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JANUARY 22, 2008

H-2B cap met for 2nd half of 2008
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it has received a sufficient number of petitions to reach the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for the 2nd half of fiscal year 2008. With the second half fiscal year 2008 cap of 33,000 visas for employment met, all petitions for new H-2B workers received after Jan. 2, 2008. will be rejected. "The fact that the statutory cap was reached months prior to the date these workers would be eligible for employment is an irrefutable affirmation of ANLA's efforts to increase the number of H-2B guest-worker visas available to support the American economy and nursery and landscape businesses," said Bob Dolibois, ANLA exec. v.p.

Greenleaf launches Gen X, Y marketing program
Greenleaf Nursery in Park Hill, Okla., is launching a marketing program this spring designed to appeal to Generations X and Y consumers. O₂: Planting for the Future targets busy families with school-age children. The program is for independent garden centers only. Program materials will emphasize the importance of oxygen and its role in the ecosystem. Greenleaf will offer plant tags, banners and point-of-purchase materials supporting this initiative. The nursery's sales reps will also assist garden centers in setting up special events for children.

New bacterium fights major pests
Scientists discovered a bacterium toxic to Colorado potato beetle larvae is also toxic to gypsy moth, small hive beetle and tobacco hornworm. USDA-Agricultural Research Service scientists found a new bacterial species called Chromobacterium subtsugae in soil rich in decomposed hemlock leaves from the Catoctin Mountain region in central Maryland. ARS licensed the pest control technology to Marrone Organic Innovations Inc. in Davis, Calif., and Natural Industries Inc. in Houston. More studies are planned to test the degree of toxicity in gypsy moth.

Teleconference to discuss draft sustainable ag standard
The 2nd of 2 informational teleconferences on a draft National Sustainable Agriculture Standard is coming up on Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Industry members are invited to help shape the standard under a process governed by the American Nat'l. Standards Institute (ANSI). Anyone interested can register and get further information online. You can download the application for participation, timeline, the Draft Standard for Trial Use, FAQs and the presentations and break-out session notes from the first informational meeting held in October from the Leonardo Academy Web site.

Group focuses on 'green' growing
Holiday Tree Farms in Corvallis, Ore., and Yule Tree Farms in Canby, Ore., are looking for Christmas tree growers to join their Coalition of Environmentally Conscious Growers. Growers who join the coalition will be certified for using a set of production standards. Environmental criteria include: riparian/wetland management; soil and water conservation; nutrient management; pest management; worker safety; and biodiversity. Certified trees will be marked with a special hangtag.

Vote for top plant
Let your voice be heard! You'll have the opportunity to vote in person for the top plant in the NMPRO New Plant Pavilion, which will be showcased at the ANLA Management Clinic. You have until Feb. 1 to get a deal on registration for the Management Clinic, which is Feb 8-11 in Louisville, Ky.

Discovering the world of sustainability
Get the gritty details on recycling nursery pots. Project: Green Industry

Worth a visit
GMPRO editor David Kuack tells us the Southeast drought is putting a big hurt on horticulture. Only on GreenBeam.com.

Since 1910, Dayton Bag & Burlap has served the nursery industry with the highest quality products from 4 locations nationwide. Visit www.daybag.com for more information!

Mavrik Aquaflow® Insecticide/Miticide provides immediate and long term, broad-spectrum insect control for use on all greenhouse and nursery crops. For more information contact your local distributor, call 1-800-248-7763 or visit us online at www.mavrikaquaflow.com.

Info Now! Use our Directory of Suppliers to easily research supplies or contact suppliers directly.
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