60TH ANNIVERSARY SUMMER CELEBRATION!!
DATE: August 8, 2019 @ 6PM
LOCATION: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901 Google Maps
The Long Island Flower Growers Association invites you, your family and staff members to join us for our 60th Anniversary summer celebration at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. Enjoy a great dinner by the river and visit with fellow LIFGA members. A Chinese auction will be held along with our 50/50 raffle. *Please bring your donations for the auction to the dinner.
Registration begins at at 5:45 pm. Cocktails and dinner will be served at 6pm.
RSVP’s A MUST BY JULY 29TH!
Please contact Diane Hanwick to make your reservations at (631) 727-3595 (her work), (631) 886-2213 (LIFGA, leave a message) or by email: info@lifga.com.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!
Welcome To Long Island Flower Growers Association (LIFGA)
The mission of Long Island Flower Growers Association’s (LIFGA) is to increase awareness, education, and appreciation of plant diversity and to be a regional center of expertise in greenhouse management, landscape design and exhibition of horticultural “best” practices.
LIFGA supports academic research projects and continuing education programs on issues related to the use, management and care-giving of landscape plants by providing high-reach, high-content and cost-effective means of delivery, and new and routine information to Long Island’s horticultural audiences.
Professionals related to the environmental horticultural industry are LIFGA’s primary audience, such as:
– Landscape maintenance and construction contractors.
– Plant and seed brokers.
– Retail and wholesale greenhouse and nursery professionals.
– Irrigation designers and equipment manufacturers.
– Public parks and public works personnel.
– Arborists
Important secondary audiences are home horticulture enthusiasts and media representatives.
Find Out How Your Business Can Save The Planet!
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
CCE assists and educates residents, businesses and professionals in a broad spectrum of topics by providing research-based information .
HORTICULTURAL CENTER
GREENHOUSE HORT
Our facilities range from the very low-tech to fully automation. Our site focuses on Cornell-developed greenhouse hydroponic systems geared toward local food production.
LOCAL EVENTS
We always have fun events going on. Whether you’re a participant or a volunteer, we want you to be part of it! Stay up to date with our events calendar, and make sure to RSVP for each event
2024 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
LIFGA SCHOLARSHIP
Mr. Timothy Langone from Farmingdale State University
BOB GUNTHER LIFGA SCHOLARSHIP
Ms. Julia Dahl from Cornell University
LIFGA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS
The LIFGA established a scholarship fund with the American Floral Endowment in 2010 after fund raising for more than 12 years. This scholarship is intended for students in the Long Island/New York area studying ornamental horticulture at a community college or a four-year institution.
COMMERCIAL FLORTICULTURE SURVEY: GROWER RESPONSES NEEDED
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service again has funding to prepare an annual Floriculture Crops Summary report (after several years lapse in the survey). The information is valuable to producers to help learn industry sales and pricing trends. Good survey results depend on a high percentage of the industry reporting. The survey is being mailed out to commercial floriculture growers the week of Dec. 10 and reporting is due before Feb. 8. More information is available at https://safnow.org/commercial-floriculture-survey-responses-needed.
EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
ONLINE GREENHOUSE SCOUT SCHOOL
Learn about scouting with a 6-week webinar series from Cornell University, NYS IPM Program, University of Vermont, and University of Maine.
Learn to identify the major pests of greenhouse floriculture crops, make scouting faster and easier, communicate with growers and owners, and find resources to help.
For more information and to register, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/events/greenhouse-scout-school.
REDUCE COSTS AND BOOST ENERGY FARM TOUR
Discover how to reduce costs and boost energy efficiency on your farm through energy efficiency and renewabl energy initiatives!
MARCH 27TH
1:00pm | Gabrielsen Country Farm, 216 Herricks Lane, Jamesport, NY
2:30pm | Paumanok Vineyards, 107 Main Rd, Aquebogue, NY
After the tours, enjoy a relaxed social hour with fellow farmers and energy contractors at Paumonok Vineyard.
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your farm’s future ; reserve your spot today!
RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING CLINICS
Location: CCE Suffolk, 423 Griffing Ave, Riverhead / Riverhead Firehouse, 540 Roanoke Ave, Riverhead
The NY Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) is offering two Respirator Fit Test Clinics in cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. These trainings provide WPS- and OSHA-compliant fit testing and training.
