Maryland Horticulture Industry 2012 Survey by Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and Greenhouse Association

The Maryland Horticulture Industry

2012 Statistical Profile and Economic Summary

December 2013

2012 Maryland Horticulture Industry Economic Profile Sponsored by: Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association

Dr. John Majsztrik

Post Doctoral Research Associate, Dept. Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

Dr. Andrew Ristvey

Senior Agent, University of Maryland Extension

Dr. Erik Lichtenberg Professor, Dept. Agricultural Resource Economics Dr. John Lea-Cox

Professor, Dept. Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This study was funded by the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association. Data collection, statistical analysis, and report development were completed by The University of Maryland, with assistance from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection and Weed Management Section. We wish to thank all members of the green industry who responded to the survey. Your input was invaluable. We would also like to express a special note of gratitude to the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association Board of Advisors including George Mayo, Bernie Kohl, Garet Bunting, Brent Rutley, and Vanessa Finney. For providing advice and guidance throughout this project we would like to thank Carol Holko and Dick Bean from the Maryland Department of Agriculture. For questions or comments regarding this survey, please contact the MNLA office at 410-823-8684.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This fourth economic profile since 2000 provides comprehensive insights into the growth and strength of the horticulture industry in Maryland. The first survey in 2000 provided a baseline of information from which many management and leadership decisions could be based. The 2003 survey demonstrated the impact a drought year can have on industry growth. The 2007 survey predated one of the most significant economic recessions in our nation’s history. In 2012, the green industry was emerging from over four years of deep and widespread recession. The horticulture industry was hit hard by a major slowdown in the housing industry, which is only starting to recover. The economy is still a concern, and was identified as the number one factor limiting growth in this survey. Reported sales from 2011 to 2012 showed a 4.8% drop in gross income, although the expected sales for 2013 indicate an 8.6% increase over 2012 numbers. From 2011 to 2012, retailers showed the highest drop in gross income (-15.4%), while growers showed a modest increase (+2.8%). Since this survey was completed by operations in the second half of 2013, it is reasonable to assume that projected increases are based on more than just hope. Although there are many unknowns, the horticultural industry has shown a great degree of resiliency in the past five years, indicating that this industry will continue to thrive well into the future. Important highlights from the 2012 survey include: Gross receipts were estimated at $1.19 billion in 2012, expected to increase to $1.30 billion in 2013  Retail sales accounted for 25% of sales  Landscape Installation and Maintenance accounted for 46% of sales  Growers sales (both wholesale and retail) accounted for 29%  Other categories accounted for a relatively small 0.3% ($3.5 million) Maryland growers (wholesale and retail) generated $773 million in 2012 sales  Woody plants 45.7% - $357 million, more than twice the sales of annuals  Annuals 22.8% - $178 million  Herbaceous perennials 22% - $171 million  Specialty Greenhouse Products 5.5% - $43 million  Christmas Trees 0.7% - $6 million  Aquatics 0.5% - $4 million  Other products 2.9% - $22 million Total area dedicated to nursery production and sales exceeds 29,980 acres including 495 acres of covered (greenhouse) space. The industry employed 25,605 people  60% were employed full time (over 150 days per year)  Average wage rate for both experienced and non-experienced laborers was $10.80/hr – which is above the federal minimum wage Factors limiting growth  Financial Resources/Economy – The housing and general economy continue to make it difficult for the industry to grow  Government and taxes - regulations and taxes reduce profits  Labor – quality and quantity, as well as immigration were important factors  Competition – likely made worse due to the weak economy Although this survey does not encompass the total economic activity of the green industry in Maryland, it does provide a meaningful snapshot of the statewide trends. Although the majority of plants are grown and sold in the state, it also shows that Maryland is reliant on other states for both importing plants and for markets to sell finished plants. 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL Executive Summary...……………………………………………………………………………………...3 Objective…………………………………………………………………………………………………...5 Survey Design……………………………………………………………………………………………...5 Responses…..….…………………………………………………………………………………………..6 Responses by County.……………………………………………….………………………………..…...7

RESULTS AND SUMMARY OF THE SURVEY Sales of Horticultural Products and Services……...………………………………………………..……...8 Types of Plants Sold………….….……………….…………………………………………………..…....9 Method for Plant Products Sold…………………………………………………………………………...10 Source of Plant Material Sold……………..………………………………………………….…………...11 Destination of Plants Shipped……………………….……………………………………….…………....13 Industry Concerns………………………...……………………………………..…….………….……....14

