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On Episode 98 of The Plant Movement Podcast, Willie Rodriguez sits down with Reilly Brooks, Technical Sales Representative at BioSafe Systems, FNGLA's Young Professional of the Year, and incoming President of the FNGLA Action Chapter. Together, they dive into the future of horticulture, the power of automation, and the practical solutions helping growers produce cleaner, healthier plants while reducing labor and operating costs.
Reilly shares her journey from growing up in rural Central Florida and participating in 4-H to earning a Master's in Agribusiness from the University of Florida and building a career focused on serving the green industry. She discusses her experience at AgriStarts, explains the science behind tissue culture propagation, and how those early lessons shaped her passion for helping growers solve real-world challenges.
The conversation takes an in-depth look at BioSafe Systems, the company's innovative chemistry, and how products like Sanidate 12, GreenClean Pro, and Xeritol are helping nurseries combat algae, bacteria, fungi, and disease without creating resistance. Willie also shares A's Ornamental Nursery's firsthand experience implementing a BioSafe injection system that automates sanitation through irrigation, reducing labor, improving plant quality, and keeping irrigation systems cleaner than ever before.
Beyond products, this episode tackles some of the biggest issues facing the nursery industry today, including rising production costs, labor shortages, stagnant plant pricing, automation, and the importance of adopting new technologies to remain competitive. Reilly explains why technical support and education are just as important as the products themselves and why building relationships with growers is at the center of everything BioSafe does.
The discussion also explores the critical work being done through the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), including the Emerging Leaders Program, industry advocacy, leadership development, and the importance of engaging local legislators to protect Florida agriculture as development continues to expand.
Whether you're a nursery owner, grower, landscaper, supplier, or simply passionate about the future of agriculture, this episode delivers practical insights on improving operations, embracing innovation, and preparing the next generation of industry leaders.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- Reilly Brooks' journey from AgriStarts to BioSafe Systems
- How tissue culture is changing plant production
- The science behind BioSafe's disease and algae control solutions
- Automating irrigation sanitation with Sanidate 12
- Reducing labor while improving plant quality
- The future of nursery automation and technology
- FNGLA leadership, advocacy, and the Emerging Leaders Program
- Why collaboration and education are essential for the future of the green industry
Listen now on all major podcast platforms.
#ThePlantMovementPodcast #BioSafeSystems #ReillyBrooks #FNGLA #GreenIndustryStrong
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