges mentioned that some additional analysis is currently being done which addresses the sod industry. Behe commented on some consumer analysis studies being developed by Dennis and her. They currently have two studies investigating consumer purchases, with one article being published in HortScience in the near future. Behe commented on some additional work examining cognitive and emotional drivers. She indicated that a manuscript was in development addressing this area with another article examining purchase differences between renters and homeowners which should be available by the end of this year. Other publications mentioned by project participants included: consumer preferences for Chrysanthemum cultivars (Posada); selection or use of native plants primarily covering zones 7 and 8 looking at why native plants are selected and the motivations (Harkass); an article examining the green industry economics of 9 states (Ejimakor). Project discussion then moved to current studies. Hall commented briefly on the labor study mentioning that Hannah Mathers graduate student has a research poster at the 2006 SNA meeting. The poster provides an update of the labor project activities to date. Hodges gave an update of the business analysis (benchmark work) that he has been an on-going project. He said that work is underway to continue the development and enhancement of the software system. Hodges commented that there are two more workshops scheduled within Florida for this year. There are also efforts focused on updating the website. He anticipates that by the end of the year the updated site will be available featuring a user log-in and sign-up with open access. The plan is to get the system set up to allow businesses to more easily utilize the resource.
There is currently no funding at this point for the business analysis project, and current plans are to expand participation before seeking additional funding opportunities. Behe and Brumfield commented on the issue of not only getting people to trust placing financial information on the internet but also the need for businesses to organize their information in an appropriate form to submit. Dennis commented on the idea of having a workshop with growers to assist with organizing records and submitting the financial data. Hall commented briefly that committee representatives are planning to meet with
National Agricultural Statistics Association (NASS) in Washington D.C. representatives in the near future. The committee will discuss Green Industry survey procedures in the hopes of improving the survey process. Although listed, there was no update on the invasive plants report. Brumfield began discussions on the specialty cut flowers budget. She is in the process of finalizing the budgets (zone 6) with plans to develop 10 different budgets. Hall asked about the methodology used for the budgets commenting on the idea of separating out the investment (overhead) costs and the variable costs separately on different budgets. He mentioned that modeling the variable cost systems could be a separate publication which could be updated annually. The separate investment publication, which examines the fixed costs, would not need to be updated as frequently. Brumfield invited additional support in terms of additional project participants, growers, or reviewers for the budgets. The next study discussed was the container cost budget (Zones 7 & 8). Hinson commented that the project goal was to update costs on a previous study (Zones 8 and 9). The publication will be updated using the Mississippi State Budget Generator (MSBG). He also commented that this project budgeting process would separate out the fixed and variable costs for the budgets. He indicated that the project has some funding from Risk Management Agency (RMA) and currently has 5 states participating to date. There is a sub-committee meeting scheduled to meet for this afternoon following the project committee. He also commented that Marco Velastequi--an LSU graduate student who was in attendance--would assist with the project data collection. Behe led discussions of work on current consumer studies. There are two studies focusing on the consumer perceptions of regret and product guarantees. She is also working with a colleague on analysis of search behavior for internet purchases. This analysis examines mainstream internet plant purchases, examining the characteristics of the purchasers as well as different types of products sought (hard and soft goods).
Discussions then followed about potential future studies. Dennis commented on the idea of exploring organic landscape materials. Coker added the idea of looking at sustainable, environmentally friendly, and natural growers examining perspectives from growers and consumers. Hinson asked Harkass about RFID ongoing research potential for impacting the green industry. Harkass commented that RFID can now be incorporated into plasticized stickon labels so the applications in the nursery industry may be more widespread than they have been in the past. We are not sure what the economic dimensions of this new technology will be. As the price of stick-on RFID labels is reduced, then more applications may be investigated. Future S1021 projects may be developed to investigate the applications. Behe commented on starting a project where you place 8 or 9 sites with the RFID and use data-loggers to track plant responses to temp changes (looking at the winter season). Several project participants indicated interest in participating in this type of project. Behe, Hall, Hinson, Coker, and Schuch indicated an interest in participating in this type of project. Harkass will coordinate setting up the project up and following up with project participants. Following these discussions, McNiel commented on the idea for adding two subcommittees for the research projects, organics and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Everyone agreed and the items will be discussed during the winter meeting as agenda items. In other reports, Schuch gave an update on Arizonas on-going project examining risk management education efforts. They have a website at http://ag.arizona.edu/extension/riskmanagement. The website provides a variety of tools and resources to assist growers with managing risks. In other discussions, Hall mentioned the S290 website and the links to past meetings, which includes minutes and pictures of meeting tour stops. There was discussion on the multiple benefits of the photos for project participants. Some benefits mentioned included websites, presentations, teaching. Hinson suggested the idea of developing a CD-Rom of photos and making the CD available to all project participants. Everyone was supportive. The 2007 Winter meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 21-23 and will be held in St. Augustine, Florida (south of Jacksonville). Hodges will begin the planning process for lodging and educational activities. The 2007 Summer meeting will be held as part of the Far West Show. It is typically the third week in August and is held in Portland, Oregon. Meeting adjourned at 12:05pm. Respectfully submitted by: Ronald L. Rainey, Secretary

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

Hinson, Roger (rhinson@agcenter.lsu.edu), LA; Hodges, Alan (awhodges@ufl.edu), FL; Palma, Marco (mapalma@ag.tamu.edu), TX; van Blokland, P.J. (pjvanblokland@ifas.ufl.edu), FL; Dennis, Jennifer (jhdennis@purdue.edu), IN; Haydu, John (jjh@ifas.ufl.edu), FL; Little, Randy (little@agecon.msstate.edu), MS; McAleer, Patricia (pmcaleer@csrees.usda.gov), CSREES; Barton, Sue sbarton@udel.edu), DE; Behe, Bridget (behe@msu.edu), MI; Hall, Charlie crh@utk.edu), TN; Stegelin, Forrest (fstegelin@agecon.uga.edu), GA; McNiel, Robert (rmcniel@uky.edu), KY; Rainey, Ron (rrainey@uaex.edu), AR; Brumfield, Robin (brumfield@aesop.rutgers.edu), NJ.