- WPS- and OSHA‐compliant fit testing & training (English and Spanish)
- Cost per person: $78 ($40 for eligible farms)
- Proof of medical clearance required
- Provide respirator make, model, & size when scheduling
- Call 800‐343‐7527 or email fittest@bassett.org to schedule an appointment or if you have questions
FUNDING FOR SMALL- MID-SIZED FARM/FOOD BUSINESSES
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in partnership with the Northeast Regional Food Business Center (NERFBC) and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation, today announced the launch of a second funding opportunity, totaling $10 million, to support small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, including aquaculture and wild-caught marine businesses. Funding for the Business Builder program will be provided for projects that support businesses in scaling their operations, expanding markets, and strengthen the regional food supply chain.
Awards in this round will range from $15,000 to $100,000. The Business Builder program will fund projects through three specialized funding track
- Track 1: Equipment Acquisition ($25,000 – $50,000) – Supports the purchase of specialized post-harvest equipment, such as wash-and-pack stations, refrigerated vans, cold storage units and food safety upgrades.
- Track 2: Business Development ($15,000 – $25,000) – Provides funding for business planning, financial guidance, supply chain analysis, food safety training, workforce development and strategy development.
- Track 3: Product and Market Expansion ($50,000 – $100,000) – Assists businesses in expanding through new product development, market analysis, packaging supplies, kitchen appliances and software implementation.
Applications are now open and will close April 7. For more details and to apply for the Business Builder subawards, visit https://www.nasda.org/business-builder-sub-awards/.
LIFGA 60TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK - Place Your Ad
DATE: Deadline is July 30, 2019
The Long Island Flower Growers’ Association (LIFGA) will celebrate its 60th anniversary on August 8 at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, NY.
A special Anniversary Book is being prepared to celebrate this event. You can highlight your business in the Anniversary Book by purchasing a full-page ad, a half-page ad, or a quarter-page ad.
Your ad can contain anything you would like, including a logo and photos. (The book will be published in black-and-white only).
Time is limited! Responses are needed as soon as possible in order to have the book printed.
AMERICAN FLORAL ENDOWMENT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Applications are now being accepted for more than 25 different scholarships through the American Floral Endowment (AFE).
Sophomore, junior, senior and graduate students studying floriculture and horticulture must submit their applications online by the May 1 deadline.
Scholarships range from $500 to $6,000. In 2018, the Endowment awarded more than $42,000 in scholarships.
“AFE strives to support the next generation of industry members in any way we can. One of the ways we do this is through awarding scholarships to help ease their financial burdens,” said Greg Royer, Chairman of Royers Flowers & Gifts and AFE Education Committee Chair.
For more information on each scholarship and to apply, please visit Endowment Scholarships.
Members
MEMBERSHIP SNAPSHOT
LIFGA’s success is attributed to the dedication we put forward toward local growers, retail garden centers, nurseries, landscapers, arborists, farms and complement industries. We support group discussions and promote content that is most prevalent to the LI horticultural community.
Our association continues to grow by offering many opportunities through means of continuing education, networking dinners, sponsored events, website advertisements and affiliate of the PlantSomething national campaign.
Being a member of LIFGA is more than just being connected to a business group, it’s about being part of a larger family .. who LISTEN AND CARE !!
Commercial Growers
Garden Centers
Supporting Industries
Advertisers
PREMIUM MEMBERS
FARM CREDIT EAST
Specialized lender and financial services for agri-businesses
FARM CREDIT EAST is dedicated to serving the agricultural credit and financial needs of those in the business of agriculture, including farmers, nursery and greenhouse operators, lobstermen, part-time growers, agribusiness owners and country home owners.
CJ VAN BOURGONDIEN
A Family-Owned Business For Over 70 Years !!
CJ VAN BOURGONDIEN, Inc started with one man wanting to settle down and start a family while living the American dream. Going from a bulb salesman, working for his father from Holland, to a business owner in the United States, all started in 1916.
BUNICCI INSURANCE SERVICES
Islip Terrace, NY 11752 (631) 277-7770
FARM FAMILY INSURANCE – Choosing the right insurance is critical. As a business owner, I understand that a one-size-fits-all policy doesn’t make sense for individuals, families or businesses. You know insuring your future means more than just getting the quickest quote or finding the best price
EMMA'S GARDEN
Growers of annuals, perennials & holiday crops.
