Advocacy

NHPGA Board members continue to play a critical role in supporting horticultural interests throughout the state. Our ties with other state and regional educational, research and advocacy efforts ensure the continued growth of our $522 million environmental horticulture industry.

Invasive Species Program

Since the summer of 2000, a New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, Division of Plant Industry, has worked tirelessly to review and evaluate invasive species data, hold public forums, develop educational materials, formulate management practices and develop a list of proposed prohibited, restricted and prohibited species.
The Invasive Species Committee is a volunteer group of nine appointed members who consider and evaluate the adverse environmental and economic effects of invasive terrestrial plants, insects and fungal species upon the state. The efforts of the Committee include establishing means by which that state shall address and minimize such adverse effects; promote research and educational activities so as to achieve the best possible protection of agriculture, forest, wildlife, and other natural resources of the state and of human health; and to prevent and control the spread of invasive species in the state (refer to RSA 430:51 through RSA 430:57).
To learn more about this important topic, visit the NHDA’s website.
Our NHPGA Board member, Glenn Caron, represents NH’s commercial horticultural interests on this committee.

New Hampshire Horticulture Industries Council

Initiated by Rick Simpson, NHPGA Board member, and UNH Cooperative Extension Specialist Cathy Neal, representatives from eight horticultural trade associations came together in 2004 to form the Horticultural Industries Council – a vehicle for promoting communication and facilitating action on issues of common concern. The Council brings together the members of this diverse sector of NH agriculture to share resources, support education and Extension, enhance and promote the industry, and to respond with one voice when legislative or other issues surface that affect the industry.
Current members include: NH Plant Growers Association, UNH Cooperative Extension , NH Landscape Association, Granite State Landscape Architects, NH Arborists Association, NH Fruit Growers Association, NH Horticultural Society, NH State Florists Association, NH Farm Bureau Federation, NH Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, NH Golf Course Superintendents Association.
NHPGA member, Rick Simpson, Rolling Green Nursery, represents NHPGA interests on the Horticulture Industries Council.

Greenhouse Taxation

NHPGA was instrumental in developing and ensuring passage of the 1998 New Hampshire legislation that exempts from taxation demountable, plastic-covered greenhouses. Through the leadership efforts of Robert Rimol, past President of NHPGA, the UNH Cooperative Extension staff, key legislators, and interested horticultural businesses, the legislation provides thousands of dollars of tax relief to hundreds of businesses statewide.
For complete details, please visit the house bill.