Florida ornamental sales exceed $15 billion
A Univ. of Fla.-IFAS economic impact study determined that the state's nursery and landscape industry sales reached a record $15.2 billion in 2005. This is a 54% increase in 5 years, up from $9.9 billion in 2000. Florida's nursery and foliage growers generated $3 billion in 2005. Nearly half of all nursery sales were outside the state. The Florida nursery and landscape industry directly employs 294,000 with a value-added impact of $5.2 billion in wages and salaries.
U.S. experiences record summer warmth
The January to August period has been the warmest such year-to-date period on record, according to Nat'l. Climatic Data Center. The nationally averaged year-to-date temperature was 57.6°F. The previous record was 57.2°F in 1934. This year's January to August was the 26th driest period in the 112 years that records have been kept. This summer (June through August) was the 2nd hottest on record with an average temperature of 74.5°F. Only the summer of 1936 was warmer and that was only by 0.2 of a degree.
El Niño return to impact U.S. climate
Nat'l. Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin. scientists reported that El Niño conditions have developed in the Pacific and are likely to continue into early 2007. El Niño refers to the large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate phenomenon linked to a periodic warming in sea surface temperatures across the central and east-central equatorial Pacific. Typical El Niño effects are likely to develop over N. America this winter, including warmer temperatures over western and central Canada and over the western and northern U.S. Wetter conditions are likely over the U.S. Gulf Coast and Florida, while drier conditions can be expected in the Ohio Valley and the Pacific Northwest.
Valent posts Easter lily schedule online
Looking to grow Easter lilies correctly? Valent U.S.A. has posted online a 2007 Easter and LA hybrid lily forcing schedule. The schedule follows from the bulb planting date onward. The calendar also provides recommended dates for application of Fascination PGR, which prevents leaf yellowing, increases flower size, improves flower number and enhances flower life.
Correction
Ornamental Bioscience is the name of a new entity formed through a joint venture by Selecta Klemm in Stuttgart, Germany, and Mendel Biotechnology in Hayward, Calif. The new biotechnology company will specialize in product development and marketing of transgenic ornamental plants. The name of the company was incorrect in last week's greEn-MAIL.
Worth a visit
Follow along as we take you to Wholesale Nursery Growers of America's tour of the Cleveland area's most innovative growers. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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The focus of the OFA Scholars Program is on professional development, including attending educational sessions, networking, and working with an industry mentor.
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