By:
Chuck Woods (352) 392-1773 x 281Source(s):
Terril Nell tnell@ifas.ufl.edu, 352-392-1831 ext. 377
Debi Ackman dackman@safnow.org, 800-336-4743
GAINESVILLE, FLA.—Terril A. Nell, professor and chairman of the University of Florida’s environmental horticulture department, has been elected president of the 15,000-member Society of American Florists, becoming the first academic to lead the nationwide group that represents all segments of the floral industry.
He was elected to the two-year post by the organization’s board of directors at its recent annual convention in Boca Raton, Fla. Nell will lead the society’s public relations and governmental affairs through 2005. Prior to becoming president of the society, he served in leadership roles for more than a decade, including a seven-year term on the board of directors.
As president, he will perform a key role in national events such as Congressional Action Days sponsored by the society.
“The floral industry is one of the fast growing segments of our economy, and we need to share information about issues that impact our industry,” Nell said. “Today’s business climate is a tough one for small businesses, and we want to make sure legislators understand how regulatory decisions impact our industry,” he said.
In Florida, environmental horticulture which generates $6.9 billion in economic output is now the fastest growing segment of agriculture, and it is the second largest after all fruits and vegetables, he said.
Nell’s UF career spans 26 years. For the past 12 years, he has served as chairman of the environmental horticulture department, which is part of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. He provides statewide direction for statewide teaching, research and extension faculty in environmental horticulture, which includes flowers as well as foliage, landscape plants and turfgrass. Under his leadership, the UF program has become recognized as one of the premier programs in the country.
His research focuses on the quality and longevity of flowering potted plants, including azaleas and poinsettias, and fresh cut flowers. His research includes a six-month program in the Netherlands and cooperative work with horticulturists throughout northern Europe.
“It is important to understand that we are part of a global economy,” Nell said. “To survive and prosper, the U.S. floral industry must be prepared to create a place in a worldwide network.”
Nell also serves as the UF liaison with the Florida Nursery and Grower’s Association, Florida Turfgrass Association, Association of Floral Importers, Florida Sod Growers Cooperative and the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association. In 1997, he received the “Industry Person of the Year” award from the Florida Nursery and Grower’s Association.
Nell received his bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Auburn University, his master’s degree in horticulture from North Carolina State University and his doctorate in horticulture from Michigan State University.
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