February 28, 2020 Issue #269
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Dear MNLGA Members:
As everyone is aware, the General Assembly has rolled out
one massive bill to tax virtually all services in Maryland. MNLGA, through MaGIC, is formally opposing this bill and will have representative, Jim McWilliams and Mark Schlossberg, testifying against this bill, along with our lobbying American Joe Miedusiewski, on Monday, March 2nd. There is still time to contact your legislators and ask your customers to contact their legislators to have their voices heard on this bill. We consumers are really going to be hit from all angles if this legislation passes. Below is information from a Member Matters blast that we sent out earlier this week regarding this bill.
Please share this information with your own customers and let them know that
if this bill passes, a new 5% sales tax would be added to their services starting in January, 2021. It is recommended that we, as an industry, including our clients, contact our legislators in Annapolis. Phone calls and emails are best. This legislation would obviously increase the cost of our services by 5% without us having any immediate benefit from it.
We would become a tax collector for the State.
To find out who your MD State Delegates are (usually 2 or 3 per district) and State Senator (1 per district), go to
www.mdelect.net on your browser and type in your address. Or you can
use this link. You can also contact members that aren't necessarily in your district but are in your county.
MNLGA Launches New Website and Database
: As of January 2020 the MNLGA launched a new website and MNLGA member database. One of the most significant upgrades with this site and database is the integration of all CPHers (whether or not they are MNLGA members) into the database. Now CPHers will be able to go online and renew their certifications and record their continuing education credits. This new site is much more user-friendly and makes managing your membership easy! I encourage you to review the site, log in and check out the members' only page - which includes access to the plethora of money-saving member benefits. Go to
www.mnlga.org;
in the upper right hand corner is the member login access.
MDA - Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine - is now in effect in Cecil and Harford Counties. Please read full press release, below, for details. Permits are required to move regulated items (i.e. plants, landscaping waste, logs, lawn mowers, etc.) within or from the quarantined area. Information on how to obtain your permit is in the press release, see below.
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MNLGA Releases 2018 Maryland Horticulture Industry Statistical and Economic Profile
The most recent survey is now complete and available to all members. Hard copies are available by request from
office@mnlga.org
or electronically via the Association website,
www.mnlga.org
, on the Industry Resources tab. The last such survey completed was for calendar year 2012. The MNLGA would like to thank all of our members that took part in the survey this year – as this information is vital when it comes to management decisions as well as marketing strategies, obtaining financing, and working with state and local agencies and governments to better understand the Maryland horticulture industry and its impact.
Current survey results report gross receipts for all aspects of the horticulture industry, including wholesale and retail activity and landscape installations, exceeded $1.37 billion and are expected to increase 6% in 2019 to $1.46 billion. According to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, based on cash receipts, ornamental horticulture has been the number two incoming producing commodity group, behind poultry, for decades.
You are encouraged to take a look at the most current survey and share this information with pride that our industry is thriving and has a large impact statewide.
Survey Highlights
- Approximately 25,000 people were employed within the industry and were paid wages in excess of $423.7 million (plus benefits of $135.7 million); the average wage rate for experienced workers was $14.94 per hour and $25.49 for supervisors; horticulture maintained over 27,000 acres in production area, including covered and non-covered facilities; and the destination of 91% of finished product is within Maryland. Factors recognized as most significant in limiting further growth in the industry were reported to be labor – finding and maintain a reliable workforce, government regulations and taxes, and the high cost of overhead.
Sincerely,
Vanessa A. Finney
MNLGA, Executive Director
410-823-8684
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Wye Oak Sponsors
Thank you to our Annual Wye Oak Sponsors for their
continued support of the MNLGA!
Please check out all that these great sponsors have to offer!
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Chesapeake Green 2020
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone that came out to Chesapeake Green 2020 last week! We had over 500 people come through over two days, and we can't thank our volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and attendees enough! We had no snow this year - so that made for a packed full days of networking, education and of course, great food! For those that were there on the first day and participated in the silent auction - thank you! The silent auction brought in over $2500 this year - and that money goes straight towards funding the MNLGA scholarship fund! Be on the lookout for a full recap with pictures in our upcoming Spring edition of Free State. Thank you all again!
