Greenhouse Grower’s 2024 Plug and Liner Grower Survey included questions about the areas in which young plant growers could improve their interaction and communication with offshore producers as well as finished plant growers.
What are some areas in which finished growers could improve their interaction and communication with you for a better working relationship?
- “Feedback is always appreciated and will be taken constructively by our team. When issues happen, let us know through their broker rep. We do take action based on the feedback we receive.”
- “Trends in sales that would affect overall production of different types of products.”
- “Know the condition of the plants, pH, temperature, and light.”
- “We want to know our customers’ specs and expectations per variety. The more feedback we can get from our customers, the better.”
- “Call us as soon as a problem shows up, not four weeks later.”
How are you working with offshore producers to improve communication and troubleshoot problems?
- “We have good relationships with our partner and high-value breeders and stock farms. Through our broker, we have also been very successful in improving both the quality and size spec of the tissue culture we receive for our foliage/houseplants and perennial liner programs.”
- “We give clear expectations to our suppliers and have set claim percentages already in place for material that doesn’t meet requirements.”
- “I dropped one supplier because of their unwillingness to discuss what needs to be discussed.”
