REACH program to require chemical registrations
Beginning June 1, 2007, European Union regulations will take effect that require chemical producers to register the properties of their products with the new European Chemical Agency in Helsinki, Finland. The agency has the authority to ban chemicals it considers to be a significant health risk. The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) legislation covers some 30,000 chemicals. The registration process will occur over an 11-year period. The purpose of the REACH system is to encourage companies to switch to safer alternatives. Companies that submit applications for authorization must include an analysis of alternatives and a substitution plan where a suitable alternative exists.
San Diego association offers directory
San Diego County Flower & Plant Assoc. is selling its 2007 Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide. The guide provides information on more than 200 growers and wholesalers of cut flowers and potted plants. Cost is $31.94. which includes postage and handling.
GM virus could be a beneficial insecticide
Univ. of Fla. researchers have genetically modified tobacco mosaic virus so that it's helpful, not harmful for ornamental crops. The GM TMV is a natural, environmentally friendly insecticide. The modified virus is almost completely harmless to plants and produces an insecticide that has no impact on humans, but causes insects to starve to death. The exact range of susceptible pests appears to be broad. Vulnerable insects usually die within 72 hours.
Short course, forum provide info
Attendees of the Greenhouse Crop Production and Engineering Design Short Course, Jan. 14-17 in Tucson, Ariz., can acquire the knowledge necessary to run a successful greenhouse operation. Attendees will learn how to monitor and manage greenhouse environments, assess the environmental responses of plants; practice integrated pest management and proper postharvest handling. The short course will be followed by a separate Growers Marketing Forum, Jan. 17-19, in Tucson. The forum will provide insight on how to succeed in the vegetable and specialty crop marketplace. Attendees will learn about entry into wholesale and retail markets, optimal market sizes and types, distribution, branding and packaging. There is also a tour to a state-of-the-art greenhouse tomato production and packing facility.
FedEx to raise shipping rates
FedEx will increase the net average shipping rate for FedEx Express by 3.5%, which is composed of a 5.5% average increase in standard list rates, offset by a 2% point reduction in its fuel surcharge. The company will also increase rates for FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery by an average of 4.9%. The new rates will be effective Jan. 1, 2007. The fuel surcharge also now will be levied on some transportation-based surcharges such as Residential and Delivery Area surcharge for domestic shipments. Additional changes will be made to other FedEx Express surcharges.
Worth a visit
In Texas, a coalition of business owners formed to help secure migrant workers. Texas Nursery & Landscape Association's Jim Reaves tells us more. Only on GreenBeam.com.
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Hydraulic Sprayers for any size operation. Unique features: ● High Flow, Maintenance Free Pump. ● Self Tracking, Maneuverable Carts. ● Designed with growers in mind.
New England Grows is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6 - Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Register online today!
Something’s keeping you awake at night. You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. 3 intense days. 75 business changing sessions. 1000 green industry professionals.
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