| The growing importance of the
horticulture industry is shown by the rising per capita consumption
of horticulture products by U.S. consumers. Per capita horticulture
retail expenditures on floriculture and environmental products
rose from $126 in 1986-88, $156 in 1989-93 and $187 per year
in 1994-98. In real terms, however, per capita retail expenditures
grew at an annual rate of 5% in 1986-88, was stagnant in 1989-93
and rose by 2% per year in 1994-98. The bulk of consumer spending
were on environmental horticulture products, which captured 58-59%
of total consumer expenditures between 1986-98. Consumer spending
on cut flowers slightly fell from 15% in 1986-88 to 14% in 1989-93
and 1994-98. Expenditures on bedding and garden plants grew consistently
from 8% in 1986-88, 9% in 1989-93 to 11% in 1994-98. Spending
on potted foliage plants and cut greens mildly decreased from
8% and 3% in 1986-88 to 7% and 2% in 1989-93 and 1994-98, respectively.
Potted flowering plants spending maintained its share (8%) during
the entire period. |