REGIONAL PROFILES OF HORTICULTURE IN MARYLAND Sales by Region…………………………………………………………….……………….………….…16 Sales of Horticulture Products by Business Function by Region...……………………………………….17 Number of Horticulture Workers and Wages…...…………………………………………….………….21 Labor and Wages by Region……………..…………………………………………………….…………23 Western Maryland Profile………………………………………………..………………….……………24 Central Maryland Profile………..….…………………………………………………….……………....25 Southern Maryland Profile…………………………………………….….….……….….……………….26 Upper Eastern Shore Profile.….……………………………………….……….….…....…...…....….......27 Lower Eastern Shore Profile..….………………………………..……….………………....………….....28 Acreage in Horticultural Crops…………………………..…………………………………...….…….....29 Questionnaire……………………..……………………….………….…..….….….….….….…..............31

Maryland Horticulture – 2012 A Statistical Profile of the Horticulture Industry in Maryland OBJECTIVE The 2012 Maryland Horticulture Survey was conducted to measure the scope and impact of Maryland’s horticultural industry. The survey quantifies the types of plants grown and sold in Maryland, the sources and destination of plant materials, the number of individuals employed in the industry, the tenure of operation, the value of land and equipment, and horticultural sales. This survey also identifies factors which may be impacting growth of the industry. One final objective was to provide a measure of change with the previous surveys conducted in 2000, 2003, and 2007. SURVEY DESIGN Survey Sample.1 All licensed nursery operations in Maryland were included in the 2012 Horticulture Survey. Surveys were mailed to 1,037 operations, a 9% reduction from the total sample size in 2007. Unlicensed businesses were not included in the survey. Any individual or business that grows or sells perennial plant material in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Office of Plant Industries and Pest Management. This includes growers of plant materials, landscape contractors, retail sales operations, and plant brokers. No license is required for businesses that grow or import annual plants, interior plants, or tropical plants. This exemption includes cutflower growers, orchards, flower shops, and turf growers; however, many of these operations chose to be licensed so that they could ship plants out of state. What is a Horticultural Product? For the purpose of the 2012 Nursery Industry Survey, horticultural production included nursery plant production, brokerage services, landscape design, installation, maintenance, renovation, lawn care, fertilization, mowing, trimming, mulching, erosion control / hydro-seeding, plant delivery, plant rentals, watering, irrigation, interior plant operations, tree work, tree moving, tree spraying, IPM, seeding, and sales of Christmas trees, floral greenery, and plugs. The following items were not considered nursery items in the 2012 survey: gifts, Christmas shop sales, snow removal, lighting, consulting, drainage work, excavation, value added products, and sales of produce, mulch, soil, fertilizer and stone/pavers. Data Collection. The MNLA sent out a letter requesting response to the survey in July 2013. Shortly thereafter, a postcard was mailed asking for participation, followed by the survey, which was mailed to all 1,037 addresses on file. Redelivery of any returned surveys was attempted via an internet search and/ or phone call. A second survey was mailed in mid-September to all operations that had not responded and we had no contact phone number for. From 15 August through 15 October, a minimum of 4 phone contacts were made with operations that had working phone numbers. Either a person was spoken with, or a message was left, asking the operation to complete and return the survey. All attempts were made to speak directly with the person responsible for completing the survey. An additional copy of the survey was mailed when requested. The survey was also made available online using Surveymonkey. The online survey had exactly the same questions and format as the paper version. A link to the survey was included in the paper survey that was sent out, as well as follow-up contacts and in industry publications. 1

Because of the nature of state licensing, some “Green Industry” producers and businesses are not included in this survey. Therefore, it is understood that the conclusions contained in this document do not offer a complete profile of the entire “Green Industry” in Maryland.

Data Analysis. Paper surveys were returned to the University of Maryland. Any identifying information was removed, and the information from the surveys were then entered into an excel spreadsheet. Surveys entered online were downloaded into an excel spreadsheet as well. Data were collected, compiled, analyzed and summarized by the University of Maryland team. Data were entered and analyzed in Excel™. Survey responses were analyzed on a statewide and regional basis. Estimation for Non-Response. Each sampled operation that did not respond was grouped into one of three categories based on type of operation (grower, landscaper, or retail sales). Category designations were made on the basis of our knowledge of the industry. The assumption was made that responses received from completed questionnaires were representative of the population as a whole and that non-respondents would answer questions in a similar fashion. Therefore, if all or part of a questionnaire was left unanswered, it was assumed it was ‘typical’ of other operations of a similar type of business. State totals were thus estimated by multiplying sample averages for each category by the total number in that category for the state.

