3 BCLNA Board Highlights

4 BCLNA News Bulletins

6 Business Essentials

11 Landscape & Retail News

14 Grower Notes

15 BCMAL Report

BCLNA at Home + Garden Show

LEEDing Landscapes

Butterfly Wishes

10 Tips for Securing SR&ED Funds

B . C . L a n d s C a p e & n u r s e r y a s s o C i a t i o n p u B L i C a t i o n • n o V e M B e r 2 0 0 8

Message from the President

2

Fred Giesbrecht, President B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association

Gardeners, Industry, BCLNA in PreparationWith fall having descended rather quickly this year, gardeners are very busy readying their gardens for winter. Fall is always a time to reflect on how one’s

gardening efforts have turned out. Every year is somewhat different: the amounts of sunshine and rain and wind mould our gardens into works of art to be enjoyed and remembered. Now, we are also preparing for spring, and the planting of bulbs fills our minds with anticipa-tion, beginning the cycle once again.

At the BCLNA, we are always looking for ways to assist gardeners in coming

up with new strategies for their gardens, which compliment the need to be environmentally responsible. Healthy Garden Guide is a good example of this, and we are working on the 2009 issue this month with much support from industry, municipalities, other levels of government, and allied associations. BC Home + Garden Show (February 18 – 22) plans are in the works, and participating in that show is another way BCLNA communicates with the public about successful gardening practices and hiring of qualified professionals.

Each of us in industry are anticipating what spring will bring as well, so BCLNA has developed a strong AGM and confer-ence program to help make you more successful in the greenest industry British

Columbia has. The topic is timely, focusing on securing one’s business for an economic winter while looking forward to what we hope will be a stable and profitable spring. I am personally inviting you to come, learn, and participate. Your thoughts and experiences are of great value, as others’ will be for you.

If you haven’t registered, contact BCLNA right away to secure a last-minute booking. Hope to see you there: November 13 – 14 at Four Seasons Resort in Whistler.

Cover image Autumn fields at Specimen Trees Wholesale Nursery Inc.Photo Donna Budd, www.buddsinfocus.com

3

Treasurers Report The 2008/2009 budget was presented and approved.

Island Chapter Stephan Cranz has been asked to prepare a proposal regarding financial support required to recruit potential Island members.

IDC Chartwell Asset Management presented a new investment portfolio to the IDC. The new portfolio includes a slightly safer mix with the goal of averaging a return of 8% over two years.

Growers BCLNA representatives met with high-level BCMAL staff to discuss:• Request to remove PST from farm related

expenditures to offset the Carbon Tax;• Assistance in moving a pot and poly

recycling program forward;

• Cooperation in encouraging munici­palities to adopt the PlantHealthBC program;

• Offer of BCLNA’s support for the ‘Trees for Tomorrow’ program.

On the last topic, BCLNA requested that the BC Landscape Standards be specified when plant ing trees, and that tenders also specify that plants are BC grown and origi nate from P. ramorum Certified nurseries.

Labour The unionization of SAWP workers continues to gather interest as two more producers in BC have been the subject of certification votes. A group of BCLNA board members and growers met in Septem-ber to review the situation; they are prepared to hire a worker liaison to assist workers

in accessing programs and services where possible if WALI is unable to do so.

In the meantime, BCIAF has agreed to fund a strategic plan for WALI to be developed and implemented by Decem-ber 2008. And, on September 29, the BCAC proceeded with an initial filing with the Labour Relations Board. The basis of the legal action is that foreign workers are already subject to a carefully considered employment contract under SAWP, which includes fulfillment of the provincial employment standards regulation. BCAC has agreed to continue legal action, contingent on funding from member organizations. BCLNA will request that the IDC approve a contribu-tion of $10,000 to help cover legal costs estimated to be about $50,000.

Monday October 6, 2008

BCLNA Board Highlights

Harnois.indd 1 10/23/08 2:14:10 PM

4

Home + Garden Show Drives Business LeadsWhen Josh Leonard, Specialty Landscape Manager at Horizon Landscaping, signed up to participate in last year’s BC Home + Garden Show, he had no idea that business generated by the event would force him to expand his three-man crew to a team of 12. The sales leads were so successful, that Leonard has already confirmed his participation for February 18 to 22, 2009; “It is a little stressful and a lot of work, but well worth it.” says Leonard.

