Columns

Show your primary colors by voting

By Jeff Stone — Posted April 20, 2022

Going back years, most of my Director’s Desk columns have focused on the evergreen topic of nursery and greenhouse labor — or more precisely, the lack thereof. Every year, the U.S. Congress proves its consistent, even surgical failure to put politics aside and pass a sensible and sustainable immigration visa system. Agriculture needs it, but […]

Feeling revitalized

By Josh Robinson — Posted April 20, 2022

The mask mandate is over. It seems like everyone recently has a little extra pep in their step. Life resembles a somewhat normal state again. Combine that with the spring air and return to outdoor activity, and “revitalized” is the proper word for the feeling. Speaking of revitalization, it is time to look at restoring […]

Trees that stand above

By Mike Darcy — Posted March 18, 2022

This issue of Digger is devoted to trees,and this made me reflect on some of the many benefits they provide for us. Perhaps Henry David Thoreau summed my reflections best in his famous words: “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” Trees certainly do contribute much to our […]

Smoldering ashes at the Capitol

By Jeff Stone — Posted March 18, 2022

There is an old black and white photo in the Oregon State Capitol café, located in the basement of the building, and it has always spoken to me. Located off in a non-descript place near dining tables along the wall, it shows the old capitol building engulfed in flames. I can almost feel the heat […]

Blind spots

By Josh Robinson — Posted March 18, 2022

I recently had the opportunity to get involved in a discussion with other nursery industry professionals about blind spots. It was an eye-opening experience and helped me better appreciate all the things that our great community does. What is a blind spot? I don’t mean the part of your car that blocks your view of […]

Understanding the new climate rules

By Marika Sitz — Posted February 22, 2022

Oregon’s new climate protection program is expected to increase certain business costs On December 16, 2021, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) voted to approve the Climate Protection Program (CPP). The CPP, codified in Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 340, Division 271, joins other Oregon climate-focused rules, including the Clean Trucks Program and Clean Fuels Program. […]

One can’t be green without the green industry

By Jeff Stone — Posted February 22, 2022

The nursery and greenhouse industry knows a simple truth. And that truth is: what the green industry grows and ships throughout the country and world is a benefit to the climate. It is as real as the promise of buds in spring and the trucks waiting to be loaded with product. You can imagine the […]

Fly like an EAGL!

By Josh Robinson — Posted February 22, 2022

I am heading to Austin, Texas shortly. I’m going to assist my brother, Chris (president of Robinson Nursery Inc.), and his wife, Marie (marketing director at Robinson), in finishing the capstone course for Dr. Charlie Hall’s EAGL program (Executive Academy for Growth and Leadership). For those of you who haven’t heard about this program, it […]

Emerging with confidence

By Mike Darcy — Posted January 25, 2022

As we enter year three with COVID-19 and its variants raging around us, it appears that most garden centers have made the necessary adaptations to stay open. Initially there was much confusion, and rightly so because we have never been in a situation like this. Many garden centers were temporarily closed to make the necessary […]

Ag overtime should not pit owner versus worker

By Jeff Stone — Posted January 25, 2022

As Oregonians, we have a long and storied tradition of political compromise. I believe that any policy debate should include a range of perspectives. This discussion can lead to mutually satisfactory solutions. That’s why the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) is disappointed with ongoing efforts by PCUN (Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste), the farmworkers […]