ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA), in recognition of its director of industry certifications and career development, Merry Mott, was honored with a National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Outstanding Cooperation Award.

Mott manages the link between FNGLA and Florida agricultural education programs to deliver FNGLA's Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) program. FCHP is approved by both Workforce Florida and the Florida Department of Education as it conforms to the 2007 Florida Career and Professional Education Act (CAPE). This act seeks to improve secondary academic performance via rigorous, relevant coursework that can be accessed through outlets such as industry certification exams. CAPE aims to meet Florida's workforce needs of access to high-wage and high-demand careers.

FNGLA recognized the student need to prepare for industry certifications. As a result, FNGLA worked to obtain an USDA Specialty Crop Grant to create and disperse lesson plans, sample tests, labs, and PowerPoint presentations through the website TeachHort.com. This website is also used by teachers to become FCHP-certified themselves, which has expanded the scope of individuals benefitting from the FCHP program.

In representing FNGLA, Mott participates in the Florida FFA State Convention, FFA Career Development Events and Florida Association of Agricultural Educators (FAAE) programs to promote the FCHP program and FNGLA membership. Students further explore the horticulture career field by engaging with FNGLA's professional members through the association's Horticulture Career Fairs.

The FCHP program is also recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for its water conservation and best management practices for Florida's green industry. FCHP continues to gain popularity as an effective tools in Florida's agricultural education programs.