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting agenda was presented by the Chair with the floor opened for additions or corrections to start the meeting. The minutes were distributed and reviewed. Hall made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes and to accept as received and the motion was seconded by Little. The motion was passed along with a few noted corrections to the minutes of participant name spelling and committee/project titles.

The chair comments began with discussions regarding the annual report summary. He noted that a number of the committee participants had not submitted their progress reports (AD-421 and reference material) for this past year. Charlie commented on the administrative issues of the 421 reports, as faculty have deadlines for posting their respective reports.

There were no administrative reports or updates presented.

Patricia McAleer participated in the meeting on behalf of CSREES (Henry Bahn). She began discussions by outlining potential external funding opportunities for the upcoming year. She noted the multi-state and multi-disciplined activities of the group and how a number of our projects would be attractive to various competitive programs. She strongly encouraged more participation by our group in the CSREES competitive funded programs. She distributed overview information for a number of the programs which included the prosperity for small and medium sized farms, national integrated water quality program, and Risk Management Agency among others Additionally, McAleer commented on the LOGIC model in terms of reporting and noted that they are in the process of simplifying the reporting system. Almost everything will be reported in the CRS model. She discussed the budget briefly; the overall funding level will remain the same, although there has been a shift in the formula funding. Hall expressed concern on the changes in NASS resources and plans for conducting the specialty crops survey. Hinson commented on the extrapolation issues in that only 17 states are surveyed. Dennis commented on the usefulness of the information for education efforts and the potential loss of existing resources and educational material if the survey is not conducted.

Hall and McNiel commented on the usefulness of the CSREES material that was distributed to meeting participants and thanked McAleer for the material and her insightful comments to the committee.

The next agenda item was the committee reports which were as follows:

Web-Page Update
Hall discussed the website and the transition to a new URL from the existing www.s290.org. The URL subscription will end this month, but will remain active during the transition. By the summer meeting, the new URL for the committee will change to www.s1021.org.

Container and Landscape Cost manuscript
McNiel started the discussions by distributing copies of the draft landscape cost report to the sub-committee members to review. Hall, Haydu, Hodges, and Mathers make up the sub-committee. He noted that work was ongoing with the container report and that an initial draft should be available by late spring. The review sub-committee members for the container report are Stegelin, Hall, Haydu, and Hinson. It was noted that the field cost manuscript review committee would be set during the upcoming 2007 summer meeting.

NRAES
Hall began by detailing the aggregate sales of our two publications through the website. The groups publication, Entering a Garden Center Business, has surpassed 1000 orders and the other publication, Enhancing Profitability in a Greenhouse, sales are approximately 75 orders. A few questions were raised regarding potential of adding additional publications to the site. It was noted that the publication committee would handle arranging the landscape cost report to be sold on the site.

Economic Impact
Hodges noted that a lawn care and sod economic impact study was recently completed. The newest study was a companion piece to the recent national green industry economic impact study. The new study included golf courses into the green industry analysis. The study was completed and presented in summer of 2007 during the Southern Nurseryman Association (SNA) Research Conference and Trade Show held in Atlanta, GA. Hodges provided an overview of the report noting that an article discussing the sod companion piece was published in HortTechnology.

Hodges, along with Haydu, commented on the potential to collaborate and develop a Southern Cooperative Series report from the analysis. The manuscript is available on-line at the committees website and on the University of Florida website. Hodges commented on sending an electronic copy of the manuscript to the committee to proceed with a series report. Hall commented on the series review and publishing process noting the internal review process. Hodges additionally noted the opportunities for regional and sector publications for both the green industry and the sod analysis. Dennis and Behe expressed interest in developing a Midwest green industry report and Brumfield for the northeast.

Lastly, Haydu commented on a couple of state bulletin reports that were developed through their University and professional association based on the economic impact analysis. He encouraged other states to explore opportunities to promote the economic impact of the industry in their respective states.

Consumer Purchases
Dennis and Behe reported they have an article in press discussing garden center purchases. They have an additional publication in review that examines gardening participation for home owners verses home renters. Behe reported on a third analysis that examines internet search behavior that is ongoing.

Other publications
Palma discussed his dissertation research concerning a national study examining flower purchases. He noted that the analysis includes some demographic information along a regional analysis. He currently has an article in review for the national analysis. He noted the regional differences from the analysis.

Haydu noted that the national sod production analysis will be published in the upcoming June issue of JEH. Little noted that Richard Harkess has a publication on selection/use of native plants primarily covering zones 7 and 8 looking at why native plants are selected and the motivations.

The meeting then moved into discussions on the progress of current studies which included:

Labor study
There was no official report, but Hodges noted that we should contact Mathers and get an update for the committee. Rainey indicated that he would get a summary from Hannah Mathers for the minutes. Some brief notes from the graduate student, Alejandra Acuña, who assists with the project were reported. They report that the data analysis is taking some time since the analysis was made using stratas (states) and clusters (nurseries), but should be available by the end of June. There are plans to present the analysis at the annual ASHS meeting this year which will be held in Arizona.