Industry professionals echo the sentiment year after year, many of whom use the BC Home + Garden Show as their sole marketing effort in securing new contracts for the season. Landscapers team up with nurseries or suppliers, or work on their own to build the fabulous gardens that are feature elements of the show. The event gives industry professionals an unparalleled opportunity to showcase

their talents, style, and products to potential clients. After all, some 60,000 of those potential clients walk through the show during its five-day run.

Analysts at Marketplace Events, BC Home + Garden Show’s organizer, say that 81% of the event’s visitors are homeowners, and 41% of those are planning a major spring gardening or landscape project. Further, the company’s research shows that 78% of the visitors will buy from an exhibitor at the show or within the next 12 months.

Says Executive Director Werner Knittel, “It’s clear that this event is a key vehicle for BCLNA’s public outreach and education. It is also a vital opportunity to improve the association’s image and enhance its brand. Strong member parti-cipation will make BC Home + Garden Show even more valuable to our associa-tion and our industry.”

Invasive Plant Council Launches New WebsiteThe Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia has unveiled a new interactive website. The site, www.invasiveplant-councilbc.ca, is designed to help users easily identify priority invasive plants, find resources and contacts, encourage membership, foster community involve-ment, and be an effective resource for invasive plant managers, individuals and organizations, as well as the news media.

The council plans to add interactive radio clips and videos, feature articles and a “weed of the week” series that will focus on unwanted invasive plants in BC for use in public and media outreach programs. The site includes a photo bank to assist in the identification of invasive plants, which is particularly useful reference tool.

Since 2004, membership in the Invasive Plant Council has grown to almost 1000 individuals and 300 organizations. Member-ship is free and open to anyone willing to work collaboratively to respond to the growing threat of invasive plants in BC.

Carbaryl Under Re-EvaluationHealth Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency is currently re-evaluat-ing the registration of carbaryl (Sevin) in Canada. Carbaryl is currently registered for use on outdoor ornamentals to control a broad range of insects, including aphids, various caterpillars, lacebugs, leafhoppers, leafminers, eriophyid mites, root weevils, sawflies, scales, and thrips. The CNLA would like your input on whether carbaryl is an important pest management product for the nursery sector and, if it is a critical control option for any particular pest(s). Please forward your comments directly to Peter Isaacson, IPM/Minor Use Coordina tor at CNLA: peter@canadanursery.com or 1 (888) 446-3499.

BCLNA News Bulletins

HortWestNOVEMBER 2008

MANAGING EDITOR Renata Triveri

ADVERTISING Barb NelsonPhone: (604) 574-7772Fax: (604) 574-7773

HortWest is the Newsletter of the B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association for the horticultural trade in Western Canada. For further information, contact us at:Suite 102, 5783 – 176A StreetSurrey, B.C., Canada V3S 6S6Telephone (604) 574-7772 Fax (604) 574-7773

HortWest is owned by the B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association, and is published 10 times a year. Views expressed inside do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the Association but are those of the writer concerned. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the consent of the publisher.

All advertising and editorial material are to be received one month in advance of mail out date.

HortWest is mailed under Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement N. 0288608

This magazine is printed in Canada by Globe Printers.

Brian Minter addressed convocation after being installed as First Chancellor of the newly proclaimed University of the Fraser Valley at a ceremony last month. Present were Premier Gordon Campbell (to Minter’s left), scholars representing numerous institutions, and the President and Vice-Chancellor of UFV, Skip Bassford (to Minter’s right). Minter’s appointment comes as a result of his ardent support for the former university-college, and for the broader Fraser Valley community.

5

LEED and LandscapeLast month’s landscape commodity meeting shed some much needed light on the relationship between the various LEED (Leadership in Energy and Envi-ronmental Design) rating systems and sustainable landscape design.

Guest speaker, Bryce Gauthier of Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architecture Inc. noted that there are currently five LEED systems in various stages of development and application. The purpose of these systems is to promote the design and construction of high-performance green buildings. The American model, LEED for Homes, is being adapted for Canada, with an expected launch in 2009.

“It’s very encouraging to see considerably more credits available for the landscape component of this system,” commented Gauthier, pointing out that within the “Landscaping” section of the “Sustainable Sites” category, for example, credits can be earned for:• Using no invasive plants,• Basic landscape design,• Limiting conventional turf,• Installing drought tolerant plants,• Reducing overall irrigation demand

by at least 20%.

