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A Growing Division of the Alabama Farmers Federation
Brian Hardin
(800) 392-5705, ext. 4217
The Greenhouse, Nursery, and Sod Division is composed of growers who produce ornamental plants and sod. Created in 1999, the division seeks to address and meet the unique needs of producers in Alabama's fastest-growing agricultural sector. A recent Auburn University study that shows that Alabama's green industry generates the largest cash crop in the state. It contributes $1.9 billion annually to the state's economy and provides jobs for almost 31,000 Alabamians. The green industry has been one of agriculture's bright spots in Alabama. Production by county and more greenhouse, nursery, and sod statistics can be found through the Alabama Agricultural Statistics Service.
For details about Alabama's floriculture production, visit the Floriculture Statistics for Alabama page.
Goals and Issues
Goals of the division are long-term and short-term. Issues and challenges facing producers are evaluated each year. Priority is determined by producers at the annual Commodity Organizational Meeting to determine a focus for the division's efforts.
A state committee, which is elected by other producers throughout the state, serves to oversee the execution of these goals.
Goals for 2008 include:
- Ensure that greenhouse, nursery and sod continue to be classified as agriculture.
- Monitor activities that affect the cost of energy, and assist producers in ways to minimize the effects of increasing energy costs.
- Address needs of the greenhouse, nursery & sod industry in the next Farm Bill and in disaster legislation
- Promotion of "green" crop usage by Alabama public
- Insurance: being able to acquire needed coverage.
- Development of sound H-2A and other labor legislation
- Stress need for reasonable water policy for green industry.
- Research, specifically in the area of alternatives to pine bark as a substrate for plant production.
- Enforcement of permit fees in green industry.
- Evaluate opportunities to assist farmers with incorporating irrigation through cost-sharing, etc.
- Monitor and provide input for invasive plant list development.
- Fairness for Alabama sod producers affected by sod certification differences among states.
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Members of the 2008 Alabama Farmers Federation State Greenhouse, Nursery and Sod Committee are, front row, from left: Tony Waters, Baldwin; Richard Holladay, Lowndes; Keith Pugh, Bullock; Lance Byrd, Shelby; and Jason Powell, Chilton; back row, from left: Federation Greenhouse Nursery & Sod Division Director Brian Hardin; Chairman Bill Cook, Montgomery; 1st Vice Chairman Steve Thomas, Chambers; Ed Dennis, Dallas; Kenneth Hinkle, Calhoun; Bob Moore, Macon; and Hank Richardson, Cherokee. Not shown is 2nd Vice Chairman Tommy Odom of Mobile County. |
Alabama Farmers Federation at Work for Alabama's Green Industry
Helping farmers address everyday problems is a key part of our mission. As new challenges appear, Alabama Farmers Federation is poised to address those for the good of its producer members. Other areas of concern to producer members are the availability of adequate tools for pest management, fire ant management, and working to ensure ornamentals and sod are considered in government programs.
There have been several major legislative accomplishments that have helped the green industry. These include:- Greenhouse, nursery, & sod production's recognition as "agriculture" - thereby receiving sales tax exemptions on input items and lower sales tax on farm machinery and equipment
- Property is taxed at current use instead of speculative value.
- We have worked to secure several hundred thousand dollars in the federal budget for greenhouse, nursery, and turf research in the state.
The Greenhouse, Nursery and Sod Division supports industry events, such as field days, and hosts a national Horticulture Tour. Alabama Farmers Federation works with other organizations representing Alabama horticulture, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, as well as other government agencies and other groups to help make farmers profitable.
Concerns of farmers are represented at the state and national levels through departments of Governmental Affairs and National Affairs. The Department of Public Relations provides communications about horticultural news and information provided through this website, in addition to its producer member magazine, Neighbors, and biweekly newsletter, Cultivator.
The Local Connection
The strength of the Alabama Farmers Federation lies in the strength of its county Federations. Each county may establish its own Greenhouse, Nursery, & Sod Committee. There are currently 27 County Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Committees headed by a chairman who is a grower from the county. Needs and requests from producers in the county are the beginning of policy development and the direction of the Division.
You may contact the county Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Chairman, or if none currently exists, the Area Organization Director in your region or your county president.
Why Should I be a Member of Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama Greenhouse, Nursery, & Sod Producers?
The Alabama Farmers Federation brings farmers of all commodities together for a common cause. Together, we can accomplish more for everyone's benefit. The more greenhouse, nursery and sod producers involved in Alabama Farmers Federation, the more effective the organization can be in issues affecting them. The Alabama Farmers Federation maintains a staff working for its members through departments of Commodity Producer Services, Governmental Affairs, National Affairs, Organization, and Communications, among others. With membership in the Alabama Farmers Federation, come many benefits.
Buy Plants In A Drought? Of Course!
Do you think it's pointless to buy plants during a drought? The Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association, the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee beg to differ. Check out their colorful brochure, "Think You Can't Buy Plants During A Dry Spell? You Can" to discover how water-conservation and management techniques can keep your lawn and landscaping beautiful even in the driest of times. To get your free copy, go to Alabama Nursery & Landscape Association. Click on the link titled "Beat The Drought With Proper Watering."
Related Links
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
To contact one of Alabama's extension specialists in a specific area, you can reach them here:
Labor
Publications
Trade Organizations
Tradeshows
Other Links
Did You Know?
- Alabama ranks third in the nation in turfgrass and sod production and 16th in greenhouse and nursery production.
- 767 nurseries and commercial greenhouses in Alabama contribute almost $306 million to the economy and employ 4,319 workers.
- The state's 69 turfgrass and sod operations employ 1,030 workers and represent $99 million in total output.
- Sod acreage has increased from 500 acres in 1968 to 25,000 acres today.
- Baldwin County is the number one sod producer in Alabama.
- The most frequently grown turfgrass species in Alabama is Bermudagrass.
- Alabama ranks thirteenth in the number of nurseries.
- Alabama's producers operate 11.5 million square feet of greenhouse space.
- Alabama greenhouse growers sell $5 million in poinsettias and Easter lilies and $78 million in total of floriculture crops.
- Mobile County is the number one greenhouse and nursery-producing county in Alabama. When sod is included, the county sells $60 million worth of production.
For more information, contact Brian Hardin,
Director, Greenhouse, Nursery, & Sod Division, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001. Phone:
(800) 392-5705, ext. 4217.
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