Growers and retailers in Georgia and North Carolina face sales droughts as water restrictions keep homeowners’ landscapes dry. But green industry associations in both states are launching public relations campaigns to get consumers back in the garden.
The North Carolina Green Industry Council produced radio spots in the Raleigh and Charlotte markets. The Water Wise Works campaign highlights a Web site -- www.tarheelgardening.com -- and reminds people it’s OK to plant trees, shrubs and flowers. Raleigh implemented Stage 2 water conservation measures in February. Stage 2 prohibits the use of public water for irrigation.
It’s a crucial campaign because grower sales may be down 40 percent this spring, said Mark Peters, past president of the council.
“At the end of December, North Carolina State University reported grower sales were off 7 percent and garden center sales were off 70 percent compared to the same time a year earlier,” Peters said.
The council and the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) are reminding lawmakers about the industry’s $8.6 billion contribution to the state economy.
“We’re telling local governments that we understand the severity of the water problems in Raleigh,” said David Autrey, president of NCNLA. “We’re asking Raleigh to allow homeowners to hand-water and use drip irrigation. We’re also educating our members on better ways to use water.”
The Georgia Green Industry Association is soliciting funds from its members and asking the governor to match funds for a public relations campaign. Starting April 1 GGIA is looking at using radio and print ads to inform the public about being able to plant and water.
Growers can do their part to reduce water use, said Cliff Ruth, NCSU extension agent. Some best management practices are:
* Replace overhead irrigation with drip tape or other low input emitters.
* Place all irrigation on timed intervals.
* Develop storage areas to capture and recycle runoff.
For financial help, growers may be eligible for low-interest drought-assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The loans are available for all qualifying small businesses affected by the drought. Look for eligibility information and applications at www.sba.gov.
For more: Mark Peters, North Carolina Green Industry Council, (336) 993-4114; www.ncgreenindustrycouncil.org. North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, (916) 816-9119; www.ncnla.com. Cliff Ruth, NCSU Cooperative Extension, (828) 697-4891; cliff_ruth@ncsu.edu. Georgia Green Industry Association, (706) 632-0100; www.ggia.org.
{sidebar id=2}
April 2008