BCLNA member Michael Evison of Calibre Landscaping is currently working on three LEED projects. He has been learning the processes and pulling

together the necessary resources as he goes. Says Evison, “LEED creates superb business opportu nities since landscape designers and contractors are part of the team from day one.”

Landscape Chair, Barbra Fairclough, sees our industry as an important participant in the evolution of LEED; “Regardless of what discipline your business is involved in, we will continue to see LEED as having a greater and greater role in defining outcomes in our landscapes.”

To view the U.S. version of LEED for Homes Rating System go to www.usgbc.org. For more information on Canadian LEED systems go to www.cagbc.org.

Anderson to Serve as Landscape ChairLaurie Anderson of Anderson Garden Services was elected for a two-year term as chair of the landscape commodity at the landscape meeting on October 9. Anderson has been a member of BCLNA since the early 1990’s and has participated a great deal over the years. She looks forward to now contributing in a more formal role.

The landscape members and staff offer sincere thanks to outgoing Chair, Barbra Fairclough, who has done a stellar job at the helm for the past two years. Her tireless enthusiasm and commitment to the industry have been remarkable, and we are pleased that she hopes to continue her involvement with BCLNA in a different capacity.

PPA Accepts Landscape Award EntriesInitiated by the Perennial Plant Association in 1992, the PPA Landscape Design Awards recognize projects that are exem-plary in use of herbaceous peren nials to help create balanced and beautiful landscapes. The “after market” appli-cations of growers’ products and the design, installation, and maintenance of plants in gardens and natural settings are of special interest to the PPA. Both experienced and novice designers are invited to participate, and the awards program is open to landscape architects, designers, and contractors; educational institutions conducting class work; perennial nurseries; and consultants who design, install, and maintain peren-nials are eligible to apply. Membership in the Perennial Plant Association is not required. To learn more, visit www.perennialplant.org.

CHT Participants Show GritFall CHT testing was held at Kwantlen Polytechnic University last month, where 26 determined candidates came out to start or complete their certifi-cation modules. Heavy winds and rain struck mid-day on Saturday, but candidates and volunteers were undaunted.

Dan Herzing, a CHT from Oregon, observed BC’s delivery of the interna-tional program. He was full of praise for our industry volunteers. “The individuals involved… put on a very successful certification test. Their enthusiasm for the trade really showed throughout the weekend. I would encourage new CHTs, and all land-scapers, to become involved with the BCLNA and this certification group!”

Landscape Clippings

Heather Gerth from Queen of Spades Gardening took advantage of a sunny autumn day to ride her bike from Kitsilano to East Richmond Nurseries Inc. to pick up a few plants. The ride took 20 minutes longer than driving each way,

but as Heather says, “I like to keep in shape and this is definitely a green approach.” Gerth cycles to many clients’ homes in the Kitsilano area. Parking is no problem and most times her travel is quicker. Photo: Peter Levelton.

For the third year in a row, Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries Ltd. sponsored and hosted an excellent autumn landscape com-modity meeting. After a beautiful hayride through their rainbow-hued fields and a delicious BBQ, members settled in for an informative presentation from guest speaker Bryce Gauthier, Landscape Architect with Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architecture Inc.

6

BCLNA is pleased to congratulate the following new certificants:

CLP: Leslie Garbutt, Sound Garden Landscape & Design Ltd.

CHT: Ornamental & Turf MaintenanceDavid Gibbs, Swick’s Organic Landscaping Ltd.Rodney Grad, DJ Weedbusters Ltd.Richard Lewis, Para Space Landscaping Inc.Nadia Slakov, Blasig Landscape Design & Construction Ltd.Rochelle Willier, Down To Earth Landscapes

CHT: Softscape InstallationHeidi Hitchcock, LandecaBrian Huttema, Mijodelu Landscaping and RenovationsDarren Reed, Student

CHT: Ornamental MaintenanceScott Hurst, City of North Vancouver

CHT: Softscape & Hardscape Installation Sean Mathers, Hunter Landscape Design Ltd.Mike Vandergugten, Higher Ground Landscaping and DesignGarett Vane, Hunter Landscape Design Ltd.