Several committee members noted the importance of the labor issue as well as the sensitivity and political nature of this issue. Palma commented on a pending proposal to address the legal issues of labor from both a grower and worker perspective looking at issues in Texas.

Hodges commented on an ongoing analysis researching wages and benefits for the industry. Hall commented on the American Nurseryman and Lawn and Landscape trade journals recent analysis and publication of wage and benefits information for the U.S.

Business Benchmark Analysis
Hodges noted that they have updated the benchmark data for 2004 but dont have enough data to update the sector. They have redesigned the website, and Hodges provided a general on-line overview of the site. They presently only have FL data on the website. The data entry forms are updated to provide data from other states. http://Hortbusines.ifas.ufl.edu/hortnba is the website for users to sign in. The site has an automated system for users to log-in. The program has a rule for a minimum of 5 observations to maintain individual user confidentiality. Once the minimum has been reached, the program will generate an average. Haydu commented on discussions with Farm Credit to get access to financial data from growers. Farm Credit would seek permission from the grower to share the growers data. P.J. noted the possibility to have support from Farm Bureau to assist with credibility issues. The on-line system is open to anyone and has secure access.

NASS
Hall commented on the earlier comments regarding NASS future data collection efforts for specialty crops. Hall asked that Henry coordinate a meeting to discuss this issue with NASS officials between committee members and NASS.

Invasive plants
Barton commented on the emerging issue of evasive species and the need for additional analysis. She gave a presentation discussing the issues in four broad areas:
1) research on non-invasive cultivars of invasive species,
2) legislation/regulations enacted in some states,
3) voluntary programs,
4) methodology for determining invasiveness.

Barton provided a general overview of the various research potential as well as potential industry impacts. There is a committee (Mathers, Barton, Behe, Hodges, Dennis, and Haydu) investigating these issues further. Stegelin commented on some ongoing work to address this issue in Georgia. Barton agreed to communicate with sub-committee to move ahead on this issue.

Specialty Cut Flowers Budget
Brumfield commented on her ongoing work for the cut-flower budget. She reported presenting a paper at ASHS in New Orleans this past year. She expressed interest in collaborating with others if interest exists. Stegelin commented on their approach to identifying which flowers in terms of querying their state associations to identify the specific flowers to investigate.

Container Cost Budget Zones 8 & 9
Hinson commented on the project to update container production costs on zones 8 & 9. He handed out an early draft of the cost estimate and gave an overview of project activities to date including discussions of the Mississippi State Budget Generator (MSBG) program. Hinson noted that the current budget was for a 1 gal. azalea cost estimate and mentioned some of the possible flowers under consideration. He hoped that the budgets would be available by late spring and requested feedback from committee participants. Hall commented that the budget reflected the growing costs and that some of the unspecified expenses include other overhead costs (facilities, etc.). Hinson indicated that the sub-committee would need to meet to discuss the preliminary findings. The sub-committee on the container cost budget will meet following the meeting.

Consumer Perceptions and Behavior
Behe commented that there was no formal report, but that she should have a progress to report for the summer meeting.

RFID
No report given, but there was some limited discussions about the potential uses for this innovative technology in horticulture industry. Stegelin commented on some potential for the technology and its utilization on a per plant level. The sub-committee is Harkess, Behe, and Hall.

Organic
Dennis commented on some initial thoughts. She is currently looking at organic perceptions of consumers for fruits and vegetables. She is interested in collaborating on some research for nursery/greenhouse products. She will provide an update at the summer meeting. Barton commented on some broader issues of sustainability, low impact, design/landscaping issues. It was agreed that the issue would be discussed during the summer meeting. If there is interest, participants should contact Dennis.

Other
Barton commented on invasive species work that is ongoing. Barton and Behe are currently looking at collaborating to develop, a framework for each state to develop livable plants. The program would follow Bartons efforts in a program called, Plants for a Livable Delaware. Initial efforts would use 34 states to develop the framework prior to expanding the program. She provided an overview of her current program regarding livable plants in her state. The sub-committee on invasive plants will meet following the meeting.

On another issue Dennis discussed an upcoming colloquium on barriers to increased horticulture trade volume for horticulture products. The meeting will be held as part of the ASHS in Scottsdale, AZ on July 16-19. If interested in the program, contact Dennis.

Little commented on some additional efforts to research the cost of production analysis and marketing of sod in Mississippi.

Hall noted that the Southern Nursery Association (SNA) call for titles recently went out, and they are due by April 1. The paper deadline is June 1. The research conference is scheduled for August 8-9 in Atlanta, GA. Details are available online at www.sna.org .

Stegelin noted WERA-72 project which currently has call for papers. He noted that the committee had interest in S1021 sponsoring a session at the conference. The meeting is scheduled for June 17-19th, 2007 and is held in Las Vegas, NV. He will send out a follow-up email inviting participation to the conference which will focus on farm competitiveness and profitability.

The summer meeting will be held in Portland, OR August 22-24, 2007 during the Far West Conference and Trade Show. McNiel commented on the possibility of this committee presenting during the educational program.

Winter meeting for 2008 location was discussed. Hall listed previous locations, and it was noted that the group has not been to Texas for a few years. Participants voted and Austin was decided as the location for the winter meeting, looking at the third week of February as a tentative date. New officer elections will be held during the summer meeting in Georgia. The nominating committee is the five former committee chairs (Hall, Behe, Hinson, Barton, Stegelin).

