Commissioner Encourages Support for Local Greenhouses

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick H. Brennan reminded New Yorkers to support local greenhouses and nurseries when purchasing flowers and plants this spring. New York's "green industry" includes more than 800 commercial greenhouses, nurseries and garden centers statewide.

"Spring is here and with warming temperatures and an abundance of rainfall, it is the perfect time to take advantage of all the flowers, plants, shrubs and trees offered by local greenhouses and nurseries across New York State," the commissioner says.

"Supporting New York's green industry does more than beautify your home or business, it generates economic activity on the local level and provides seasonal employment for thousands of New Yorkers," he says. "Bring your family out to one of New York's many greenhouses and select your favorite foliage and do your part in keeping New York green and gorgeous."

Local greenhouses and garden centers offer many varieties of greenery, as well as fruit trees and vegetable plants. Greenhouses make significant contributions to local communities by generating economic activity, creating jobs, keeping land open and productive, and enhancing the aesthetics of homes, schools, businesses and parks.

"New York State Flower Industries is an association created to support and promote greenhouse and garden center businesses in New York State," says Karen Hall, program director for New York State Flower Industries. "Our growers and retailers take pride in offering customers quality plant material for the yard and garden. Please support your local greenhouse and garden center by visiting them this spring."

Today's announcement was made at Lenahan's Farm Market and Orchard in Whitesboro (Oneida County). Lenahan's has been a family owned business since the mid 1940s, and consists of six greenhouses and 180 acres of land. Lenahan's offers 30-50 different varieties of flowers and plants, as well as fresh produce during the summer. Lehanan's are a member of the Pride of New York program, the State's promotion program for New York food and agricultural products grown and processed in New York State.

To find other local greenhouses that are part of the Pride of New York program, visit the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets website at www.agmkt.state.ny.us or the Pride of New York website at www.prideofny.com. Both of these websites allow you to search for a greenhouse operation in your area.

New York ranks fifth in the nation for floriculture production, generating $209 million last year. Bedding and garden plants are the largest component of the industry, followed by potted flowers New York growers maintain 24.5 million square feet of space under greenhouses and temporary growing facilities.