April 1, 2010

Green industry shows impressive growth in spite of economy

RICHMOND—Virginia’s green industry has a large impact on the state’s economy, according to recently released findings of a 2007 economic survey and statistical profile conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The $1.2 billion industry includes plant sales, Christmas tree farms and landscaping services. It saw a 5 percent increase in total gross cash receipts between 2002 and 2007.

“The percentage growth is really impressive, especially since the green industry is sensitive to the economy,” said Spencer Neale, a commodity marketing specialist for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Greenhouse and nursery products—the largest part of the green industry—were the fifth-largest Virginia commodity in terms of cash receipts in 2008.

Woody plants topped product sales at 57 percent, followed by annuals at 20 percent; herbaceous perennials at 11 percent; other products, including aquatic plants and Christmas trees, at 9 percent; and specialty greenhouse crops at 3 percent.

According to the survey, more than 21,200 people are employed by the state’s green industry, with an average labor wage of $10.10 per hour.

Contact Neale at 804-290-1153 or Sara Owens, VFBF special projects coordinator, at 804-290-1133.