June 2024 - 48

INDUSTRY NEWS
RECAP OF SAF'S CONGRESSIONAL
FLY-IN EVENT
Floral professionals asked Congress for key measures
to help the industry during its first 2024 fly-in event.
Thirteen floral retailers, wholesalers, growers and
importers convened on Capitol Hill for the Society of
American Florists' (SAF) first congressional fly-in of
2024. Led by SAF senior lobbyist Joe Bischoff, and
associate Macey Hammerstrom, the group advocated for
legislative actions that could provide more affordable
access to cut flowers, improve crop insurance for flower
farms, and fund research to improve flower and plant
quality and production.
During the event, attendees visited with 11
congressional offices, including those of Senator Marco
Rubio and Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Adrian Smith,
Dan Kildee, Mario Diaz-Balart, Gwen Moore, Henry
Cuellar, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Andreas Salinas, Scott
Franklin and John Carter.
" There's nothing like hearing constituents tell their
stories, " said Bischoff. " It's one thing to hear from me,
but when they hear directly from an industry member,
they can really make that connection between the work
that's happening in floriculture and the people doing it. "
2025 INDOOR AG-CON CHANGES
VENUE LOCATION
Indoor Ag-Con, a tradeshow and conference
dedicated to vertical farming, greenhouse and
controlled environment agriculture, has decided to
relocate to the Westgate Las Vegas for 2025 for its 12th
annual event being held March 11-12.
The new location provides additional expo floor
and meeting room space to accommodate the event's
growth. Indoor Ag-Con unites farmers, growers, chefs,
ag tech leaders, suppliers, advocates and enthusiasts
under one roof for two days of education, inspiration
and networking. For more information, visit indoor.ag.
THRIVE 4M FUNGICIDE REGISTERED
FOR CALIFORNIA USE
Albaugh has received registration from the California
Department of Pesticide Regulation for Thrive 4M
fungicide (EPA Reg. No. 42750-391) in the state
of California.
Thrive 4M is a systemic fungicide that contains the
active ingredient metalaxyl-M (mefenoxam). It provides
superior protection against soil-borne Oomycete
diseases - including Pythium and Phytophthora spp.
in potato, tree nut, fruit, vegetable and other labeled
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JUNE 2024 GPNMAG.COM
crops - and may be applied using ground, aerial
or chemigation methods. The unique formulation
technology of Thrive 4M also provides excellent
handling and storage.
" Thrive 4M is a great addition to Albaugh's fungicide
portfolio that strengthens our product offerings for
customers in our California specialty crop markets, "
said Andy Bogue, U.S. sales director, crop protection for
Albaugh. " Not only does it provide an alternative option
for disease protection on a myriad of crops, it also gives
growers the added benefit of improved plant stands,
root health and crop vigor. "
BALL HORTICULTURAL PLANT BREEDER
JOINS AFE'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The American Floral Endowment announced that
Ockert Greyvenstein of Ball Horticultural Company is
joining the Board of Trustees. Greyvenstein is an expert
plant breeder and will serve a three-year term with the
option for a second term. He will be filling a vacancy on
the Board in August but will officially begin his threeyear
term on Sept. 1, 2024.
" I enjoy getting a chance to support students on
their journey. Learning from them and their projects
feeds my own curiosity. Plants remain as fascinating to
me as they were when I first tried to graft onions and
Agapanthus as a five-year-old, " Greyvenstein said.
Through his work with AFE, he will provide input
on industry research, scholarships, internships and
education programs fostering the next generation
and beyond.
CORRECTION
We sincerely apologize for
the spelling error in Kristine
Dyer-Steele's name in the
GPN May issue announcing
the Class of 2024 Forty
under 40 honorees.
http://www.indoor.ag http://www.GPNMAG.COM
June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of June 2024
