Comment period opens on higher nursery license fees

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is accepting comments on a proposed increase in the required state nursery license fees. These fees support the state nursery inspection program, which ensures the shipment of clean plant material and protects Oregon's continued access to national and global markets.

In January, ODA officials initially proposed a 29–38 percent increase in the fees in order to cover a current program deficit as well as short-term inflation. Following criticism from the OAN and others over the size of the increase, they revised their proposal.

The new proposal will reduce some program expenses but still increase license fees by 8–18 percent depending on license type. License fees for dealers, florists, landscape contractors and greenhouse growers of herbaceous plants would increase approximately by 8 percent. License fees for nursery stock growers and collectors of native plants would increase by approximately 18 percent. Officials said that these operators require greater services, so it's appropriate they pay a higher increase.

A public hearing (PDF) will be held on the matter at 10 a.m. Friday, April 8 at the ODA building, 635 Capitol St. NE, Salem. Written comments may be submitted to Sue Gooch at the same address or by email at susan.c.gooch@state.or.us. ODA officials say that even with this current increase, a long-term plan is needed to make the inspection program fiscally sustainable into the future.

TODAY! OAN welcomes new members at 'meet and greet' social

New members who have joined the Oregon Association of Nurseries are invited to a "meet and greet" social taking place today at the OAN office in Wilsonville. The event will be held from 4–6 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, in the Dick Joyce Conference Room, 29751 S.W. Town Center Loop West, Wilsonville, Oregon.

Folks are welcome to drop in anytime during the event; refreshments and light snacks provided. This is a great opportunity for new members to meet and network with OAN volunteer leaders, OAN staff and other new members, and learn how to get the most out of your membership. A similar event will be held for existing members later in the spring.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Contact Jeff Stone at 503-682-5089 or jstone@oan.org. We look forward to meeting all of our new members.

Last chance to submit plants for Farwest's New Varieties Showcase

Do you have one or more exciting new plant introductions? The New Varieties Showcase at the Farwest Show is the place to show them off to garden centers, growers, landscape designers and architects, trade publications and garden writers.

The showcase is now accepting submissions for the 2016 show. We're looking for plants with such characteristics as new colors, better manners, increasingly compact shape, extended seasons of interest, and improved landscape and production performance. To be eligible, all plant selections must be:

• new to the market for 2016 or 2017;
• available for order from a Farwest Show exhibitor; and
• have different attributes than plants currently on the market.

The submission deadline is March 31, 2016. Questions? Contact Crystal Cady at 503-682-5089 or ccady@oan.org.

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Deal reached to raise California's minimum wage to $15

California Gov. Jerry Brown has reached a deal with labor unions to raise the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2022. Under the terms of the deal, the state minimum wage, which is currently $10 per hour, will increase by $0.50 per year for two years, and then $1 per year for four years, until it reaches $15 in 2022 — surpassing the rate set earlier this month by Oregon. On March 2, Oregon enacted a three-tiered minimum wage law that will raise pay to $14.75 per hour in Portland's urban growth boundary by 2022.

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Ravenna grass to be added to noxious weed quarantine

Ravenna grass (Saccharum ravennae) was recognized as an A-rated noxious weed last year by Oregon's Noxious Weed Board and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The Noxious Weed Program is in the process of revising the noxious weed quarantine to add Ravenna grass. This should be completed sometime this spring or summer. At that point, the ODA will begin to enforce the quarantine.

Similar in appearance to pampas grass and jubata grass, Ravenna grass is native to the Mediterranean region of Africa and Eurasia. The plant has been sold for more than 90 years as a cold-hardy ornamental grass with striking size, nearing 12 feet tall at maturity.

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Ash tree set for extinction in Europe

The future for ash trees in Europe looks bleak, according to a new report published by the Journal of Ecology. Ash trees are being killed off by the fungal disease ash dieback along with the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle. Numerous native species, from birds to fungi and insects, are dependent on ash trees and also are in peril of extinction.

The United States has been on high alert for emerald ash borer, too. Since the pest was first discovered in Michigan in 2002, it is estimated that EAB has killed more than 100 million trees across North America and caused more than $3.5 billion dollars' worth of damage and property value losses.

The pest threatens all 16 North American ash species, including native Oregon ash. Emerald ash borer has been detected as far west as Boulder, Colorado — a day's drive or so from Oregon. Originally introduced to the U.S. via wood packaging material, the pest is now spread across the continent in infested firewood.

OSU names new director of Southern Oregon ag research station Richard Roseberg, a soil scientist with 26 years of experience at Oregon State University, has been named director of OSU's Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center in Central Point. Roseberg worked at the station for the first 14 years of his OSU career, then spent 12 years at the ag station in Klamath Falls. Read more

HRI now accepting scholarship applications

The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) is offering scholarships totaling $20,000 for the 2016–2017 school year to aid students who are seeking a lifelong career in horticulture. The scholarship application and prerequisite information are available on the Horticultural Research Institute website. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2016.

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OAN offers health, dental coverage through Leonard Adams Insurance

As a reminder, the Oregon Association of Nurseries offers an exclusive health and dental insurance program for member companies through Leonard Adams Insurance, an independent agency endorsed by OAN.