Thanks to our delightful industry volunteers:

Judge’s Technical Advisors (JTAs)Cable Baker, CHT, RCB Garden ServicePaul Buikema, CHT, Progress LandscapingBetty Cunnin, CHT, Kwantlen Polytechnic UniversityBruce Hunter, CHT, CLP, CLD, Hunter Landscape Design Ltd. Dominique Massot, CHT, Massot Landscaping Ltd.Louie Murgg, CHT, Forevergreen Landscaping and Maintenance Ltd.Rob Welsh, CHT, Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Judges and AssistantsPaul Baker, RCB Garden ServiceMatthew Brewster, CHT, LivingSpaces LandscapingMonti Cantwell, CHT, Northern Roots LandscapingRaegen Colby, CHT, The Silent GardenerSandra Cranz, Blooming BalconiesStephan Cranz, CHT, Landscape Solutions

Kevin Dang, CHT, Think Green Landscaping Ltd.Mary Jane Duke, Student, Kwantlen Polytechnic UniversityNick Doniere, CHT, UBC Plant OperationsKane Freigang, CHT, Kane’s Lawn CareTim Giesbrecht, CHT, TFG Landscaping & Maintenance Ltd.Tim Fry, CHT, Meridian LandscapingJerry Ingram, CHT, GSU LandscapingSpencer Jeffrey, CHT, Heartwood Landscaping Ltd.Jamie Lamont, CHT, GSU LandscapingMatt Legroulx, CHT, Contour Landscaping Ltd.Ira Leimanis, CHT, Sandpiper Landscape ServicesConway Lum, CHT, GardenWorks™Shelley Murley, CHT, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Kevin O’Higgins, CHT, Southcoast Horticultural ServicesJames Reimer, CHT, TFG Landscaping & Maintenance Ltd.Darren Rose, CHT, Para Space Landscaping Ltd.Lance Sharon, CHT, CLP, Upper Levels Landscape Management Ltd.Paul Skuse, CHT, Sticks N’ Stones NurseryLori Snowden, CHTNick Sueyoshi, CHT, Yoshi Landscaping Ltd.Daniel Vanderpol, CHT, Timeless Landscaping

Thanks also to our generous contributors:

Premiere Sponsors

Facility SponsorKwantlen Polytechnic University

Equipment & Materials SponsorsCedar Rim NurseryGardenWorks™Fraser Valley Equipment Ltd.Creative Embroidery Ltd.Western Turf Farms ltd.

Certification Applause

East Richmond Nurseries Inc.

8

CNLA Grants WishMembers of CNLA and Landscape Ontario came together last month to grant a six year old’s wish to have a butterfly garden of her own. Rachel Kingstone was diagnosed with eye cancer at the age of four, and had to have her left eye removed; she also lost hearing in her left ear during the ordeal. The little girl was referred to the Make-a-Wish Foundation last year with the hopes that the experi-ence of a wish would help lift her spirits.

Rachel had no intentions of meeting Mickey Mouse. She didn’t want a new computer or to be a princess. Rachel is a nature lover and instead she expressed a wish to have her own butterfly garden with “a rock to sit on, a bridge over some water, a path to ride my bike on, and some plants to attract butterflies.”

Certified Landscape Designer, Beth Edney was called to see if she was interested in working on the project and, of course, Beth agreed. Contractors and suppliers donated a generous amount of time and $100,000 in materials to make Rachel’s wish a reality.

“Rachel expressed it best when she told me that the butterfly garden does not erase the memories of all she’s been through, but it does replace them,” Dana (Rachel’s mom) said in her heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who crowded into the garden open house this week. “She’s absolutely right. You’ve given us brand new happy memories of smiles and laughter and self-lessness, not to mention, flowers and butterflies. Thank you for replacing the worst experience in our lives with the best thing that’s ever happened to this family.”

Now Rachel is counting the days until summer and her first monarch sightings. “It’s even better than I ever thought. I love it,” she exclaims before she’s gone again, daring you to chase her through her arc of water. While over her garden gate, her giggles float like butterflies.

Rachel’s is the second garden created by CNLA members for children in the Make-a-

Wish Foundation program. The association now represents members as a Gold Wish Partner in the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Greenstar Takes on Sure-GroGreenstar Plant Products, a national distributor to independent lawn and garden retailers, announced an agree-ment with Sure-Gro, Inc., to market its extensive brand portfolio to independent garden centres in Canada.

Said Tim Walker, President, Greenstar Plant Products, “We look forward to delivering our reliable supply chain services to help Sure-Gro continue to efficiently and effectively serve this channel.”