EMMA’S GARDEN GROWERS are a 3rd generation, family-owned business serving the New York City metropolitan area, Long Island, Westchester County, Western Connecticut and Northern NJ. We are growers of high quality annuals, perennials, ground covers, and holiday crops.
EAST COAST NURSERIES
Where Gardens Grow.
EAST COAST NURSERIES is a full-service, wholesale-only container nursery. As one of the largest container nurseries in the northeastern United States, our plants have become standard inventory in many retail and re-wholesale nurseries throughout Long Island, Westchester county, Connecticut, and the greater New England area.
MICHELL'S
America’s Wholesale Horticultural Distributor
Michell’s is committed to developing an outstanding product line and delivery system for commercial growers through a regional customer service program. Growers only need to speak with one representative to resolve questions, while the sales and office staff keep them informed on industry trends by attending trade shows, supplier events, seminars, and meetings.
SPONSORING MEMBERS
ATLANTIC NURSERIES
691 DEER PARK AVE, DIX HILLS, NY 11746 (631) 586-6242
We are a wholesale and grower operation. Our goal is to provide landscape professionals with the highest standard of quality plant material and a broad variety of unusual, hard to find plants. To learn more visit our website.
COLORFUL GARDENS
35 MILL RD, CALVERTON, NY 11933 (631) 369-5598
Colorful Gardens serves garden centers and nurseries in the tri-state areas with annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and ground cover plants. We have an extensive client list and value quality service. Check out our Facebook page.
CHARLES SPITZNER NURSERY
PO BOX 40, MANORVILLE, NY 11949 (631) 878-1021
Family owned and operated Wholesale Greenhouse operation. We specialize in NG Impatiens, Geraniums, Dahlias, Non-Stop Begonias, Easter Mums and Garden Mums. Growing under 120,000 sqf of covered greenhouses. Find out more ..
EMERALD FLORA
478 WEEKS AVE, MANORVILLE, NY 11949 (631) 874-8742
Emerald Flora is a wholesale greenhouse operation hidden in the woods of Manorville. We are a smaller operation that caters to the more diverse and specific needs of garden centers and landscapers, most notably specializing in quality accent plants used in container gardens.” Find out more.
EASON HORTICULTURE RESOURCES
171 ICELAND AVE, HUNTINGTON ST, NY 11746 (516) 982-5925
Eason Horticulture Resources serves as a consultant and sales agent to retail garden center growers, wholesale greenhouse growers, nurserymen, and landscapers. Please contact Walter Bissex to learn about our latest offerings.
LANDCRAFT ENVIRONMENTS
1160 EAST MILL RD, MATTITUCK, NY 11952 (631) 734-6832
We grow tropicals, tender perennials and unusual annuals as well as a few fairly common annuals. All the plants we grow thrive in our hot, humid summers and many perform well into the autumn months. Visit our website.
NORMAN KEIL NURSERIES
38A FIFTY ACRE ROAD, ST JAMES, NY, 11780 (631) 584-6330
Norman Keil Nurseries is a wholesale greenhouse operation with a customer base that includes large chain stores, supermarkets, garden centers, and the landscape trade. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality products combined with excellent customer service.
NORMAN KEIL NURSERIES
38A FIFTY ACRE RD, SAINT JAMES, NY 11780 (631) 584-6330
Norman Keil Nurseries is a large wholesale greenhouse operation established in 1996. Our customer base includes large chain stores, supermarkets, garden centers, and the landscape trade. Visit our website.
GORDON COMPANY
We represent clients in the sale of their businesses, strategic mergers and acquisitions with other companies, or purchases of new businesses. With experience in the horticultural sector, we specialize in the sale of landscape design and build companies, commercial landscape companies, nurseries and garden centers, wholesale greenhouses, growers, and related companies. To find out more about our services visit our website.
NF BOUTIQUE GARDENS
2450 ELIJAH’S LN, MATTITUCK, NY 11952 (631) 734-6832
North Fork Boutique Gardens is a wholesale supplier of premium landscape plants. Located on the North Fork of Long Island, NFBG operates on 17 acres in the Village of Mattituck. Visit our website.
WEBTRACK BY
BALL HORTICULTURAL
Ball WebTrack manages your business so you can have more time in your greenhouse and less time behind your desk. WebTrack offers the broadest selection of live online inventory, less paperwork, and online order management. Learn more ..