RESPONSES We received a total of 259 survey responses (out of a calculated total of 921 operations) for the 2012 Maryland Horticulture Survey, or 28% of the population. An additional 60 operations declined participation, bringing the total response rate to 34% of all possible respondents. The non-response rate was 65%, or 602 operations. This group consisted of operations that were spoken with at least once but they did not return the survey (24%), and operations that we called, or attempted to call, but were never able to speak with someone (41%). This included 18% of operations that we could not find a working telephone number with which to contact them. The total number of operations was calculated as follows. Of the total 1,037 original operations, 60 were duplicates of the same operation, 16 were no longer in business, 21 had incorrect contact information that could not be updated, 10 stated that the survey did not apply to their business, and 9 were university/government businesses, totaling 921 operations. Summary of Survey Responses. Category Grower

Reconciled Database

Response rate (%)

102

309

31.9

Landscaper

362

24.9

Retailer

250

25.5

259

921

28.1

Total

Responses (positive returns)

RESPONSES BY COUNTY Of the total 259 respondents in business, the top five counties were Baltimore, Montgomery, Frederick, and an equal number in Carroll and Prince George’s.

1 4 3

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COMPARABILITY TO PREVIOUS SURVEYS A number of questions were modified from the 2007 version of the survey to make the results more robust. For example, a question was added about which part of the country purchased nursery stock was from (within vs. outside of Maryland), and how those plants were purchased (already finished vs. finished by grower). We also added specificity to some questions, such as permanently covered space (greenhouses) vs. seasonally covered space (overwintering houses), and different types of production methods (i.e. pot in pot). A complete version of the survey questionnaire is included at the end of this document. Since we did not have access to the methodology used by the previous survey for accounting for nonresponses, the methodology we used may be different from that used in previous surveys. This may account for some of the differences in total industry impact $1.96 billion in 2007 vs. 1.19 billion in 2012. Some of the difference between these numbers may be due to the impact of the continued recession on the horticulture industry in Maryland, but without a clear methodology from the previous survey, it is difficult for us to assess these differences.

‐7‐

RESULTS AND SUMMARY OF THE SURVEY Sales of Horticultural Products and Services Total gross receipts for Maryland licensed horticultural operations were $1.193 billion in 2012. Landscaper sales accounted for 46% of the total receipts with sales surpassing $546 million. The total gross sales decreased by 39%, compared to the 2007 survey results. The 2012 survey saw a 9% decrease in the number of licensed nursery operations in business compared to 2007. Overall, licensed nursery operations in Maryland reported they expect an 8% increase in total sales in 2013. The sector with the largest anticipated increase was landscaper sales (10%) followed by retail sales (7%).

Sales by Business Function2

Landscaper and/or Interiorscaper (maintenance only) 1%

Landscaper and/or Interiorscaper (installation only) 5%

2011 ($) Grower

Mixed 8%

Landscaper and/or Interiorscaper (installation/ maintenance) 29%

Percent of Industry

Other 1%

Retail sales 18%

Grower ‐ retail and/or wholesale 21%

Percent change (2011-12)

Horticulture distributor or re‐wholesale 2%

Grower ‐ wholesale only 15%

2012 ($)

Percent of Industry

Percent change (2012-13)

2013 (projected) ($)

Percent of Industry

339,689,647

27.2

2.8

349,564,303

29.3

8.5

381,829,119

29.3

568,197,794

45.4

(4.0)

546,515,646

45.8

9.8

605,569,560

46.4

Retail sales3

342,586,086

27.4

(15.4)

296,919,205

24.9

6.5

317,546,299

24.3

1,250,473,527

100.0

(4.8)

1,192,999,153

100.0

8.6

1,304,944,979

100.0

Landscaper

Total

The pie chart above represents direct returns from the survey, while the table scales the returns, based on returns and total number of operations in the state for each category (grower, landscaper and retailer) to the state level.

Wholesale, retail, and landscape installation include sales for plant and hardscape products such as walkways, irrigation systems, decks, etc.

‐8‐

Types of Plants Sold Revenue related to the sale, installation and maintenance of woody perennials totaled $357 million in 2012. This represented 46% of all plant-related sales and services by licensed horticulture operations. Sales of annual plants were second at $178 million; nearly 23% of all sales reported. Herbaceous perennial sales were very similar at $171 million at 22% of all reported sales.

