2006 sales expected to show modest gain

USDA Floriculture and Nursery Crops Outlook forecast the greenhouse and nursery industry should expect a modest 2-percent gain in sales for 2006. Ornamental crops sales were expected to rise from $16.2 billion in 2005 to $16.5 billion last year.

Accounting for this gain, $100 million would come from floriculture and $200 million from nursery crops. USDA reports the sales gain was not expected to cover increased grower costs. Although plenty of product was available, crop prices wouldn’t be able to rise enough to offset higher production costs.

The 2006 Floriculture Crops Summary is scheduled to be released in April.

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For more: Alberto Jerardo, Economic Research Service, 1800 M St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036-5831; (202) 694-5266; fax (202) 694-5820; ajerardo.usda.gov.