The Board of Directors of the California nursery industry organization formerly known as Plant California Alliance (PCA) recently announced the organization has officially changed its name to the California Association of Nurseries (CAN).
“California Association of Nurseries is instantly recognizable and clearly communicates who we are and what we do,” said John Keller, Chairman of CAN. “Over the years, we found ourselves continually explaining the Plant California Alliance name, and the acronym ‘PCA’ created confusion within the agricultural community due to its other industry meanings. Returning to California Association of Nurseries brings clarity, continuity, and renewed purpose.”
Although CAN is a century-old organization, the issues have grown in number and complexity.
“CAN is playing an active role in California’s multifaceted plastics regulation, working with the state and regional water boards to protect the interests of the nursery industry and has a leadership role in advocating in the State Capitol,” Emily Rooney, Executive Director of CAN said. “It is more important now than ever that the nursery sector is engaged in our statewide policy process.”
CAN also hired a part-time contractor, Lydia Nattey, to assist with program and grant execution. With more than a decade of combined experience leading workforce development initiatives, grant programs and public affairs efforts, Nattey brings a background in managing initiatives that support industry growth and community impact.
The California Association of Nurseries traces its roots back to June 1911, when the organization was founded to address pressing issues facing the nursery industry, including fruit tree nursery stock standards, nursery stock cleanliness, quarantines and inspections. Today, the California nursery industry is the largest in the nation and together with floriculture accounts for 7.5 percent of the state’s farm sales.
In 1919, CAN became a founding member of Agricultural Council of California (Ag Council) to strengthen the industry’s advocacy efforts and statewide influence. More than a century later, the organization’s transition to Ag Council management in 2025 represents a “full-circle moment” that further reinforces its mission and leadership within California agriculture.
While the industry’s challenges continue to evolve, CAN’s mission remains unchanged: advocating for and supporting California nurseries and growers through industry leadership, representation, and member engagement.
Keller said, “As in 1911, today’s nursery industry needs a strong and unified voice. That is exactly what CAN provides.”