Sales by Plant Type

Dollars in millions

400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 ‐

Woody Plants Herbaceous Perennials

Annuals

Aquatic Plants

Plant Type

Specialty Greenhouse Products

2012 ($)

Christmas Trees

Percent

Woody Plants

356,718,184

45.7

Annuals

177,604,922

22.8

Herbaceous Perennials

171,302,520

22.0

42,547,148

5.4

Christmas Trees

5,724,605

0.7

Aquatic Plants

4,004,898

0.5

22,451,488

2.9

780,353,764

100.0

Specialty Greenhouse Products

Other Products

Total

Other

__________________________ 4

Other products include items such as seeds, bulbs, etc., and any other sales related to other products and services not previously listed.

‐9‐

Method for Plant Products Sold Of the total 2012 plant-related sales reported by licensed horticulture operations, 71% or $550 million were for container-grown products (including all types of greenhouse production). Sales of field-grown products totaled $216 million or 28% of total sales. Cut flower and other products made up a very small percentage of the total sales with 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively.

Sales by Preparation Method

Dollars in millions

300

250

200

150

100

‐ Field Grown

Containers In‐ Ground (Pot‐in‐ Pot)

Containers Above Ground

Preparation Method

Containers Greenhouse

2012 ($)

Field Grown

Cut Flowers

Percent

216,491,189

28.0

41,273,626

5.3

Containers Above Ground

256,228,490

33.2

Containers Greenhouse

252,106,294

32.6

Cut Flowers

3,792,570

0.5

Other

2,904,823

0.4

Total

772,796,991

100.0

Containers In-Ground (Pot-in-Pot)

‐10‐

Other

Source of Plant Material Sold The 2012 survey identified some significant changes in the quantities of plant material sold in various categories. In 2007, it was reported that 8% of plants were imported unfinished from other states, and 10% were imported finished. In 2012, 12% were imported unfinished, and 31% were imported finished. Likewise, there were reductions in 2012 of unfinished plants from another nursery in Maryland 4% vs. 11% in 2007, and finished plants from a grower in Maryland, 16% in 2012 vs. 37% in 2007. About 35% of the Maryland nursery crop is grown from start to finish and sold directly from the farm, similar to the 33% reported for 2007. Small amounts of plant material (≈ 1%) were imported from outside the United States or of unknown origin. Imported into US 1%

Unknown 1%

Grown entirely on one farm 35%

From another state: Finished 31%

From another Maryland state: Unfinished grown: Already finished 12% 16%

Maryland grown: Finished by you 4%

Categories

Supervisors 2012 Labor

Managers

Scaled Total Workers

Total workers

5,003

25,605

Worked 149 days or less

2,012

10,297

Worked 150 days or more

3,043

15,574

Total migrant workers

542

2,774

Workers from H2A program

186

952

Workers from H2B program

131

670

Workers from unspecified programs

225

1,152

Migrant worker programs

‐21‐

Labor and Wages by Region The central region led the state with 16,595 (65%) of the horticultural workers employed by state licensed operations7, followed by the southern region with 5,788 (23%) of reported workers. The remaining 3,222 workers (13%) were employed in the Western, Upper Eastern Shore and Lower Eastern Shore regions. About 40% of all workers employed by the industry worked on a part-time/seasonal basis (less than 150 days) in 2012.

Numbers of Employes

Number of Workers by Region 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Western

Region

Southern

Total Employed

Central

# Employed < 150 Days

Upper Shore Lower Shore

# Employed > 150 Days

Western

361

Southern

5,788

2,756

3,012

16,595

5,702

10,767

Upper Shore

2,419

1,180

1,155

Lower Shore

442

100

341

25,605

10,099

15,275

Central

Total

_________________________________

Operations in multiple locations were placed in the location where the main operation was reported.

‐22‐

Total Wages by Region Total wages paid by the horticultural industry in 2012 were $361.3 million. The majority of the wages paid were in Maryland’s Central region accounting for nearly $254 million of all wages paid by State licensed businesses. In Southern Maryland, wages totaled just over $72 million.

