The American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) and the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association (NJNLA) joined forces to enhance advocacy and educational initiatives within New Jersey’s landscape industry.
This partnership plans to engage the New Jersey landscape workforce, local municipalities, counties and state legislators. This aims to ensure the industry is accurately represented and is robustly supported with growing regulations on gas-powered equipment and other issues.
The partnership will kick off at Total Pro Expo on Jan. 28–29, 2025 at the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison. The event will showcase a variety of equipment manufacturers, supply companies and nurseries. This year’s expo will include the second annual AGZA Green Zone Area, where attendees can handle and lightly test battery electric equipment from industry manufacturers.
The Green Zone will feature “10-Minute Expression Sessions” at the Expo. During these sessions, representatives from manufacturers will introduce their new products for 2025, demonstrating how these equipment options can be profitable. Over two days at the Expo, more than 2,000 attendees will experience comprehensive education tracks, highlighted by the Sustainability Track. The Sustainability Track objective is to educate and inform on aspects of Regenerative and Low-Impact Land Care while also providing continuing education credits. These programs aims to equip the industry’s workforce with the knowledge and tools needed for success in the future.
STIHL USA has donated a $1,500 voucher for STIHL battery-powered equipment for this year’s AGZA Green Zone. Total Pro Expo patrons who attend Dan Mabe’s education session titled “Eco-Friendly Landscaping: Mastering Non-Synthetic Herbicides, Native Plant Ratios for AGZA Green Zones, and Battery-Powered Efficiency” will be entered into a drawing to win the $1,500 voucher. This session is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 9:15 a.m.
“The partnership between AGZA and the NJNLA represents a significant milestone in promoting sustainable landscape practices in New Jersey and the broader green industry. This initiative is undoubtedly gaining traction in the green industry and the communities we serve. I am grateful and excited to be part of AGZA’s mission of education and advocacy that fosters healthier communities through low-impact and regenerative land care,” said owner of McCoy Horticultural Services, AGZA northeast representative and NJNLA member Richard McCoy.