The committee reflects appreciation to Alan Hodges for efforts setting up the tour and the arrangements. Participants expressed gratitude for a terrific location and well organized tour and meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 3:20 pm for sub-committee meetings.

Submitted by
Ron Rainey
Secretary

Accomplishments

A study using government secondary data in conjunction with primary data collected through a national survey was completed this year to assess the importance of the sod production industry to the United States economy. Results indicate that the 2,124 sod farms contributed over $1.72 billion in gross output or sales impacts to the U.S. economy, $1.31 billion in value added, employed 13,454 people, and paid $28.6 million in indirect business taxes. The top five producing states in terms of sales impacts include Florida ($344 million), Texas ($183 million), Alabama ($118 million), Georgia ($116 million) and Oklahoma ($84 million), accounting for nearly 50 percent of total sales impacts. According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture, a total of 2,124 sod production firms were in operation. These firms had 412,123 acres of sod in production in open fields and harvested 244,354 acres, 59 percent of production area. The sales of sod directly within the respective states (direct impacts) represented almost 90 percent of sales. Indirect impacts, which are the purchase of goods and services from other sectors used in the production process, accounted for $28.6 million (Mn). Induced impacts (effects of money spent from wages and salaries by industry employees) resulted in an additional $163 Mn. The combined output of direct, indirect and induced impacts was $1.72 billion (Bn) for all sod producers. The indirect and induced impacts above and beyond direct sales were just over 11 percent for sod production. Because of their strong economic and political ramifications, employment figures are perhaps the most visible aspects of a business entity or industry. Jobs and unemployment rates are watched closely as indicators of the economic health of a region. Wages spent on goods and services by employees ripple through and stimulate all sectors of the economy. Nationally the sod production industry generated 15,681 jobs and paid out $604 Mn in labor income. Indirect business taxes paid to local, state and federal governments totaled $28.6 Mn.<br /> <br /> While enterprise budgets are a building block of nursery growers risk information base, little cost of production (COP) information has been put into a management-useful format since 1992. To fill this void, COP budgets for individual container-grown woody ornamental plants (representing common groups of similarly managed plants, specifically azaleas, narrowleaf and broadleaf evergreens, deciduous shrubs, deciduous trees, nut trees) are in the process of being developed using an economic engineering approach, and changing demands of consumers may suggest additional groups. Researchers have updated production systems as well as machinery and equipment requirements, and these inputs have been placed in the Mississippi State Budget Generator to facilitate annual updates.<br /> <br /> In September 2004, an Internet survey was conducted among 1507 American homeowners and renters to compare their gardening participation and purchases. Because income level and homeownership were related, the sample was stratified to create four groups using the respondent's 2003 household income:<br /> Roadside rights-of-way are being managed with a focus on sustainable practices to reduce mowing and increase biodiversity. Talks to a wide variety of audiences (homeowner and professional) have been conducted to show how sustainable practices implemented on roadside rights-of-way can be adapted for use in commercial and residential settings. Specific strategies are discussed in a new publication entitled Enhancing Delaware Highways: A Roadside Vegetation Establishment and Management Manual that is currently in the review and editing process. A new grant from the US Forest Service has funded the publication of a third brochure in the Livable Plants series to address plant combinations for specific garden sites. This brochure is designed to help gardeners and homeowners use native and other livable landscape plants in their home landscapes. Another grant is pending that would allow the development of a fourth brochure in the series focusing on wildlife habitat. <br />

