A global endeavor

By spring, we’ll know whether the North Star State will be awarded the site for the 2029 International Horticultural Expo — a first for the United States. These expos are designed to help countries, horticultural producers and ag industries share knowledge and address issues such as healthy lifestyles, green economies, sustainable living and innovation. Expos typically last three to six months.

Official bids will be submitted in January and the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) will make the final location decision.

How did Minnesota get involved? It started with the state’s attempt to host the 2027 World’s Fair and morphed into vying for the coveted location for the global green industry stage.

“Exploring the exciting possibilities with both our state and national horticultural and landscape organizations has been a turning point in our campaign to bring a World’s Fair to Minnesota,” explains World’s Fair Bid Committee Educational Fund Board Chair Mark Ritchie. “We’ve been laying the groundwork for this success over the past decade, and now we can harvest the fruits of this 12-years long campaign.”

Companies from both Minnesota and the U.S. green industries would benefit from this opportunity.

“AmericanHort profoundly understands how plants enrich people’s lives. Sharing this message on a global scale, right here in our own country, would be truly thrilling,” says Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort executive vice president of advocacy, research and industry relations.

Cassie Larson, the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association’s executive director adds, “Engaging consumers about the health, economic, and environmental benefits of plants and landscapes is something our industry does every day. We’re excited to have the opportunity to potentially share the benefits of the green industry on a much larger stage.”

Minnesota-based Bailey Nurseries has been part of the bid.

“We have some amazing stories to share with the world. From sustainability efforts to plant breeding and technological advancements, Minnesota is a hub of what’s to come for global horticulture. We are grateful to participate in the bid and Expo planning process and hope to welcome worldwide visitors to Minnesota in 2029,” says Ryan McEnaney, a fifth-generation family member at Bailey.

Dear members of AIPH, répondez s’il vous plaît for Minnesota in 2029!