Most people are familiar with certified organic foods. But what about ornamental plants in our built environments, and so-called "native" or "pollinator friendly" plants meant to provide wildlife benefit? The ornamental plant industry includes both floriculture (cut-flowers) and horticulture (nursery plants). In both industries, most plants are produced using high levels of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, with little regulatory oversight. Some growers promise "spray free," "neonic free," or "pesticide free" stems or plants, but these are informal promises that have no process for verifiability.
In this webinar, Matthew Dell, owner and general manager of Treadlight Farm, discusses why organic certification makes sense for ornamental plant production, especially for native plants, and the opportunities and challenges organic certification presents.
The project is a collaboration between Xerces Society and Treadlight Farm and is supported by the Carroll Petrie Foundation. This event is intended for ornamental plant, native plant, and retail nurseries but anyone with an interest in the topic is welcome!
This webinar will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.
Learn more and register today!
Matthew Dell is the owner and general manager of Treadlight Farm, a certified organic cut-flower farm and nursery in Kerhonkson, NY. At Treadlight Farm, Matt has synthesized a passion for organic farming practices and growing native plants. He sits on his town's environmental conservation and agriculture committees, and enjoys hiking, traveling, and visiting gardens.
Sharon Selvaggio - Pesticide Program Specialist Parks, Nurseries & Natural Areas Lead - Xerces Society
Sharon Selvaggio is a pesticide reduction specialist with The Xerces Society. She regularly interviews nursery growers to better understand their pest management practices and has helped shape Xerces’ plant procurement program. Prior to Xerces, Sharon collaborated with Oregon State University extension to offer grower trainings in nursery biocontrol, and produced the video "Harnessing Nature in the Nursery Industry." She has presented at nursery trade shows multiple times and led a study exploring the economic value of green “ecolabels.” Sharon is the co-author of “Offering Bee-Safe Plants: A Guide for Nurseries.”
To request a reasonable accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact [email protected].