Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 12/15/15

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the 2014 Census of Horticultural Specialties report, which shows 1,337 North Carolina horticulture operations sold a total $570.7 million in floriculture, nursery and specialty crops in 2014, up 14% since 2009. The number of operations in NC increased by 316 during this time.  
NC ranks 6th in the nation for total horticulture sales.

Categories where sales significantly increased from the previous Census of Horticulture include Potted Herbaceous Perennial Plants, Sod, Sprigs or Plugs, Cut Christmas Trees and Nursery Stock.

Horticultural production expenses totaled $485.1 million in North Carolina in 2014. The single largest expense for horticultural specialties operations was hired labor totaling $166.0 million which includes salaries paid to hired workers as well as benefits for workers. A total of 953 horticultural operations employed 14,125 hired workers in 2014.  

For the full report, click here.