Worker safety is critical, and nursery and greenhouse operations make it a priority. Our industry has learned a lot from the dynamic and harsh weather events of the past year. But Oregon agriculture has been put back on its heels by a new set of heat and smoke rules, created under pressure from labor and […]

Going back years, most of my Director’s Desk columns have focused on the evergreen topic of nursery and greenhouse labor —  or more precisely, the lack thereof. Every year, the U.S. Congress proves its consistent, even surgical failure to put politics aside and pass a sensible and sustainable immigration visa system. Agriculture needs it, but […]

There is an old black and white photo in the Oregon State Capitol café, located in the basement of the building, and it has always spoken to me. Located off in a non-descript place near dining tables along the wall, it shows the old capitol building engulfed in flames. I can almost feel the heat […]

It seems like the same narrative happens at the beginning of every year: “This is a make-or-break year for the industry.” But I am going to say it: 2022 will be a defining year. We grow, sell and ship the best nursery and greenhouse products in the country. But every year, there has been a […]

The word “familia” has a long history of referring to close relations or connections. In Spanish, “la familia” variously refers in English to one’s family, circle of friends and coworkers, teammates, or other close communities or organizations. So, as many of you will know, the Spanish headline above refers to “the family of nurseries and […]