OAN dental coverage is geared toward prevention and good overall oral health. Plans can start any month, with as few as two enrolled employees, and have tax deductible rates as low as $36.60 per employee. There are no waiting periods for class I, II, or III services, and benefits begin the first day covered.

OAN and Leonard Adams offer multiple health insurance plans through Providence Health Plan with strong benefits at competitive cost. To receive an updated quote on the new plan offerings for this year, please contact Randy Skinner at randys@lacoinsurance.com or 503-296-0077. Leonard Adams also offers other insurance lines, including workers compensation, general liability, farm, business auto, and personal.

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Donations and volunteers needed for Plant Sale

The OAN Willamette Chapter will hold its annual Plant Sale at the Oregon Ag Fest on Saturday and Sunday, April 23–24, at the Oregon State Fairgrounds (2330 17th St. NE, Salem, Oregon). Your generous donation of plant materials helps raise money for the chapter's educational fund. Blooming plants are the best, although all plants are needed and welcome. Please label all plants, and include an invoice with your donation.

To make a donation or volunteer, download this form and return it by April 14. For more information, contact Val Tancredi at valjtan@gmail.com.

Register for webinar on spotted wing drosophilia — April 12

A free webinar — "All-Seasons Approach to Monitoring and Managing Spotted Wing Drosophilia" — will take place from 10–11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12. Pre-registration is required.

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is an insect pest affecting economically valuable small fruit and tree fruit crops. Known in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest since about 2009, this species now appears to be established in many fruit-growing regions around the country. Growers and researchers are working together to implement effective pest control strategies. The webinar will discuss effective techniques to monitor and reduce SWD populations year round.

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Farwest New Varieties Showcase submission deadline
♦ MARCH 31 - Do you have one or more exciting new plant introductions? The New Varieties Showcase is the place to show them off to garden centers, growers, landscape designers and architects, trade publications and garden writers. More Info »

OAN membership renewal deadline
♦ APRIL 1 - Membership includes opportunities to market your business, provide the industry with a strong voice, keep your industry knowledge current, and save money. Our member savings calculator helps you quantify your membership return on investment. If you're an existing member and haven't paid your 2016 dues, renew today and stay part of the action!

ONF scholarship applications due ♦ APRIL 15 - Applications must be postmarked for the Oregon Nurseries Foundation (ONF) scholarships. Ranging from $500 to $1,500, the awards are sponsored by individuals and OAN chapters as a way to support the next generation of green industry professionals. More Info » Willamette Chapter Plant Sale at Ag Fest ♦ APRIL 23-24 - The Willamette Chapter will hold its annual Plant Sale at the Oregon Ag Fest on April 23-24. Your generous donation of plant materials helps raise money for the chapter's educational fund. More Info »

Clackamas County student scholarships due
♦ APRIL 29 - Applications are due for the two $2,000 scholarships being offered by the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District for the 2016–17 school year. For questions, contact Lisa Kilders at 503-210-6002. More Info »

AFE scholarship applications due
♦ MAY 1 - The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is offering more than 20 scholarships to floriculture and horticulture students. The deadline to submit applications is May 1. More Info »

Nursery Guide listings due ♦ MAY 2 - It's now time to renew your Nursery Guide listings! Each OAN member gets a free profile and one free listing. Listings that are renewed by May 1 will appear in the printed book and remain on the website through April 30 of the following year. Renew your listings today. Nursery Guide display advertising due ♦ MAY 2 - Reserve your ad space in the OAN Nursery Guide book by May 2, or get a banner ad on NurseryGuide.com (call anytime for availability; space is limited). Contact Blair Thompson (bthompson@oan.org or 503-582-2012) or download our ad kit for details.

Oregon is the top grower of several deciduous shade trees

Allison Pennell joins OAN staff

Seed Your Future program encourages careers in horticulture

Oregon governor signs landmark minimum wage bill

State revises proposal to increase nursery license fees

EPA approves new Syngenta insecticide

Portland considers changes to approved plant list

2016 Farwest Show announces keynote speaker

Oregon horticultural sales hit $932 million for 2014

Spraying for Asian gypsy moth to begin this spring in Portland

Ready to grow your business with OAN Publications and Events?

Our range of respected publications and engaging events provide valuable opportunities to strategically deliver your message and help achieve your sales and marketing goals. From print to digital to in person at the Farwest Show, we can help you find the best way to reach key nursery industry decision-makers through advertising and sponsorship. And as an OAN member you receive exclusive discounts and can save even more with our frequency discount for multiple ads. Download our Media Kit for all the details and contact Blair Thompson at 503-582-2012 or ads@oan.org to discuss how OAN advertising and sponsorship can help your business grow.

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29751 SW Town Center Loop W., Wilsonville, OR 97070
Ph: 503.682.5089 | 888-283-7219 | F: 503.682.5099 | info@oan.org ♦ oan.org

Email your story ideas, tips and comments to Curt Kipp, Director of Publications and Communications, or call him at 503-582-2008.

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