Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association Unifies with the Virginia Greenhouse Growers Association
July 20, 2026 The Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA) and the Virginia Greenhouse Growers Association (VGGA) have announced a unification that will bring the VGGA into the VNLA, creating a stronger statewide association representing Virginia’s nursery, greenhouse, landscape, garden center, and allied horticultural businesses. The transition officially began on July 1, 2026, and will continue over the coming weeks to ensure a seamless integration of programs, services, and member benefits.
Founded in 1932 and 1954, respectively, VNLA and VGGA have collectively served Virginia’s horticulture industry for more than 160 years. This strategic unification builds on the strengths and legacies of both organizations while positioning the association to better serve the evolving needs of Virginia’s nursery, greenhouse, landscape, and horticultural professionals.
The expanded association will continue operating under the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association name, broadening its membership while strengthening its ability to advocate for industry priorities, deliver high-quality educational programming, foster professional development, and encourage collaboration across every sector of Virginia’s horticulture industry.
“Welcoming VGGA into VNLA is an exciting moment for Virginia’s horticulture industry. We look forward to continuing to learn from one another, build on our shared strengths, and move our industry forward together,” says Cameron Stanley, President of the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association.
“This decision was made with our members’ future in mind. Joining VNLA gives greenhouse growers a larger network, a stronger voice, and new opportunities while preserving the relationships and values that have always made VGGA special,” says Jason McAulliffe, President of the Virginia Greenhouse Growers Association.
Members can expect continuity throughout the transition. Existing programs, educational offerings, events, advocacy initiatives, and professional certifications will continue without interruption. The association will become home to Virginia’s two premier horticultural certification programs — the Virginia Certified Horticulturist (VCH) program and the Greenhouse Operators Certification (GOC) program. Recognized by the Virginia Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, the GOC credential provides students with an industry-recognized pathway into Virginia’s green industry workforce. Together, these certification programs strengthen professional development, workforce readiness, and industry excellence across the Commonwealth.
“This unification is about honoring the incredible legacies of both organizations while creating new opportunities for our members and the industry. By bringing our strengths together, we’re building a stronger association that will champion Virginia’s horticulture industry through advocacy, education, workforce development, and innovation,” says Nicole McAllister, CAE, Executive Director of the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association. “We look forward to continuing to support the people and businesses who grow, cultivate, design, install, and maintain the landscapes, gardens, greenhouses, and managed environments that make Virginia a more beautiful and vibrant place to live.”
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