Horticulture sector shows strong growth in latest USDA census report

With spring planting season approaching, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently published the 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties, highlighting the growing importance of horticulture production in the U.S.

The report is compiled every five years as part of the broader Census of Agriculture to capture detailed data on floriculture, nursery and specialty crop production nationwide.

“First conducted in 1889, the Census of Horticultural Specialties provides data on sectors for which there are no other comprehensive data sources,” says NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons in a March 1 press release. “It is a valuable tool to highlight the contribution horticulture growers bring to our local, state and national economies, as well as changes in the industry over the past five years.”

Released in late February, the latest report shows continued growth across the horticulture sector in both value and diversity.

Industry expansion

According to the census, U.S. horticulture operations generated $18.3 billion in total sales during 2024, marking a notable increase from the previous report in 2019. The number of operations also rose, totaling 23,060 nationwide.

It is notable to report part of this growth is due to an increase in reporting categories, as the latest census includes mushroom production and hemp grown under protection – sectors which were not fully captured in prior surveys. 

NASS notes inclusion of these categories reflects evolving consumer demand and the diversification of specialty crop production systems.

Yet, even when accounting for these additional categories, the report shows steady growth across traditional horticultural crops as well. 

For instance, demand for ornamental plants, landscaping materials and greenhouse-grown food crops remained strong, driven by both residential and commercial markets.

Sales leaders

The NASS report notes the largest share of horticulture sales came from nursery stock, which totaled $5.34 billion in 2024 – an increase of 17 percent compared to 2019. Annual bedding and garden plants followed at $2.67 billion, up 19 percent.

Other major categories posted even stronger gains. 

Sales of sod, sprigs and plugs rose 34 percent to $1.70 billion, while potted herbaceous perennials jumped 47 percent to $1.36 billion. Food crops grown under protection, such as greenhouse vegetables, also saw significant growth, increasing 44 percent to $1.01 billion.

Potted flowering plants reached $1.29 billion in sales, while propagative materials, including bareroot and unfinished plants, totaled $780 million.

These gains reflect shifting consumer preferences toward landscaping, home gardening and locally produced food, and the continued rise of controlled-environment agriculture, including greenhouses and high tunnels, has also contributed to the sector’s expansion.

While horticulture operations exist in every region of the country, production remains concentrated in a handful of states. In fact, 10 states accounted for 67 percent of all U.S. horticulture sales in 2024.

California led the nation with $3.07 billion in sales, followed by Florida at $2.15 billion and Oregon at $1.29 billion. 

Other highlights

Other highlights in the census include a notable distinction between the number of operations and their share of total sales. 

NASS found family- or individually-owned businesses accounted for 56 percent of all horticulture operations, making them the most common ownership structure. However, corporate-owned operations generated the majority of revenue, accounting for 63 percent of total sales, or $11.6 billion. 

Additionally, like other segments of agriculture, horticulture producers are facing rising input costs. Total industry expenses increased 33 percent between 2019-24, according to the report.

Labor remains the single largest expense, accounting for 36 percent of total costs, while other expenses, including materials, energy and transportation, have also increased.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.