Publications

Bale, S., T. Jones and R. E. McNiel. 2006. Hydrangea macrophylla as a plant for Kentucky landscapes. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference Proceedings, 51:468-470.<br /> <br /> Barton, S. R.Darke and G. Schwetz. 2007. Enhancing Delaware Highways: Roadside Vegetation Establishment and Management Manual. University of Delaware. In progress. Plants for a Livable Landscape brochures. In press.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget K. 2006. Comparison of Gardening Activities and Purchases of Homeowners and Renters. J. Env. Horticulture 24(4):217-220.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget K. 2006. Surprise! Renters do Garden. GMPro 26(11):58-60.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget K. 2006. Research Shows Why Consumers are Loyal. GMPro 26(9): 79-81.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget K. 2006. What Can Customer Loyalty Programs Do for You? GMPro 26 (7):95-97.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget and Charles Hall. 2006. Quality Landscaping Can Add Value to Tennessee Homes. Tennessee Green Times. 7(2):13-20.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget K. 2006. The Business of Paradigms. GMPro 26(5):69.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget K. 2006. What is Your Brand Promise? GMPro 26(3):61-63.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget K., J. Hardy, S. Barton, J. Brooker, T. Fernandez, C. Hall, J. Hicks, R. Hinson, P. Knight, R. McNiel, T. Page, B. Rowe, C. Safley, and R. Schutzki. 2006. Landscape plant material, size, and design sophistication increase perceived home value. The Michigan Landscape (March):18-25.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget K. 2006. Older Gardeners Buy More. GMPro 26(1):97-99.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget K. 2006. Pricing Greenhouse Crops. Northwest Ohio Floriculture Commercial Resource. 2(1):6.<br /> <br /> Behe, Bridget K. and Jennifer H. Dennis. 2006. The Changing Face of the American Gardener. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference Proceedings 51:253-256.<br /> <br /> Brumfield R.G., and L.S. Martin. 2006. How to survive the Big Boxes: A Hand's-on Workshop on Cost Accounting and Marketing. Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association News, 66(6)22-24. (Invited).<br /> <br /> Brumfield, R.G. and L.S. Martin. 2006. Marketing strategies for small growers. Greenhouse Product News 16(12):42-44. (Invited). <br /> <br /> Brumfield, R.G. and L.S. Martin. 2007. What to do when a big box store moves to town. Proceedings of the New Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting. Atlantic City, NJ, January 16-18, 2007, Trump Taj Mahal.<br /> <br /> Brumfield, R.G. 2007. Financial benchmarks. Proceedings of the New Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting. Atlantic City, NJ, January 16-18, 2007, Trump Taj Mahal.<br /> <br /> Brumfield, R.G. 2006. Profitability of producing outdoor cut flowers. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference Proceedings. 51:249  252.<br /> <br /> Brumfield, R.G. 2006. Market to Market: A new tool for assessing marketing alternatives. New Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting. Atlantic City, NJ, January 10, 2006, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, January 10, 2006.<br /> <br /> Brumfield, R.G. 2006. Can you make money growing cut flowers?. Proceedings of the New Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting. Atlantic City, NJ, January 10, 2006, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, January 10, 2006.<br /> <br /> Brumfield, R.G. 2006. Costs and returns of producing outdoor cut flowers. HortScience 41(4):981. <br /> <br /> Brumfield, R.G. 2007. The Impact of High Energy Costs and What to do About It. Farm Management News & Views 9(1).<br /> <br /> Brumfield, R.G. 2006. How Can Small Greenhouses Compete against Big Boxes? Farm Management News & Views 8(1).<br /> <br /> Case, L. T., and Mathers, H. M. 2006. Herbicide Treated Mulches for Weed Control in Ornamentals. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 24:84-90.<br /> <br /> Dennis, Jennifer H. and Bridget K. Behe. 2006. Does Emotion Drive Gardening Purchases? Southern Nursery Association Research Conference Proceedings 51:257-260.<br /> <br /> Dennis, Jennifer H., Richard A. Spreng, Thomas J. Page Jr., and Bridget K. Behe. 2006. What Happens After Product Failure: An Examination of Switching? 5th Annual Hawaii International Conference on Business.<br /> <br /> Hall, Charles R, Alan W. Hodges and John J. Haydu. 2006. The Economic Impact of the Green Industry in the United States HortTechnology, 16(2):345-356. <br /> <br /> Hall, Charles R. 2006. A Strategic Business Plan is a Valuable Managerial Asset, OFA Bulletin, Number 898, September/October 2006.<br /> <br /> Hall, Charles R. and Bridget Behe. 2006. Quality Landscaping Can Add Value to Tennessee Homes, Tennessee Greentimes, 7(2).<br /> <br /> Hall, Charles R. 2006. TNLA Strategy Session: A Success!, Tennessee Greentimes, 7(3).<br /> <br /> Hall, Charles R. 2006. Equipment Management, Ornamental Outlook, March 2006.<br /> <br /> Hall, Charles R. 2006. Economic Impacts of the Green Industry in the United States, National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council 2005 Annual Report, published March 2006.<br /> <br /> Hall, Charles R. 2006. So What Is the Best Retail Price? Tips for Getting a Great ROI, TNLA Greentimes, 7(1).<br /> <br /> Combs, Bryan, Charles Hall, John Brooker, and Bill Klingeman. Regional Analysis of Trade Flows and Marketing Practice Trends in the United States Nursery Industry, Proceedings of Southern Nurserymens Associations Research Conference: 51: 270-275.<br /> <br /> Hall, Charles R. 2006. How Can They Sell It For That Price?, Commercial Horticulture News and Information, 1(2).<br /> <br /> Hall, Charles R. 2006. Cost of Managing a Bermudagrass Football Fields, Commercial Horticulture News and Information, 1(1).<br /> <br /> Hicks, Jessica M. Thomas J. Page Jr., Bridget K. Behe, Jennifer H. Dennis, and R. Thomas Fernandez. 2006. Delighted Consumers Buy Again. Journal of Customer Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction, and Complaining Behavior. 18:94-103.<br /> <br /> Hinson, R. and T. Koske. 2006. Projected costs and returns from centipede sod production in Louisiana. A.E.A. No. 139. Department of Agriculture Economics and Agribusiness, LAES, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, p. 40.<br /> <br /> Haydu, John, Alan Hodges, and Charles Hall, Economic Impacts of the Turfgrass and Lawncare Industry in the United States, Contract report for the International Turfgrass Research Foundation, Turfgrass Producers International, Rolling Meadows, IL., available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FE632, March 2006.<br /> <br /> Haydu, J.J., A.W. Hodges and C.R. Hall. 2006. Contribution of the Turfgrass Industry to the U.S. Economy. Proceedings: 22nd Australian Turfgrass Conference, Brisbane, Australia 22(1):32-47.<br /> <br /> Haydu, J.J., A.W. Hodges and C.R. Hall. 2006. Economic Impacts of the U.S. Golf Course Industry: With A Closer Look at Florida. Proceedings: 22nd Australian Turfgrass Conference, Brisbane, Australia 22(1):48-60.<br /> <br /> Hodges, Alan W., John J. Haydu and Charles R. Hall. 2006. Economic Impacts of the Turfgrass and Lawncare Industry in the United States, Southern Nursery Association Research Conference Proceedings, 51:261-268.<br /> <br /> Jarecki, M.A., Williams, D.J. and Kling, G. 2005. The effect of planting depth on shade tree caliper growth in the nursery. Proceedings of the Root Architecture Conference Morton Arboretum.<br /> <br /> Jarecki, M.A., Williams, D.J. and Kling, G.L. 2006. Planting depth and tree performance. HortScience 41(4):1026.<br /> <br /> Kelley, K.M., Stumpf, J., Sellmer, J.C. and Bates, R.M. 2006. Invasive plant species: Results of a consumer awareness, knowledge, and expectations survey conducted in Pennsylvania. J. Environ. Hort. 24(1):53-58.<br /> <br /> Kelley, K.M. and Wehry, R.H. 2006. Consumer interest in gardening topics and preferred information sources. Journal of Extension 44(2) http://www.joe.org/joe/2006april/rb7.shtml<br /> <br /> Klingeman, William, Charles Hall and Beth Babbit. 2006. Master Gardener perception of genetically modified ornamental plants provides strategies for promoting research products through outreach and marketing, HortScience, Volume 41, Number 5, August 2006.<br /> <br /> Martin, L.S. and R.G. Brumfield. 2006. Marketing for a Greener Greenhouse. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference Proceedings. 49:452-463.<br /> <br /> McNiel, R. E., S. Bale & B. Vaneva. 2006. Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars potential for floral cut stems. Southern Nursery Association Research Conference Proceedings, 51:648-650.<br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. Information from enterprise budgeting will enhance the management information set available to growers, enabling them to become better, more informed, managers. Growers often sell to buyers for much larger businesses. Such an imbalance of market power may influence price received by the grower. Knowledge of production cost enables growers to make better informed decisions regarding minimum prices. Lenders also need estimates about production costs to make decisions on loan applications. Service providers (agricultural industries, Extension specialists, etc., will use these estimates. Growers need additional information about the market size and characteristics and preferences of consumers to support their marketing objectives.
2. The Rutgers Farm Management Website is viewed by an average of 2,563 people per month. Taking into account the 350 greenhouses in New Jersey, it would appear that we are serving the majority of our stakeholders.
3. Over 200 people now have access to the Excel version of the Greenhouse Cost Accounting Program. This represents over 50% of the greenhouses in New Jersey. The average greenhouse in the state is 25,000 square feet in size with annual sales of $350,000. This means that greenhouses representing $70 million in annual sales and 5 million square feet of production area are using the program. If by using this program they are 5% more efficient, this would represent $3.5 million in sales and 250,000 square feet of production area.
4. With a more concerted effort made on the part of horticultural retailers and allied suppliers, products can be successfully positioned for purchase by home-renters, thereby increasing sales of ornamental plants. Customer loyalty is integral to sustained profitability of horticultural businesses. With improved understanding of loyalty and its drivers, businesses should be able to increase sales per customer and reduce customer loss to other businesses or hobbies.
5. Highway enhancement strategies have been outlined at a number of regional and national vegetation management and design meetings. Landscape architects and roadside designers are beginning to implement these strategies in additional states.

