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FROM THE BOARD 



Dear NHPGA Members-. 



One issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible is the greenhouse taxation and use laws. Several months ago, 



I drafted a letter to Representative Leighton Pratt (r, Lancaster), who is very interested in pursuing this issue. Recently 



this letter was submitted, along with those from several other agricultural groups, in order to begin the process of 



legislation in this area. 



—Bob Rimol 



Dear Representative Pratt, 



On behalf of the New Hampshire Plant Growers Association and in con- 

 junction with other agricultural groups, we are requesting that you intro- 

 duce legislation regarding the classification of temporary plastic covered 

 "hoop houses" as personal property or equipment; the exemption of such 

 equipment from taxation; and reinforcement of RSA21:34-A, the state's 

 definition of a "farm," which includes the production of greenhouse crops. 

 Presently, New Hampshire has no state laws or guidelines on "temporary 

 greenhouse structures", and there is a great deal of inconsistency 

 between the towns within the state. iVlany towns do not allow "by right" 

 either temporary or permanent greenhouse structures in agricultural 

 zones. While some towns are more remote or agriculturally oriented, there 

 are some towns that just do not understand or encourage greenhouses for 

 agricultural use. 



Our Association represents over 250 greenhouse operators in the state of 

 New Hampshire, and is a segment of ornamental horticulture that is the 

 state's leading agricultural industry with revenues exceeding $100 million 

 dollars Several states in the Northeast currently have laws regarding 

 greenhouse permits and taxation for temporary structures. If a plastic- 

 covered greenhouse is not constructed upon a concrete foundation and 

 can be moved without damage to itself, it should be characterized as 

 personal property or equipment. 



Temporary greenhouse structures are very important to agriculture and 

 the New Hampshire economy. Typically, quonset/coldframe greenhouses 

 are the starting point for most horticultural operations, since they can be 

 built on a small scale and are more affordable. This is a very key element 

 for small businesses starting out. Over the years, several New Hampshire 

 operations have grown to be quite large, creating many jobs for New Hamp- 

 shire workers. Plastic hoop houses are used for many types of agricultural 

 use, including flower production, propagation of all types of plant 

 material, calf barns, vegetable growing, fruit growing, and over-wintering of 

 nursery stock. Therefore, greenhouses are a vital element in increasing 

 agricultural output. If their use is understood, both small business owners 

 and local communities can benefit. 



We feel that the timing is right to introduce legislation, since New 

 Hampshire is primed for growth and towns have to cope more with 

 taxation and building issues. We would be willing to offer our services/ 

 input to help you write the correct legislation. When government and 

 industry can work together, we can all benefit in the long run. 



Sincerely, 



New Hampshire Plant Growers Association 



Association Officers 



President 



BOB DEMERS, |R. 



Demers Nursery & Garden Center 



656 South Mammoth Road 



Manchester, NH 03103 



625-8298 



Secretary I Treasurer 



CHRISTOPHER ROBARGE 



UNH / TSAS 



Horticultural Facilities Manager 



Durham, NH 03824 



862-1074 



Directors 



KENNETH COSSELIN 



207 Cranwell Drive 



Manchester, NH 03109 



627-6599 



TAMMY HATHAWAY 



61 Squamscott Road 



Stratham, NH 03885 



778-3912 



ANN HILTON 



4 Karacull Lane 



Pittsfield, NH 03263 



435-6425. 



HENRY HUNTINGTON 



Pleasant View Gardens 



RFD #3, PO Box 3701 



Pittsfield, NH 03263 



435-8361 



ROBERT RIMOL 



17 Wyndmere Drive 



Londonderry, NH 03053 



425-6563 



PETER VAN BERKUM 



4 lames Road 



Deerfield, NH 03037 



463-7663 



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THE PLANTSMAN 



