Programs and Meetings

Floriculture at Michigan State University

 

The Floriculture Crop Production Team at Michigan State University is composed of extension educators and outreach specialists with responsibilities in commercial floriculture, staff at Diagnostic Services, and faculty members in the Departments of Horticulture, Entomology, and Plant Pathology. The Floriculture 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 techniques.

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 MSU Floriculture Team members.

The MSU Floriculture Team serves Michigan's vibrant and expanding floriculture industry. According to the USDA Floriculture Crops 2010 Summary and the Michigan Department of Agriculture:

• The wholesale value of floriculture crops produced in Michigan in 2010 was $402.7 million.
• Michigan ranks third in floriculture production output behind California and Florida.
• There were 625 floriculture crop producers in Michigan in 2010, with 51% of them reporting wholesale sales of over $100,000.
• Total covered area utilized for floriculture crop production was reported at 46.3 million square feet (1,063 acres) with an additional 3,204 acres of open ground used for floriculture crops.
• Floriculture was the fourth largest segment of agriculture in the state in 2010, behind milk, corn, and soybean production.
• Floriculture's value exceeded that of all fruit produced in the state, and was also greater than that of other important segments of agriculture such as cattle, hogs, sugarbeets, and potatoes.

In 2010, Michigan growers produced the second most valuable crop of annual bedding plants ($203.9 million) and propagative materials ($78.6 million).  In addition, Michigan was the third largest producing state of herbaceous perennials ($57.4 million). Michigan led the nation in value of sales for 12 floriculture crops: seed geranium flats, impatiens flats, petunia flats, begonia hanging baskets, geranium hanging baskets, impatiens hanging baskets, petunia hanging baskets, potted geranium (seed), potted petunia, potted Easter lily, propagative materials of bedding plants, and propagative materials of perennials.  Michigan growers also produced the second-most valuable crop of 8 market segments in the U.S.: flats of begonia, marigold, and vegetables; hanging baskets of New Guinea impatiens and others; and potted garden chrysanthemum and potted flowering bulbs.

  Copyright © 2012, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University.

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.