Wells Fargo plans for growth in $16-billion horticulture industry

Wells Fargo, an American agriculture lender for 19 consecutive years, has positioned itself for continued growth in the nation’s $16-billion nursery and greenhouse industry with the hiring of a leading commercial banker for the expanding sector.

Barry Sturdivant, who since 2000 headed Bank of the West’s national Nursery/Greenhouse Agribusiness Center, has joined Wells Fargo’s National Food and Agribusiness Division and will lead its initiative with the U.S. nursery and greenhouse industry. The most-recent United States Department of Agriculture Census shows that nursery, greenhouse, and floriculture production grew 13 percent from 2002 to 2007, while sales increased from $14.7 billion to $16.6 billion.

“The addition of Barry Sturdivant reinforces our dedication to growing our agribusiness network,” said Rob Yraceburu, head of Wells Fargo’s National Food and Agribusiness Division. “Barry brings specialized industry knowledge that will greatly benefit our clients in the sector and support the continued growth of our business.”

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