The partnership includes such brands as CIL Golfgreen, Wilson, Plant-Prod, Smart-cote and GreenEarth. “Green star’s focus on rapid order fulfillment and its reach into the national independent lawn and garden segment is very impressive,” said Bob Falconi, Executive Vice President, Sure-Gro Inc. “We are confident in Green-star’s ability to leverage its existing strategies to better serve Sure-Gro’s market share.”

Industry Bits

Rachel Kingston peers over her new play structure at the transformed garden created by CNLA

members through the Make-a-Wish Foundation

42481 Industrial Way, Chilliwack, B.C. 604.823-6688

Sumas Gro–Media Ltd. • Raw materials purchased in advancehelps to ensure product consistencyand availability.

• Multiple computerscontrol the dosing equipment,increasing accuracyand speed. Thismakes it easier tooffer competitivelypriced products.

• Non-invasive mixing equipment protects the structure and consistency of the media.

• Fast, reliable delivery.

Sumas Gro–Media specializes in the productionof specialty crop mixes for the nursery, bedding

plants, perennial and blueberry crops. We also have seedling and propagation soils.

Premium raw ingredients produce a consistent end product every time.

The Next Generation in Soil MixingOur Mixes are Double Screened

Sumas Gro-Media 2/8/08 9:41 AM Page 1

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10 BCLNA OffiCe: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963

Industry events and programs

BCLNA Annual General Meeting & ConventionNovember 13 – 14 Four Seasons Resort, Whistler www.bclna.com

P. ramorum Advisory Committee MeetingNovember 19 BCLNA office, Surrey For info, contact Hedy Dyck (604) 574-7772 hdyck@bclna.com

Landscape Alberta’s Green Industry ShowNovember 21 – 22 Shaw Conference Centre Edmonton, AB www.greenindustryshow.com

One-Day Intensive Organic Turf ManagementNovember 22 & December 6 Victoria and Burnaby www.gaiacollege.ca

BCLNA Landscape Commodity MeetingDecember 10 Seymour Golf & Country Club, North Vancouver www.bclna.com

Landscape Ontario CongressJanuary 6 – 8 Toronto Congress Centre www.locongress.com

Landscapers & Contractors ExpoJanuary 20 – 21 BC Place Stadium, Vancouver www.landscapingexpo.net

Invasive Plant Council Forum & AGMJanuary 20 – 22 Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca

BCLNA/BCMAL Growers Short CourseJanuary 22 Ramada Hotel Abbotsford For info, contact Hedy Dyck (604) 574-7772 hdyck@bclna.com

BCLNA Landscape Commodity MeetingFebruary 4 Dueck GM, Vancouver www.bclna.com

ANLA Management ClinicFebruary 6 – 9 Louisville, KY www.managementclinic.org

Manitoba Green ShowFebruary 10 – 11 Winnipeg, MB www.landscapemanitoba.com

BC Home & Garden ShowFebruary 18 – 22 BC Place Stadium, Vancouver www.bchomeandgardenshow.com

BCLNA Fundraising AuctionFebruary 10, 2009

Help support BCLNA’s scholarships and Certification! Plan your Fundraising Auction donation today. To donate, contact Heidi: hhenderson@bclna.com or call (604) 574-7772

United Flower Growers

Sanitize with certaintySanitization can be very costly if not done effectively.

• Iotron takes sanitization to a new level, offeringNursery Growers unparalleled results.

• Iotron utilizes irradiation technology to eliminatePathogens, fungi and molds on pots, trays, andstyroblocks.

• Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materialslike an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.

Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.

Money does grow on trees!Be confident that your pots, trays or styroblocks are

the cleanest they can be from the start. A diseasefree environment creates disease free plants.

Benefits• Re-use old pots, trays & styroblock• Increase plant yields• Reduce maintenance on plants• Environmentally friendly process• No more need for harsh chemicals, steam or hot water

If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change.

For more information please contact Iotron Technologies Corp. 1425 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6L3

Ph. (604)945-8838 Fax. (604)945-8827Website www.Iotron.com Email: rkhansen@Iotron.com

Sanitize with certaintySanitization can be very costly if not done effectively.

• Iotron takes sanitization to a new level, offeringNursery Growers unparalleled results.

• Iotron utilizes irradiation technology to eliminatePathogens, fungi and molds on pots, trays, andstyroblocks.

• Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materialslike an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.

Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.