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Report Information

Participants

Hinson, Roger (rhinson@agcenter.lsu.edu), LA; Hodges, Alan (awhodges@ufl.edu), FL; Palma, Marco (mapalma@ag.tamu.edu), TX; Little, Randy (little@agecon.msstate.edu), MS; Behe, Bridget (behe@msu.edu), MI; Hall, Charlie (crh@utk.edu), TN; McNiel, Robert (rmcniel@uky.edu), KY; Rainey, Ron (rrainey@uaex.edu), AR. Guests: Nagel, David (davidn@ext.msstate.edu), MS; Black, John (black@agecon.msstate.edu), MS. Administrative Advisor: Nessler, Craig (cnessler@vt.edu), VA

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 8:07 am with introductions of participants. The president presented the agenda for comments and/or changes. The minutes were reviewed as received. Behe motioned acceptance of the minutes with a second from Little.

Hall gave a review of the previous day tour activities summarizing the committee visits to Carlton Plants, Monrovia, and Bailey. He expressed appreciation to McNiel for his efforts in coordinating the tour. It was agreed that Rainey would send follow-up thank you letters to the businesses that helped make our educational tour a success. McNiel mentioned a special event for Wednesday evening, a Salmon Feast, which is part of the Far West show. The committee has been invited to attend and the activity should present numerous networking opportunities for our group. Discussions concluded with a highlight of the Thursday tour plans which includes a visit to a retail establishment, garden center, for Thursday morning.

Chair comments:
Since we will have elections during this meeting and retirement is in his immediate future, McNiel began his presidential comments by expressing his gratitude to the group for assistance and service throughout his career. In response, Hinson and others expressed appreciation to McNiel for his lengthy, consistent participation and leadership for the committee. Hodges asked for McNiel's thoughts on the group's current status and future directions. McNiel commented on some of the trends of the committee including a decreasing number of horticulturists participating. Some discussion followed detailing some of the hurdles causing decreased participation and outlining ways to enhance horticulturist participation of the group. It was noted that decreasing travel funds seemed to be one of the factors affecting participation.

Administrative Advisor's Update:
Nessler provided an administrative advisor's update. He commented briefly on how his university utilized Hatch funds. Create 21 is not moving forward as originally proposed, as there are some major components of the proposal that will not be incorporated. Farm Bill is in a state of flux. He commented on potential changes to some earmarks for agriculture and how some of the resulting changes in formula funding could impact some states. There is much uncertainty as to what the final Farm Bill will look like. Nessler noted that one area of certainty was the continued emphasis on multi-state projects. He commented on the continued productivity and quality of products for the S1021 committee, but raised an issue of how our activities would fare among the competitive funding arena. He felt that our activities may not fare well given the highly competitive nature and focus on research issues. He felt that the competitive and formula funding budget would remain tight as long as Congress continues to face an ever-tightening budget.

