US (OR): Climate Summit to take place at Farwest Show

The 2025 Farwest Show is hosting a first-ever Climate Summit for the nursery industry, bringing together experts, leaders and growers to explore challenges and solutions that support both planet and business.

The summit takes place this Wednesday and Thursday, August 20 and 21, at the Farwest Show, taking place at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. The summit is free for registered attendees of the show.

"There are no industries greener than the nursery and greenhouse industry," said Jeff Stone, executive director for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the show. "We are proud of our commitment to sustainability, and this summit will further that commitment by getting thought leaders, experts and committed growers all together in one place to share their knowledge and ideas, ultimately to build relationships and take action."

"Our industry grows a green product that cleans the air and water, provides shade, improves people's mental health, reduces heating and cooling expenses and a lot more," said Jamie Moore, events coordinator for the OAN.

The summit will unfold across two days.

Day 1: Research-Driven Discovery — Taking place from 1:30–3:30 p.m., the first day will focus on the scientific quantification of plant benefits, including carbon sequestration throughout the lives of trees and plants. Panelists will include Lloyd Nackley and Chad Higgins of Oregon State University, Daniel Hua of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, Tim Ray of Chemeketa Community College, and nursery growers Adam Farley of Countryside Nursery, and Tyler Meskers of Oregon Flowers.

Day 2: Policy Roundtable — Taking place from 1:30–3:30 p.m., the second day will focus on policy solutions, and how to align government policy with industry needs. Subtopics will include carbon credits, agricultural mitigation practices, regulatory relief/incentives, how to provide technical assistance for growers, and more. Panelists will include Megan Boutwell of Stillwater & Associates, Margi Hoffman of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, Nora Apter of Climate Solutions, Jonathan Sandau of Oregon Department of Agriculture, CEO Ken Fisher of AmericanHort, Adam Farley of Countryside Nursery, and Tyler Meskers of Oregon Flowers. Brandon Jordan representing the office of U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Oregon) and Kelsey McCauley representing the office of U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Oregon) will also participate.

The Farwest Show will take place Wednesday–Friday, August 20–22, 2025, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. Oregon is a nursery industry epicenter, with $1.2 billion worth of plant sales in 2022, the most recent year tallied. Oregon's nursery offerings are incredibly diverse, including trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, vegetable starts, herbs, climbers, tropicals, houseplants and much more.