Money does grow on trees!Be confident that your pots, trays or styroblocks are

the cleanest they can be from the start. A diseasefree environment creates disease free plants.

Benefits• Re-use old pots, trays & styroblock• Increase plant yields• Reduce maintenance on plants• Environmentally friendly process• No more need for harsh chemicals, steam or hot water

If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change.

For more information please contact Iotron Technologies Corp. 1425 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6L3

Ph. (604)945-8838 Fax. (604)945-8827Website www.Iotron.com Email: rkhansen@Iotron.com

Iotron Technologies 2/17/05 7:57 AM Page 1

Help Wanted

Dinesen Nurseries Ltd.AldergroveHas an opening for a full-time or part-time Production/Sales Assistant. Duties would include: sales, purchas-ing and working with shipping and production crews. Must have previous experience in a wholesale nursery. Competitive wages ($15 – $25/hr.)

Please fax or mail resume to: Dinesen Nursery Ltd. 2110 – 272 Street Aldergrove, BC, V4W 2R1 Fax: (604) 856-2243.

Nursery in Abbotsford is seeking an energetic individual for a sales posi-tion. We are a wholesale native plant grower. Basic salary plus commission on sales-great earning potential for a motivated and capable candidate. Must be familiar with horticulture industry and have prior sales experience.

E-mail: CanAmNursery@gmail.com Fax: (604) 854-6982.

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Final Approval

The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of the October 6 Board Meeting:

DLf Gardenscapes Pam Cuthbert, Port Coquitlam, Active Landscaper (Interim)

Design first Landscape Services Sheri Reynard & Ray Armitage, Salmon Arm, Active Landscaper (Interim)

euroscapes exterior enhancements Corp. Jim Weatherhead, Coquitlam, BC, Active Landscaper

Healing Hands Landscaping Ward Hamrin, Burnaby, Active Landscaper

Lucana Contracting Chris Schouten, Surrey, Associate (Interim)

NK Marketing & Communications Norene Kimberely, Vancouver, Associate

Mary Jane Duke Langley, Student

Charissa Steel Coquitlam, Student

Tentative Approval

The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application:

Atlas Pots Tarie & Maninder Tennessey, North Vancouver, Active Retailer

B&C Lawns & Gardens Ltd. Edward Cooper, Vancouver, Active Landscaper

eaglecrest Golf Club Paul Kim & Suhb Kim, Qualicum Beach, Associate

GroundWorks Construction Ltd. David Kiraly, Vancouver, Active Landscaper

Lionheart Horticulture Ltd. Dave Clement & Billy Bouden, Surrey, Active Landscaper

Neufeld Bros. Nurseries Dave & Doug Neufeld, Agassiz, Active Grower

Smith Plywoods Ltd. William Denley & Eric Huberts, Surrey, Associate

NewBCLNA Members

Environmental Farm Planning

• Protect the Environment - Protect your Business

• Workshops tailored to specialty horticulture

• Access funding for P. ramorum initiatives

Contact the BCLNA office for workshop detailsPhone: 604-574-7772 Fax: 604-574-7773 E-mail: info@bclna.com

For program information go tohttp://www.bcac.bc.ca/efp_programs.htm

BCLNA Enviro Farm 1/20/06 8:46 AM Page 1

Katos spot green 8/17/05 10:00 AM Page 1

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16th Annual Nursery Growers’ Short CoursePlanning is well underway for the 16th Annual Nursery Growers Short Course that will be held on Thursday, January 22nd at the Ramada Inn Convention Centre in Abbotsford. This year’s program will focus on irrigation efficiency, and will include the following topics: B.C.’s new water plan, “Living Water Smart”; irrigation sched-uling; efficient irrigation system design; and recycling irrigation run-off. Check out this issue’s Extras for the com plete program. For further information about the short course or to register for the event, please contact the BC Landscape & Nursery Association office at (604) 574-7772.

Approval of Minor-Use RequestChipco Aliette Ornamental Fungicide is now registered for the suppression of Phytophthora ramorum, which is the causal agent of Sudden Oak Death, and Ramorum Blight and Dieback. It is registered for use on host plants that are regulated for P. ramorum by the CFIA. Apply as a foliar spray at the rate of 5 kg of product per hectare in a water volume not greater than 1,000 L/ha. Do not apply more than 4 applications per year. Apply when conditions favour disease development and before disease onset.

