Created: 5/25/2009 5:30:55 PM 
Raleigh-- North Carolina-grown flowers and ornamental plants not only brighten the landscape, but they also brighten the economy, generating nearly $217 million in farm income and providing employment opportunities statewide.
"North Carolina ranks fifth in the nation in floriculture production, and this segment of the industry contributes significantly to the state's overall agricultural economy," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "We have more than 20 million square feet of total floral greenhouse area and nearly 800 aces of outdoor floral production in the state."
Industry highlights include:
- Bedding and garden plants generate $115 million in wholesale value;
- Potted flowering plants generate $41 million;
- Poinsettias generate $17.9 million;
- North Carolina ranks second in the nation in poinsettia production;
- North Carolina farmers produce more than 1,000 different varieties of floriculture crops.
Gov. Bev Perdue recently proclaimed May as Floriculture Month, in recognition of the industry's economic impact.
Gardeners interested in adding North Carolina-grown plants to their own yards, can find plants at retail nurseries and garden centers and at the state-run farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax, Lumberton and Raleigh. Many smaller farmers markets also have plant vendors on-site during the spring and summer season.
Additional information on North Carolina's floriculture industry is available at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Web site, www.ncagr.com, or the N.C. Commercial Flower Growers Association Web site, www.nccfga.org.
