Griffin Horticulture Specialist Earns PCA License

Posted by Brian Sparks|February 11, 2022

Erica Hernandez

Griffin, one of the largest horticultural brokers and suppliers in the U.S., has announced the addition of a California Agricultural Pest Control Adviser (PCA) on staff. Erica Hernandez, CEA GGSPro Technical Specialist, recently earned her PCA License. Hernandez passed the examination for Laws, Regulations, and Basic Principles, including Integrated Pest Management. She also passed examinations for Category A (Insects, Mites, and Other Invertebrates) and Category B (Plant Pathogens).

“This licensure will allow Griffin to provide specific crop protection recommendations to both ornamental growers and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) growers and cultivators in California,” says Tami Van Gaal, CEA Division Leader for Griffin. “It’s inspiring to see team members’ passion for biologicals, industry innovation, and customer support,” continued Van Gaal.

Hernandez holds a BS in Plant Science from the University in Arizona. She also holds an MS in Horticultural Biology from Cornell University. Her Masters work focused on leafy greens and lighting under Dr. Neil Mattson, and her research was published in Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). Her undergraduate work focused on controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) food production. Her time in Tucson included research and production with the well-known Controlled Environment Agriculture Center at the University of Arizona. Hernandez is now a key member of Griffin’s CEA Division, providing technical and cultural support to CEA growers nationwide.