Hinson commented on what were priority areas for enhancing proposals for federal projects. Nessler remarked that accountability is a primary focus, discussing impacts on businesses and industry. He noted that projects need to document how the newly generated research knowledge influences industry. Hall commented on a recent article in Money Magazine as one example of our group documenting activity impacts. Nessler commented on stronger linkages with Extension in terms of disseminating information and promoting research findings. Nessler also said that projects should focus on identifying how industry is utilizing information.

Behe commented on funding areas that the group may need to focus on. NIH has an emerging interest in translational research. The area focuses on not only identifying the new knowledge but prioritizes how the information gets translated and disseminated to the public and adopted. It means that research projects should strengthen partnerships to enhance outreach efforts.

Hodges inquired would there be benefit to making our project national. Behe commented that would be fantastic. Nessler commented on a few current projects but noted the national benefit focus that our project would need. It is the NRSP, National Research Support Program, and currently there are approximately seven projects. Behe recommended selecting a sub-committee to investigate this designation for our project renewal. Behe and Hall were selected for committee.

CSREES Advisor:
No report. See Nessler comments.

Web-Page update:
Hall discussed the website. The new URL for the committee has changed to www.s1021.org. The website will move to Texas A&M. If there are changes needed on the website including contact/personal information, committee members should email Charlie Hall at chall@ag.tamu.edu.

Manuscript Reports:
Container and Landscape Cost manuscript (McNiel)
McNiel started with the landscape cost report draft which was dispersed during the 2007 winter meeting. Hall, Haydu, Hodges and Mathers were the review sub-committee. Landscape report is in the process of revisions from previous committee edits. McNeil noted that the container report should be available by late spring. In lieu of McNiel's upcoming retirement, assistance was sought with development of the field nursery manuscript which is for zones 5 and 6. Committee members interested in providing leadership to project should contact the president. Discussions also followed concerning the conversion of the cost data to the Mississippi State Budget Generator (MSBG). Little and Rainey agreed to assist with the container project.

NRAES (Hall):
No further update from the previous report. Our two publications are currently being sold on the NREAS website.

Economic Impact Sod (Hodges):
Hodges commented on the landscape, lawn care and golf industry economic analysis. Hodges and Haydu currently have a manuscript submitted from the work and have a series of Extension publications available on their website which focus on specific sector reports.

Hall commented on ANLA interests in updating the national nursery survey. They have used the resources for a number of their outreach and lobbying efforts. ANLAs Director of Research has expressed interest in our committee priorities and has interest in linking our activities with USDA and HRI research funding.

Consumer Purchases (Behe):
Behe noted that Money Magazine, Wall Street Journal, and Chicago Tribune all picked up the committee's work on consumer perceptions. She has been working with some grad students on conjoint studies identifying the impact of colors on purchases. Palma will assist with the analysis and will have a manuscript for publication shortly.

Progress on Current studies:

Labor study:
McNiel remarked on any specific feedback from survey participants on issues or changes in perceptions or activities or in the information that was being sought. He commented more broadly on how meanings and information are lost with translations between English and Spanish. He talked about how the issue affects labeling concerns and how different languages have various translations. Hodges noted the growing importance of this issue as the size of non-English speaking workforce and management levels continue to grow. He noted the need for us to be aware of the recognized standard for communicating in foreign languages in terms of work with surveys and publications.

Business Benchmark Analysis (Hodges):
Hodges noted the continued development of the benchmark analysis website. Data collections are extremely slow with only a few data entries, which are mostly Floridians. They still conduct training workshops in FL and are currently in the process of updating the website with more graphical output.
Hodges commented additionally about recently successful RMA commodity partnership program proposal. He received funding for the upcoming year, applying through 3 regional centers for a project which includes 11 states. The proposal outlines trainings for a one-day program covering general risk management issues which will be conducted from Oct. through Sept. Each workshop anticipates 25 participants attending a 6-hour workshop. Collaborators will assist with not only coordinating the workshops but also developing and providing resource material for the trainings.

NASS (Hodges/Hall):
Hodges summarized the events of a recent meeting with USDA officials. Hodges passed out notes which detail the discussions from the meeting. They addressed the kinds of information being collected and the current gaps in collection. John Haydu, Hall and Hodges made a trip to D.C. for the meeting. The limited funding for data collection was discussed noting that no single person has sole responsibility for floriculture and nursery crops. Because of the tight budgets, efforts to expand data collection are not currently an option, but he felt that the meeting was extremely positive noting their openness to our concerns. USDA noted the intention to convert their instruments to electronic format in the near future. One issue in addition to budgetary concerns was the issue with maintaining the quality of the data collected electronically.

Hall commented that they would do a follow-up with Economic Research Service (ERS) horticulture economist to examine how the survey data collections are extrapolated and to address differences with NASS and ERS data.

Nessler noted the differences between USDA and academic research numbers. Hodges noted that from their national and state model experiences that USDA numbers are roughly half of what research supports.

Hodges also noted that the NASS Advisory Board currently has only one person who may be knowledgeable about nursery and floriculture crops. Subsequent to the meeting, we were invited to nominate a person for the new term of the Advisory Board. Based on a recommendation by Hinson, we nominated Dr. Severn Doughty, Executive Director of the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association.

Hodges noted that NASS was quite aware of the industry and its relative economic importance to the agriculture industry. They also welcomed additional guidance and expertise to address this issue. Hodges welcomed other committee members to participate in this activity. Current committee is Hall, Hodges, Haydu and Hinson.

