Both Cornell and the New York greenhouse industry are benefiting from the cooperative relationships developed in the Greenhouse Horticulture Program Work Team.

The multidisciplinary team of Cornell faculty and extension educators sought to strengthen the connection between Cornell and the NY greenhouse industry. This team is currently co-led by John Sanderson (Entomology), Margery Daughtrey (Plant Pathology), and Chris Logue (CCE of Schenectedy County) and includes faculty from AEM, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Entomology, Horticulture, IPM, and Plant Pathology, as well as county extension educators.

In the mid-90's, the Cornell Greenhouse Industry Advisory Board was formed and has met on campus twice annually with Cornell on- and off-campus greenhouse faculty and staff to hear about and provide input on progress and plans in the research, teaching, and extension programs of the Cornell Greenhouse Program. The Board includes representatives from all major greenhouse production regions and grower organizations of the state. The Board also includes a member from NYS Ag. & Markets. The agenda for these meetings is developed in consultation with the Board chairperson. The Board is also provided with the minutes of all monthly on-campus greenhouse team meetings. Their input is solicited for setting research/extension priorities and they are asked to review the pre-proposals for projects to be supported by Federal Formula Funds. Members of this Board also represent the greenhouse industry on the NYS Farm Bureau. In 2001 we were granted status as a Program Work Team. The Cornell team has been actively implementing the recommendations of the Board, which has improved our effectiveness, supported the greenhouse industry, and is leading to improved relationships within the industry and between the industry, Cornell, and government agencies.

As requested by the Advisory Board, the format of the annual Cornell greenhouse conference was changed to include an outdoor field trial of plant materials from a variety of commercial breeders. A Cornell website was constructed that provides access to resources for crops and culture, structures and equipment, pests and diseases, and business and marketing. Faculty contribute articles to industry newsletters. The Program Work Team met with representatives from NYS Dept. Agric. & Markets and NYS Farm Bureau to strengthen the connection with state government for the benefit of the economic growth of the industry. Ties with New York State Flower Industries, a state-wide industry organization, has been strengthened; a Cornell Horticulture professor was invited to serve on their Board of Directors. The leaders of the industry have actively supported Cornell's work to state legislators and have quickly responded when asked to advocate for Cornell to eliminate budget cuts. Such improvements to the relationship between the greenhouse industry and Cornell are serving to strengthen both entities. We are looking for additional ways to serve the industry, though budget issues are constraining.

Greenhouse Crop Production

Greenhouse industry stakeholders contribute their time and travel expenses to participate in the activities of the Cornell Greenhouse Industry Advisory Board

• Margery Daughtrey (Plant Pathology)
• Bill Miller (Horticulture)
• Mark Bridgen (Horticulture)
• Betsy Lamb (NYS IPM Program)
• Gary Couch (NYS IPM Program)
• Chris Logue (CCE of Schenectedy Co.)
• Walt Nelson (CCE of Chemung Co.)
• Rose Baglia (CCE of Orange Co.)
• Nora Catlin (CCE of Suffolk Co.)
• Judson Reid (CCE of Schyler Co.)