Mar 15, 2007

N.C. Green Industry Has $8.6 Billion Economic ImpactSource: North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

North Carolina’s green industry contributes $8.6 billion to the state’s economy, according to results of a study released last week. The green industry comprises growers of greenhouse/nursery stock, Christmas trees and flowers, sod producers and related businesses such as landscape contractors, lawn care professionals, arborists and retail lawn and garden centers.

“These numbers clearly illustrate the significant contributions the green industry provides our state,” said Louise Hodges, president of the N.C. Green Industry Council. “Armed with this information, our industry will further its commitment to the state of North Carolina through opportunities for additional jobs, additional revenue and continued environmental benefits.”

Staff of the Agricultural Statistics Division at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services collected data for the study. The study was funded by a $150,000 appropriation from North Carolina’s General Assembly in 2005.

Some of the highlights from the study include :

• The North Carolina green industry employs nearly 152,000 people.
• On average, N.C. homeowners spent $838 on lawn and landscape services during the year.
• Total gross sales by N.C. florists exceeded $256 million.
• North Carolina had 120,741 acres in production of green-industry commodities.

For more information, go to www.ncagr.com.