Regions

Gross Wages ($)

Western

891,868

10,150

Southern

72,145,692

26,611,726

253,759,459

50,009,653

Upper Shore

28,550,246

5,115,202

Lower Shore

5,909,452

2,466,907

361,256,716

84,213,638

Central

Total

Overhead and Benefits ($)

Average Hourly Wage ($)

21.32 20.87 18.29

17.20

17.48 14.00 14.00

10.42 9.12

8.20

16.34 15.00

12.15

18.40

12.70 11.45 9.71

8.71

12.50 9.50

0 Western

Southern

Labor‐Inexperienced

Central Labor‐Experienced

‐23‐

Upper Shore Supervisors

Lower Shore Managers

Western Maryland: (Allegany, Garrett Counties) Percent

Sales

Value

0.7

$ 20,458

Retail

46.5

$ 1,462,094

Landscape installation/maintenance

48.4

$ 1,522,244

4.4

$ 137,224

100.0

$ 3,142,020

Wholesale

Other Total sales of horticulture products and services 2012 Land area in production (total acres)

1,504

Total Wages paid to workers (2012)

$ 891,868 $ 8.20

Inexperienced Laborers Wage rate

Number of workers 8

Experienced laborers

$ 10.42

Supervisors

$ 14.00

Managers

$ 14.00 8

Full time

Seasonal

316

We assume some people who filled out the survey did not include themselves in the total number of workers

Western Maryland Horticultural Sales by Type Other 4%

Wholesale 1%

Landscape 48%

Retail 47%

‐24‐

Central Maryland: (Baltimore, Frederick, Carroll, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Washington Counties) Percent

Sales

43.5

$ 228,876,311

8.4

$ 44,022,718

45.3

$ 238,169,165

2.9

$ 15,250,279

100.0

$ 526,318,473

Wholesale Retail Landscape installation/maintenance Other Total sales of horticulture products and services 2012

Value

Land area in production (total acres)

22,455

Total Wages paid to workers (2012)

$ 253,759,459 Inexperienced Laborers

Wage rate

Number of workers

$ 9.71

Experienced laborers

$ 12.70

Supervisors

$ 20.87

Managers

$ 21.32

Full time

10,767

Seasonal

5,702

Central Maryland Horticultural Sales by Type Other 3%

Wholesale 44%

Landscape 45%

Retail 8%

‐25‐

Southern Maryland: (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s Counties)

Percent

Value

6.7

$ 13,946,001

Retail

42.2

$ 87,931,876

Landscape installation/maintenance

41.7

$ 87,039,599

9.4

$ 19,649,601

100.0

$ 208,567,077

Sales Wholesale

Other Total sales of horticulture products and services 2012 Land area in production (total acres)

1,878

Total Wages paid to workers (2012)

$ 72,145,692 Inexperienced Laborers

Wage rate

Number of workers

$ 9.12

Experienced laborers

$ 12.15

Supervisors

$ 17.48

Managers

$ 18.29

Full time

3,012

Seasonal

2,756

Southern Maryland Horticultural Sales by Type Wholesale 7% Other 9%

Landscape 42%

Retail 42%

‐26‐

Upper Eastern Shore Maryland: (Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot Counties)

Percent

Value

Wholesale

54.1

$ 36,485,173

Retail

19.5

$ 13,154,453

Landscape installation/maintenance

18.4

$ 12,372,574

8.0

$ 5,377,911

100.0

$ 67,390,111

Sales

Other Total sales of horticulture products and services 2012 Land area in production (total acres)

4,045

Total Wages paid to workers (2012)

$ 28,550,246 Inexperienced Laborers

Wage rate

Number of workers

$ 8.71

Experienced laborers

$ 11.45

Supervisors

$ 17.20

Managers

$ 16.34

Full time

1,155

Seasonal

1,180

Upper Eastern Shore Maryland Horticultural Sales by Type Other 8%

Landscape 18% Wholesale 54% Retail 20%

‐27‐

Lower Eastern Shore Maryland: (Dorchester, Somerset, Worcester, Wicomico Counties)

Percent

Sales

Value

Wholesale

3.7

$ 687,529

Retail

7.6

$ 1,427,749

88.4

$ 16,579,936

0.4

$ 66,140

100.0

$ 18,761,354

Landscape installation/maintenance Other Total sales of horticulture products and services 2012 Land area in production (total acres)

Total Wages paid to workers (2012)

