Plant breeding and promotion in British Columbia (B.C.) recently got a boost with a donation to the British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association (BCLNA) to handle the business affairs of commercializing new plants developed by the University of BC Botanical Garden.

     The association received $50,000 from the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF), and is part of a long-term goal from the IAF. Fifteen industry associates have matched this funding twice over by an additional $100,000.

     The BCLNA will begin the project with a look at long-term marketing and business plans, new royalty agreements and registrations, as well as a variety of logistical issues. Further donations from the private sector will be solicited as justified by the plan and related findings. Harvey Sasaki, representing B.C.'s Minister of Agriculture Corky Evans, made the formal presentation to the BCLNA, represented by BCLNA president Casey Van Vloten, along with representatives from the UBC Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, the IAF and government officials.

     "I congratulate B.C.'s nursery and landscape industry leaders who are building a business plan for the future. This project is a key step for the BCLNA to increase global recognition for B.C.'s exceptional landscape horticulture products," says Mr. Sasaki.

     For information about the project, contact BCLNA executive director Jane Stock, (604) 574-7772.