Oregon Public Broadcasting

Two major plant nursery associations representing over 1800 members in Oregon and Washington are considering a merger.  They say that move would increase their political clout while also streamlining both organizations.  Pete Springer reports.

In Oregon, nursery products are the number one agricultural commodity, accounting for almost a billion dollars in wholesale products annually.

Washington is more focused on retailers and landscapers.

Nursery officials believe combining the Oregon Association of Nurseries with the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association will help both organizations do a better job with marketing.

John Aguirre is the executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries.

Aguirre: “We just think the two states working together under one association could make a lot of headway to promote and advance that message on plants, how they can enhance cities, and how they can improve the environment.”  

Aguirre says a formal merger proposal should be ready early next year.

Members of both associations will then vote on whether to approve the merger.