07-01-2014, 04:34 PM
Greenhouse Crop Management Associations
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INTRODUCTION
Greenhouse crop management associations (CMAs)
help growers obtain and interpret information and
improve profitability of Pennsylvania greenhouse
operations by providing professional integrated pest
management (IPM) services and consulting. The
ultimate goal of every crop management association
is to promote more economical, efficient, and
environmentally sound crop production practices in
member greenhouses.
The purpose of this publication is to guide
greenhouse owners in organizing producer-owned
crop management associations. It lists the general
services offered by crop management personnel,
benefits cited by producers, steps in establishing a
crop association, and responsibilities of CMA
directors. Also described are the characteristics of
one operating association, including its structure,
size, and employee profile.
Benefits of CMAs
Member growers cite the following benefits:
❧ Optimum crop quality, profits, and use of labor
and equipment
❧ Efficient, economical, and ecological use of
pesticides and fertilizers
❧ Accurate and timely maintenance of records for
Department of Agriculture inspections
❧ Power in numbers, which allows groups of
growers to employ a greenhouse crop consultant,
eliminating the need for each grower to hire an
extra employee for scouting or make do with
minimal scouting
Determine interest, goals, and structure
The extension agent and growers meet to determine
interest in establishing a local association. Represen-
tatives from an established association should be
present to answer questions and give advice. A set
of goals and possible structure for the organization
should be discussed at this time.