2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Economic Committee is helping to shape a unified vision of the role of consumer

horticulture in our economy and livelihood that can be shared with industry and

external stakeholders. Credible, standardized messages will help to frame the economic

impact and benefits of the industry in the same way. In order to convey the economic

benefits of consumer horticulture to industry and external stakeholders,

multidisciplinary research findings have been aggregated into an infographic that

identifies the economic impact of plants at work, at home, in commercial settings and in

parks and public gardens. The infographic, titled #PlantsDoThat, uses the concept of

“Our Town” as a visual representation to tell the story of where and how consumer

horticulture impacts the lives of residents. Other #PlantsDoThat infographics are

currently in development for indoor plants at home, in offices and schools. The

committee is also identifying gaps in industry economic impact and market data to

inform private and public investment and management action. A survey tool is under

development through interviews with industry members to identify needs and inform

research planning. The committee is comprised of university and private economists,

extension agents, industry and agricultural non-profit staff and private industry

management and owners. Committee members are located in 14 states and represent

industry expertise in production, marketing and economics of crops such as bedding

plants, cut flowers, foliage and flowering potted plants, perennials, nursery crops, urban

agriculture, indoor intensive agriculture and local foods. The committee works virtually,

meeting monthly by conference call.