AmericanHort: OFA and ALNA Consolidated

AmericanHort, the consolidated of OFA/ANLA, is the leading national horticulture association and the largest association for garden retailers in the world.

On January 1, 2014 the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) and OFA (The Association of Horticultural Professionals) formally ceased doing business and consolidated to form AmericanHort. Together the two organizations had 220+ years of combined experience with all aspects of the plant and horticulture services industry and AmericanHort was formed to unify the industry, improve collaboration, increase organizational efficiencies, and expand the support for the industry’s businesses.

Although sometimes considered  organizations just for growers, the OFA and ANLA both included all sectors of the industry in their membership from their earliest days. AmericanHort inherited these communities and continues the effort to truly represent the entire horticulture industry, including breeders, greenhouse and nursery growers, retailers, distributors, interior and exterior landscapers, florists, students, educators, researchers, manufacturers, and all of those who are part of the industry market chain.

AmericanHort aims to unite, promote, and advance the horticulture industry through advocacy, collaboration, connectivity, education, market development, and research, and to be the leading and unifying organization for the horticulture industry in order to cultivate successful businesses, and for the industry to enhance lives through the benefits of plants.

Advocacy For The Industry

For over 125 years the members of AmericanHort, OFA and ANLA have worked to protect, preserve, and promote the expansive horticulture industry. Through relationships with elected and appointed leaders, regulators, policy influencers, and through their Political Action Committee (PAC), they have worked to advance the quality of their businesses and products.

Decisions are being made every day that affect the way AmericanHort members do business. Whether they grow and/or sell plants or support companies that do, the mission is to ensure decision makers hear and understand the needs and concerns of the horticulture industry on matters of public policy.

AmericanHort actively and aggressively represents the interests of not just members but all green industry employers in legislative and regulatory affairs. They want to ensure that horticulture has a strong voice on Capitol Hill, and they lobby relentlessly for small businesses and closely monitor key federal regulatory agencies to that end. All AmericanHort member are represented by a professional staff, and have access to expert industry consultants when needed most.

Horticultural Research Institute

The Horticultural Research Institute or HRI exists to direct, fund, promote and communicate horticultural research, which increases the quality and value of plants, improves the productivity and profitability of the nursery and landscape industry, and protects and enhances the environment.

The HRI is considered the community foundation for the horticulture industry. It exists to understand the business of horticulture and, by doing so, fund, advocate for, and direct research specific to horticulture and horticulture businesses. HRI shares research results as universally as it can to provide the most effective, efficient, and relevant solutions to the floriculture industry.

Leadership

AmericanHort is governed by volunteers. These hardworking and committed people generously give their time, talents, and treasure to help the association and horticulture industry flourish. They are assisted by an office full of highly trained professionals.

Events

AmericanHort is responsible for a number of events including the annual Cultivate program (formerly the OFA Short Course).

Upcoming AmericanHort Events

Past AmericanHort Events