Container cost budget zones 8 & 9 (Hinson):
Hinson provided an update on the container cost report for zones 8 and 9. Black commented that he, Richard Harkass, and Allen Owings recently met with some growers for comments and feedback. They have incorporated the production concerns and are currently working on the irrigation component. The budget should be available for review within a month. Black commented on the consensus that the growers provided in terms of labor, equipment, and machinery performance rates. Hinson commented on the importance of gathering feedback from these and other producers in terms of measuring the impact of this project's work.

Other:
Little noted that there was some on-going work on a sod production budget in Mississippi.

Elections:
Hall noted that the past chairs were assigned the responsibility of developing the slate of new officers. Hodges was nominated as Chair which was seconded by Behe. The election was held and he was elected unanimously. Marco Palma was nominated as Secretary, and he was elected by acclamation which passed unanimously. Hall welcomed the new officers and noted the assistance of the past president with developing the project's annual report.

2008 Winter Meeting:
Future site for 2008 winter meeting is Austin, TX. Palma noted that tentative planning was for the middle of February, likely the 13-15 or 20-22. Hall noted that every sector of the green industry is represented in the Austin area, so possibilities are numerous for the tour.

The summer 2008 meeting will be held in Atlanta, GA during the Southern Nursery Association (SNA) meeting. The SNA meeting dates are August 6-7, 2008.

Sub-committee meetings scheduled:
(1) Consumer Perceptions and Behavior
(2) Container Cost Budget Zones 8 & 9

Meeting adjourned at 12:20 pm for lunch with sub-committee meetings scheduled for the afternoon.

Submitted by Ron Rainey, secretary;
Edited by Alan Hodges, chairman elect

Accomplishments

Publications

Hall, C. R., Hodges, A. W., and Haydu, J. J. Economic Impacts of the Green Industry in the United States. 2007. Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 406. http://www.utextension.utk.edu/hbin/scsbeconomic.htm<br />

Impact Statements

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Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

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Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

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Publications

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

Hodges, Alan (awhodges@ufl.edu) University of Florida; Palma, Marco (mapalma@ag.tamu.edu) Texas A&M University; Warnock, Daniel (dwarnock@uiuc.edu) University of Illinois; Behe, Bridget (behe@msu.edu) Michigan State University; Hall, Charlie (c-hall@tamu.edu) Texas A&M University; Dennis, Jennifer (jhdennis@purdue.edu) Purdue University; Stegelin, Forrest ( fstegelin@agecon.uga.edu) University of Georgia; Coker, Christine (cec117@ra.msstate.edu) Mississippi State University; Lopez, Roberto (rglopez@purdue.edu) Purdue University; Ingram, Dewayne (dingram@uky.edu) University of Kentucky; Barton, Sue(sbarton@udel.edu) University of Delaware; Posadas, Ben (benp@ext.msstate.edu) Mississippi State University.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

1. Increased wholesale value of nursery and greenhouse crops through increased sales to retail outlets and consumption by end-users and businesses.
2. Improved nursery and greenhouse worker productivity, enhanced by training and education in a method both well understood and retained by English and Spanish speaking workers.
3. Enhanced profitability of 500-2000 firms through better financial information published regionally and nationally for greenhouse and nursery course operations.
4. Identified of costs of production for in-ground nursery operations to improve their ability to calculate costs, charge prices, and earn profits.
5. Improve the speed for which new technologies for nursery and greenhouse operations can be evaluated financially, increasing the adoption of new technologies.

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Report Information

Participants

Fitzner, Michael (mfitzner@csrees.usda.gov) - CSREES; Teffeau, Marc (mteffeau@anla.org) -American Nursery & Landscape Association; Field, Deacue (fieldde@aces.edu) - Alabama Cooperative Extension; Hall, Charlie (c-hall@tamu.edu) - Texas Agrilife Research; Palma, Marco (mapalma@ag.tamu.edu) - Texas Agrilife Research; Hodges, Alan (thodge@vt.edu) - University of Florida; Behe, Bridget (behe@msu.edu) - Michigan State University; Yue, Chengyan (yuechy@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota; Dennis, Jennifer (jhdennis@purdue.edu) - Purdue University; Barton, Sue (sbarton@udel.edu) - University of Delaware. By phone: Rainey, Ron (rrainey@uaex.edu) - University of Arkansas; Brumfield, Robin (Brumfield@AESOP.Rutgers.Edu) - Rutgers University; Posadas, Ben (benp@ext.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

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Participants

Hodges, Alan (awhodges@ufl.edu) University of Florida; Hall, Charlie (CHall@ag.tamu.edu) Texas A&M University; Hinson, Roger (RHinson@agcenter.lsu.edu) Louisiana State University; Behe, Bridget (behe@msu.edu) Michigan State University; Palma, Marco (mapalma@tamu.edu) Texas A&M University; Coker, Christine (cec117@ra.msstate.edu) Mississippi State University; Dennis , Jennifer (jhdennis@purdue.edu); Cross, Robin (robin.cross@oregonstate.edu) Oregon State University; Lopez, Roberto (rglopez@purdue.edu) Purdue University; Warnock, Daniel (dwarnock@illinois.edu) University of Illinois; Kuehny, Jeff (JKuehny@agcenter.lsu.edu) Louisiana State University; Barton, Sue (sbarton@udel.edu) University of Delaware; Ingram, Dewayne (dingram@uky.edu) University of Kentucky; Nessler, Craig (cnessler@tamu.edu) Texas A&M Agrilife Research

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Impact Statements

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Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

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Impact Statements

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