PDA's Redding Announces Center for Plant Excellence

DILLSBURG - Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding on March 20 announced the launching of the new Center for Plant Excellence (CPE). The Center will focus on problems facing the specialty crop industry in Pennsylvania, which includes nursery and greenhouse crops.

PLNA Members Appointed to CPE Board

So far, five PLNA members have been appointed to the CPE board of directors, Jim MacKenzie, Octoraro Native Plant Nursery in Kirkwood (second from left in picture above); Christopher Uhland, Harmony Hill Nurseries in Downingtown; Ted Ventre, Hively Landscapes in Dover; Amanda Bastiaance, Quality Greenhouses in Dillsburg; and Paul Redman, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. A complete list of the center's board members can be accessed here.

Critical Time for Industry

Speaking at the kick-off event, MacKenzie said, "The creation of the Center for Plant Excellence (CPE) comes at a critical time for our green industry. Horticulture in Pennsylvania is in a state of steady decline as evidenced by the USDA Agricultural Statistics center data over the past 15 years.

"But we remain hopeful as a new generation of young leaders emerge that embrace our industry, it’s lifestyle and the benefits to the environment and Pennsylvania’s citizens."

Penn State Extension to Manage Center

The center is launching in partnership with Penn State Extension. The state legislature approved $500,000 over the past two fiscal years to get the center up and running. Another $250,000 is proposed for the upcoming fiscal year.

The center’s goal is to advance research, innovation, and business growth in Pennsylvania’s plant-based agriculture sector.

Sector Contributes $52.7 Billion to Economy

The specialty crops sector includes forest products, ornamental plants, apples, grapes, and other specialty food crops. Combined, they contribute an estimated $52.7 billion annually to the state economy, according to the 2021 Pennsylvania Agriculture Economic Impact Study.

The center is meant to provide a centralized and coordinated effort for growth and innovation among the industries, as the state’s existing Centers for Animal Excellence do.