Introducing the United Greenhouse Growers Association

Jennifer Polanz

I was recently on a video call introducing horticulture industry members to a growing organization worth knowing about: the United Greenhouse Growers Association (UGGA), a nonprofit that's free for anyone in the industry to join. UGGA was built to connect growers, vendors, researchers and customers so the industry as a whole can succeed.

UGGA has built support from consultants, university researchers and educators across the protected-culture spectrum, from high tunnels to advanced CEA facilities. The organization was co-founded about a year ago by Dr. Melanie Yelton (who’s held a variety of positions in horticultural lighting, growing and consulting) and Sam Chronert (an agronomist with expertise in indoor produce production), and is supported by a scientific advisory board, which includes Chieri Kubota, John Ertle, Nadia Sabeh and Noah Langenfeld.

The organization has several goals:

• Offer a place for community and networking among growers and industry representatives
• Serve as a clearinghouse of proven resources covering all aspects of greenhouse horticulture, including floriculture and produce production
• Create practical guides, both for those entering the industry and for growers looking to strategically improve their facilities
• Build shared standards for greenhouse building and production, creating a common language across the industry

Much of this work happens through member-led working groups, including a Forum group with a space for members to connect and trade knowledge, and a Stories group collecting and sharing grower experiences from across the industry. UGGA is actively calling for members to get involved in shaping this organization and building a community.

If you're in the industry, whether you're a grower or a vendor, you can join UGGA for free and suggest a listing for the Resources tab through their Contact page. For more, visit greenhousegrowers.org. IG