Canadian Plant Buyers to Visit Maryland Nurseries in January; MDA works to build connections for plant producers

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Agribusiness Development section is inviting nursery producers to meet with Canadian plant buyers coming to Maryland Jan. 24-25.

“We know there are good opportunities for our nursery producers in Canada,” said Secretary Hance. “I encourage nursery operators to consider meeting with these buyers.”

Part of a project of the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) to build international markets for nursery operations in the South, a group of Canadian buyers will travel to Florida and Tennessee farms before finishing their trip with stops in Maryland. Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Buddy Hance is the current president of SUSTA, an organization of state agricultural departments in the South. Maryland is the northern-most member of SUSTA.

In 2013, Canada imported $212 million of ornamental horticulture products from the United States according to Industry Canada.

Buyers will be looking for plants, trees, shrubs, flowering plants, liners and foliage. Registration is required to participate in this SUSTA activity by Dec. 19, and a fee of $25. At MDA, contact Mark Powel at (410) 841-5775.  For more information, please visit: https://directory.susta.org/events/view/2683

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