USDA census reports $18.3 billion horticulture industry growth

The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service released the 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties, reporting $18.3 billion in U.S. floriculture, nursery and specialty crop sales.

The census is the only nationwide source of detailed production and sales data for these sectors. The report identified 23,060 horticulture operations across the United States in 2024.

Sales and the number of operations increased compared with 2019. The report attributes part of the growth to the inclusion of mushrooms and hemp grown under protection in the latest census.

“First conducted in 1889, the horticulture census provides data on sectors for which there are no other comprehensive data sources,” said Joseph L. Parsons, NASS administrator.

Horticulture production was concentrated in 10 states that accounted for 67% of U.S. horticulture sales. California led the nation with $3.07 billion in sales, followed by Florida at $2.15 billion and Oregon at $1.29 billion.

Several categories tied to greenhouse and nursery production showed increases from 2019. Nursery stock led all categories with $5.34 billion in sales, up 17%. Annual bedding and garden plants reached $2.67 billion, up 19%. Potted herbaceous perennials rose 47% to $1.36 billion and potted flowering plants totaled $1.29 billion, up 7%.

Food crops grown under protection, which includes greenhouse production, reached $1.01 billion in sales, a 44% increase.

Family- or individually-owned businesses accounted for 56% of operations, while corporate-owned operations generated 63% of sales, totaling $11.6 billion. Labor represented the largest expense category, accounting for 36% of industry costs.