Pest Management & Production Guide CorrectionsThe spot treatment rate for Amitrol 240 on non-crop land is incorrect in Table 7.2 on page 71 of the new Nursery Pest Management

& Production Guide. The correct rates are:• 165 mL in 10 L of water/100 m2 to

control Canada thistle, dandelion, hoary cress, milkweed, poison ivy, sow thistle and toadflax.

• 460 mL in 10 L of water/100 m2 to control horsetail, leafy spurge, quackgrass and most other weeds.

Please update your guide accordingly.

BCMAL ReportNewBCLNA Members

14

Tips for Planning SR&ED Incentive ClaimPeggy Aulenback, Iwasan Consulting

The Federal Government, through the Scientific Research and Experimen-tal Development (SR&ED) program provides an incentive for Canadian companies performing research and development. In BC, the Provincial Government supplements this program by adding an additional incentive. The combined provincial and federal programs refund 41.5 to 68.5% of eligible expenses to small private corporations and provide 20 to 28% of expenditures to public, foreign and larger corporations as a non-refundable credit.

The incentive is delivered through an Income Tax Return in the form of an Investment Tax Credit, which is refund-able to Canadian businesses qualifying for the Small Business Deduction. The credit/refund is based on the expenditures made in the period that are directly related to conducting qualifying research and development. Claims must include forms detailing the expenditures claimed and a report outlining the project in terms of the three criteria for eligibility. The three criteria for a project to qualify as SR&ED: technological advancement; technological uncertainty; and content, which is a description of experimental work carried out by qualified individuals.

Examples of projects that may qualify for growers are ones that—to name just a few—involve:• plant breeding,• improving growing processes includ-

ing experimenting with environmental conditions,

• improving growing media/fertilization/ pest control methodologies,

• creating new or improving equipment.

It is possible to go back to prior fiscal years as long as the claim is made within 18 months of the year-end. CRA is recep-tive to prior year claims despite the lack of good documentation, provided that

the company puts in place a system for documenting future work.

So how do you get started? If you think you have qualifying work in prior years, contact a specialist to evaluate the prior years’ work and immediately put a system in place for future claims.

Here are our 10 tips for planning an SR&ED claim:

1. At the outset of a project an evaluation should be done to determine if a project meets the three criteria of the SR&ED program, namely scientific research or technological advance-ment; technological uncertainty; and content (experimental process with a documentation trail). If you are unable to make this determina-tion in-house you should contact a company that specializes in SR&ED claims. This evaluation will assist in determining whether the develop-ment project qualifies and if steps need to be taken to prepare for an SR&ED claim at the end of the fiscal period.

2. Make sure development staff have an understanding of eligible activities, e.g. attend Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) seminars, read the CRA guide, or call in a specialist to go over the criteria with the development staff.

3. Develop an SR&ED project plan – write down the advances you expect to make; how you plan to approach the development; and the options you might try if the first and most desirable route fails. Then make SR&ED an agenda item for all develop-ment meetings. Update the activities each meeting. Keep minutes.

4. Keep all prototypes, plans, drawings, engineer or grower’s notes and invoices, however informal, in an SR&ED file.

5. Write down the state-of-the-art of the science or technology at the time of your project, include references such as suppliers contacted, industry associations, Internet sites checked, experts consulted, trade magazines, libraries, etc.

6. Have personnel account for time on various activities they perform. Break out time to differentiate between commercial activities and SR&ED time. Accounting for time can be useful for much more than SR&ED claims.

7. Periodically note the issues that cause problems/concerns/difficulty in your development work. List any alterna-tives available to resolve them. SAVE these notes.

8. Keep track of when the company development project began and finished. Then, also note SR&ED start and finish dates within the company project. It is important to realize that not all development activities are also eligible within the CRA program. Standard development activities the purchase and installation of equipment and known technology are outside the SR&ED claim.

9. If your accounting system permits, set up an SR&ED account. Code all purchases and allocate portions of salaries from the time sheets to this account on an ongoing basis. Copy invoices to your SR&ED file.

10. Remember that for Canadian corporations this could be a 20% to 68.5% investment (combined federal and provincial incentives).

Article provided by Mrs. Peggy (Mooney) Aulenback, Iwasan Consulting, which specializes in SR&ED claim preparation and management. To contact Iwasan, visit www.iwasan.com or call (604) 581-6900.

Grower Updates

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