Save the Date for Chessie 2021 - February 17th and 18th at the Maritime!
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New MNLGA Website
As many of you know, the MNLGA launched a new website and membership database integration in January.
The website is up and running - and we are adding content to it daily - so be sure to use it as a great tool and resource for your business.
Job Board: The website also features a brand new comprehensive
Job Board. We have already had members posting jobs on the job board and non-members inquiring about the space as well. Be sure to utilize this tool and take advantage of the discounted pricing with your membership!
Member Benefits: In addition to the new website, we revitalized our member benefits program - be sure to look into how you can get the most out of your membership! View the new
Affinity Programs brochure and read more about the benefits on the
MNLGA website.
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Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Comes to Maryland
This is a friendly reminder that as of October 2019, The Maryland Department of Agriculture has issued a
spotted lanternfly quarantine for all of Cecil and Harford Counties (
Click here for map
). This quarantine is effective immediately and will restrict the movement of regulated articles within the quarantine zone that contain the spotted lanternfly in any of its life stages. Quarantine permits will be strictly enforced.
Read the full press release here.
Quarantine permits will be strictly enforced. Our neighboring states have added staff to enforce quarantine compliance and trucks not displaying the quarantine permits will be stopped and fined. Please get your quarantine training; it's easy and relatively quick, online. Please visit the
DDA website at this link to view the specifics regarding the Delaware quarantine. For a refresher on the
PA and NJ quarantines, please visit this link; PA and NJ go hand-in-hand with quarantine training.
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2020 H-2B Relief - Action Alert!
(Source: AmericanHort) As many of you know, The Department of Homeland Security is soon expected to announce a final decision regarding supplemental H-2B visas for the 2020 fiscal year. Demand for these visas in the landscape sector and other seasonal employment is more than three times the number of visas currently available. This will lead to a spring season labor disaster for horticulture unless DHS acts to release the largest possible number of visas.
Both the NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) and AmericanHort are requesting businesses to take action on this issue. Please see the information below on how you can take action.
On February 20, the
Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering up to an additional 45,000 supplemental H-2B visas for fiscal year 2020. The article does state that these are preliminary numbers and not final. However, the article also reported that the visas could be released in two batches: the first 20,000 would be for April 1 start dates, with the remainder held for jobs starting June 1 or later. This is deeply concerning, since the April 1 demand for visas far exceeds demand for positions starting in June or later.
Please reach out to your Senators and Representative in the House to ask them to weigh in with DHS immediately, urging that they release the maximum number of visas allowed, and in any event not less than 45,000. And, that the majority of visas be made available immediately, reserving only a small number for post-June employment needs.
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Looking for more member benefits including health care?
The MNLGA is a member of Maryland Farm Bureau - and you should consider joining as well! They have a plethora of member benefits and just launched a new healthcare coverage program! Once you join your local county farm bureau you are automatically a member of Maryland Farm Bureau.
Learn more about the program here.
MFB - Trucking Forum - March 20th at Chesapeake College
Maryland Farm Bureau is hosting a trucking forum on March 20th at Chesapeake College. Representatives from the Maryland State Highway Administration, Maryland State Police, and Maryland Vehicle Administration will be on hand to present and answer questions. Doughnuts and coffee will be served.
The forum will be held from 9:30am – 12:00pm.
All Maryland Farm Bureau members, farmers, and truck drivers are invited to this forum to discuss the issues facing farmers on rural roads and state highways. With spring planting coming up, members can hear firsthand how the latest trucking rules and regulations can affect their business. Farmers and truck drivers are encouraged to ask questions about IRP’s, permits, tags and weight limits. Updated farm trucking manuals will be available. Questions about the event should be directed to
Ryan Zimmerman.
Register Here for the event.
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MNLGA Member Spotlight - Ruppert and ALI
Ruppert Nurseries appeared on a recent edition of Maryland Farm & Harvest in regards to their work with the Maryland Zoo. See the blurb from the show below - and
view the episode here!
