Programs and Meetings

Floriculture Area of
Expertise (AoE)
 

The Floriculture Area of Expertise (AoE) Team at Michigan State University is composed of extension educators with responsibilities in floriculture, a plant diagnostician, and faculty members in the Departments of Horticulture, Entomology, and Plant Pathology.  The Floriculture AoE Team has a strong relationship with the floriculture industry in the state.  The goals of our team are outlined below.

Goal #1. To enhance the ongoing growth and profitability of Michigan’s floriculture industry.

Goal #2. To deliver research-based information, educational programs, and scientific and marketing expertise to the greenhouse industry in Michigan.

Goal #3. To improve greenhouse crop production through research that identifies new production techniques, new crop production protocols, energy conservation strategies, control of insect and disease pests, and enhanced postharvest longevity.

Goal #4. To coordinate greenhouse grower tours and experiences that broaden Michigan growers’ perspectives and help identify opportunities that can advance their businesses.

Goal #5. To provide training and professional development opportunities for Floriculture AoE team members.

The Floriculture AoE Team serves Michigan’s vibrant and expanding floriculture industry.  According to the USDA Floriculture Crops 2008 Summary, the wholesale value of floriculture crops produced in Michigan in 2008 was $393.5 million.  Michigan ranks third in floriculture production output behind California and Florida.  There were 720 floriculture producers in Michigan in 2008, with 44% of them reporting wholesale sales of over $100,000.  Total covered area utilized for floriculture crop production was reported at 48.1 million square feet with an additional 4,004 acres of open ground used for floriculture crops.  According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, floriculture and nursery crops was the third largest segment of agriculture in the state in 2007, behind milk and corn production, and accounted for 11% of agricultural cash receipts. 

In 2008, growers in Michigan produced the second-most valuable crop of annual bedding/garden plants in the U.S. ($187 million in sales).  In addition, Michigan placed second in the production of propagative materials ($77 million) and second in herbaceous perennial plants ($69 million).  Michigan led the nation in value of sales for 12 floriculture crops: impatiens (flats), begonia hanging baskets, geranium hanging baskets, impatiens hanging baskets, New Guinea impatiens hanging baskets, petunia hanging baskets, potted geranium (seed), potted New Guinea impatiens, potted petunia, potted vegetables, potted hosta, and propagative materials of perennials.  In addition, producers in Michigan produce the second-most valuable crop of 9 crops: flats of begonia, marigold, and petunia; other hanging baskets; potted geranium (cuttings), garden mums, Easter lily, spring flowering bulbs; and propagative materials of annual bedding/garden plants.
 

  Copyright © 2009
  Department of Horticulture
  Michigan State University

DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
  A222 Plant & Soil Sciences Building
  East Lansing, MI  48824-1325

  This page was last edited in 12/17/09 .
  Please send your comments to Dr. Erik Runkle runkleer@msu.edu

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.