Greenhouse Site Selection & Regulations

1. Greenhouse Site Selection & Regulations Karen Hall Cornell Cooperative Extension Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office July 2002

2. Develop a Business Plan by Identifying the Following: • Market & Competition • Type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership) • Management (from personnel to financial management) • LOCATION

3. Small Business Association (SBA) www.sba.gov The SBA addresses marketing, finance, human resource, and production mgmt SCORE (Service Corps. Of Retired Executives) Counselors to America’s Small Business www.score.org or 800-634-0245 Bank Private consultant Resources for Developing a Business Plan

4. Floriculture Trade Associations Ohio Florists’ Association (614-487-1117) Society of American Florists (SAF) 800-336-4743 Farm Bureau Universities and Colleges Chambers of commerce Resources for Developing a Business Plan(continued)

5. Other Necessary Resources • Soil & Water Conservation District • Accountant • Lawyer • Insurance Agent or Broker • Environmental Consultant

6. LOCATION • Size of the area • Potential Expansion • Accessible shipping retail (parking)

7. Public or Private (well or pond) Quantity Size of the operation Crop being grown 250-1500g/1000ft2 growing space Quality pH Alkalinity Soluble Salts LOCATIONWater

8. LOCATIONSoils & Land • Soil map best use • Level • Drainage • Flooding • Building Orientation • Septic System

9. LOCATIONEnergy Source • Natural gas • Propane • Oil • Coal • Electric • Auxiliary generator

10. LOCATIONOther Considerations • Medical Assistance • Police Department & Security • Fire Department • Neighborhood Conditions - Is it changing?

11. LOCATIONOther Considerations (continued) • Environmental Considerations Farmland Protection Pesticide Tolerance Water Quality • Cost • Taxes • Phone

12. LOCATIONZoning • Each town has their own zoning laws visit the town clerk • Land must be zoned agriculture • Meet with the Building Inspector • Must acquire a building permit building plan survey

13. Other Important AspectsDBA • Must acquire a DBA “Doing Business As” or file as a corporation Forms can be picked up at a office supply company. In Erie County the fee is $35.00 Take payment & completed form to your county clerk.

14. Other:Sales tax • IRS - request a “Going into Business Kit” & NYS Tax Guide for New Businesses (Publication 20) • If you sell taxable items you must acquire a “Certificate of Authority” by filling out Form DTF-17 application. • Valuable resource www.tax.state.ny.us • Acquire: forms Federal tax ID # - Call the IRS

15. Other: Department of Agriculture & Markets • If you are selling plant material you must register with this department. See Article 14. • Once your business is up and running contact the department and they will put you in touch with the regional manager. For WNY Brian Bohne is the regional manager at 716-532-5633. They will then send an inspector out to your business. At that time they will leave the paper work for you to fill out and return, with payment ($40), to the Dept. of Ag & Markets. • If shipping outside of NY you may be required phytosanitary certficates for certain pests. Call the plant regulatory official in that state.

16. Other:Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) • In New York: Required to be certified with the DEC in order to purchase restricted use pesticides. • Qualifications • Examination • Recertification credits

17. Other:Department of Labor • NYS DOL • 518-485-8589 for new registrations • 518-457-9000 for general information • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) • Unemployment insurance

18. Making Contacts • Visit Trade Shows NY Grower Show Ohio Shortcourse (OFA) in July Columbus, Ohio • Participate in local & regional education programs and your local Cooperative Extension.