Big Trees for the Baltimore Zoo: It takes a long time to grow a tree, which makes it hard if you need a big one in a hurry. Thankfully,
Ruppert Nurseries in Laytonsville possesses expertise in growing and transplanting large trees. When the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore needed mature evergreen trees for a landscaping project, Chris Ruppert and his staff answered the call. Viewers follow along to see the work that goes into growing, digging up, moving, and replanting large trees.
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Fox45 News took the time in January to interview Program Administrator - Martha Pindale! Martha shared some great information on ALI and helping students choose an agriculture career.
View the video interview.
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News from the MDA
Meeting Notice - Soil Health Advisory Committee to Meet March 2nd
The Soil Health Advisory Committee will meet on Monday, March 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the lower level conference room at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. The agenda will focus on best management practices associated with soil health. The meeting is open to the public.
Meeting Notice - MD Ag Commission to Meet March 11th
The Maryland Agricultural Commission will meet Wednesday, March 11 at 8:30 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis. The meeting will include a presentation on Bay health by Chip MacLeod, General Counsel for the Clean Chesapeake Coalition. Following the presentation, department staff will provide updates and each board member will share their commodity reports.
Department to Phase out Regular Use of Chlorpyrifos
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced that it will develop regulations to immediately phase out the regular use of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide used in agricultural production and turf management. The department will engage agricultural leaders, environmental advocates and farmers to identify a solution that addresses all parties’ interests while preserving the established regulatory authority for pesticide use.
Read the full press release.
Department Accepting Applications for 2020 Industrial Hemp Pilot Program
The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program is now accepting applications for the 2020 growing season. In its second year, the program allows eligible farmers to partner with institutions of higher education or the department to grow industrial hemp for research purposes.
“Industrial hemp is another opportunity for Maryland farmers to diversify their operations and one more way that we can ensure rural Maryland is open for business,” said Secretary Joseph Bartenfelder.
Read the full press release.
March 1 - Filing Deadline for Nutrient Management Reports
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds farmers that March 1 is the deadline for submitting Annual Implementation Reports summarizing nutrient applications made during calendar year 2019. Reporting forms and instructions were mailed in January to approximately 5,500 farmers who are regulated under Maryland’s Nutrient Management Program. Additional copies may be picked up at regional nutrient management and University of Maryland Extension offices or
downloaded here. For more information, call 410-841-5959.
Nutrient Management Certification Class for Nursery/Greenhouse Operators Set for March 4
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland Extension will offer a training and certification program for operators of nurseries, greenhouses, and controlled environments who want to become certified by the department to write and update their own nutrient management plans. The training will take place Wednesday, March 4 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the University of Maryland’s Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Ellicott City. The cost is $35 and includes lunch and the exam fee.
Register by February 28. For registration information, visit the department’s website or contact
Andrew Ristvey at 410-827-8056 ext. 113.
Department Moves Forward with Phosphorus Management Tool
The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced new funding and initiatives for farmers as it moves forward with the implementation of the Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT). A proposed one-year delay in implementation was voted down by the PMT Advisory Committee with support from representatives of the agriculture industry and environmental groups.
“The PMT is a critical part of the state’s efforts to enhance and protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and we look forward to continuing that progress without delay,” said Secretary Joe Bartenfelder.
Read the full press release.
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HRI Announces 2020 Grant Awards
The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the foundation of AmericanHort, proudly announces the portfolio of research projects to be funded in 2020. Projects fit into the cadre of research priorities established in support of the new strategic vision. Research priority areas include quantifying plant benefits, creating innovative solutions, gathering consumer insights, and producing practical and actionable solutions. A total of $345,800 will be awarded this year.
Read the full press release to see the grant projects.
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MDA - On Demand Webinar for PFA Renewal
The department is now offering an on-demand, pre-recorded recertification webinar for lawn care professionals who need to renew their Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certificates. Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law requires lawn care professionals be certified by the department’s Nutrient Management Program or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. Certificates may be renewed annually for a $100 fee and verification of two hours of recertification training. Successful completion of the webinar and accompanying quiz awards two education credits.
The webinar and quiz are posted on the department’s website.
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