$ 5,994,684 Inexperienced Laborers

Wage rate

Number of workers

$ 9.50

Experienced laborers

$ 11.45

Supervisors

$ 15.00

Managers

$ 18.40

Full time

341

Seasonal

100

Lower Shore Maryland Horticultural Sales by Type Wholesale 4%

Other < 1% Retail 8%

Landscape 88%

‐28‐

Total Acreage and Covered Growing Space There are an estimated total of 33,971 acres of land reported, of which, 23,957 were used for horticultural production in the state. An estimated 14,193 acres were reported for field production, 7,683 acres for container production (out of ground), and 1,324 acres of pot-in-pot production in the state. There were an estimated 495 acres of covered greenhouse space, 42 acres of temporary overwintering houses, 123 acres of shade houses, and 98 acres listed as other. A scaling factor of 4.5454 was applied (22% of respondents) to reported acreage. Estimated acreages were similar to those reported in 2007 for open production (23,200 acres in 2012 vs.20,442 acres in 2007) and permanent greenhouse space 495 acres in 2012 vs. 436 acres in 2007). There are an estimated 4,777 acres currently in conservation/preservation programs (1,051 acres reported). The average operation has been open for 29 years, and 164 operations out of 198 (83%) were reported to be family owned. Outdoor Production Acreage

10000 Field production Container production (in ground)

8000

Acres

Container production (out of ground)

6000 4000 2000 0 Western

Regions

Southern

Field production

Central

Upper Shore

Container production (in ground) 9

Lower Shore

Container production (out of ground) 124

Western

1,118

Southern

202

276

10,024

1,264

6,612

652

1,324

7,683

Central Upper Shore Lower Shore Total

2,848 0

14,193

Based on comparisons to the 2007 survey and knowledge about active nurseries on the Lower Eastern Shore, the preparers of this survey believe that the calculated growing areas were under-reported by at least 250 acres of containernursery production, 1.5 acres of greenhouse and 40 acres of field production, substantially increasing the economic impact of the industry on the Lower Eastern Shore. Other areas were not adjusted, since there were a number of responses from the other regions and we assume the scaling factors accounted for non-responses.

‐29‐

Covered Growing Space

400

Permanent Greenhouse Overwintering Shade Houses Other

350 300

Acres

250 200 150 100 50 0 Western

Southern

Central

Upper Shore

Lower Shore

Reported Acreage Covered Greenhouse

Regions

Overwintering

Shade Houses

Other

Western

1.4

0.2

1.2

0.1

Southern

21.9

4.0

11.4

11.5

Central

83.5

4.5

13.0

9.4

Upper Shore

2.1

0.6

1.5

0.4

Lower Shore8

0.0

108.9

9.3

27.1

21.4

Total

Scaled-up Acreage Covered Greenhouse

Regions

Overwintering

Shade Houses

Other

Western

6.3

0.8

5.4

0.5

Southern

99.3

18.3

51.7

52.4

379.5

20.3

58.9

42.9

9.7

2.6

6.7

1.6

0.2

0.1

0.0

0.1

495.0

42.1

122.7

97.5

Central Upper Shore 8

Lower Shore Total

‐30‐

2012 MARYLAND HORTICULTURE SURVEY University of Maryland 2102 Plant Science Building College Park, MD 20742 Address Label

Note: Use 2012 fiscal year if you are unable to provide calendar year data.

Dear Green Industry Professional, This survey is being conducted by the University of Maryland in association with the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association to document the current growth, scope and impact of the Maryland Green Industry, including Garden Centers.

This survey is being sent to all licensed nursery and landscape operations in Maryland. If you do business at more than one location in Maryland, please combine the data for all locations on one questionnaire. Include sales from Maryland locations only. Please have the person at your operation who has access to financial and employment information fill out this survey. Other individuals may be consulted for additional information.

Response to the survey is voluntary; however your response is important to ensure reliable results. The information you provide is strictly confidential and is protected from the Freedom of Information Act and other inquiries by Federal Law. Information we collect will only be reported in combination with other growers in the State or region, and will not be able to be traced back to individual operations.

Surveys may either be completed online (see below), or returned in the enclosed postage paid envelope. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. Our contact information is at the end of the survey. We appreciate your help in this important effort. Sincerely,

John Lea‐Cox Andrew Ristvey John Majsztrik

Professor, Nursery Extension Specialist Senior Agent, Commercial Horticulture PostDoctoral Research Associate

An online version of this survey is available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MNLA2013. To reduce the time needed to complete the survey and prevent mistakes, we strongly suggest using this paper copy to gather your information beforehand. The online version will automatically skip questions that do not apply to your operation. If you prefer, the completed form can be returned in the postage paid envelope. ‐31‐

Check here if this operation is no longer in business and return in the provided stamped envelope.

SECTION 1 ‐ Type of Operation 1. Did you produce or sell nursery or greenhouse crops or provide landscape services during 2012?

Yes [Continue Below]

No [skip to page 8, question 28]

2. Which of the following categories BEST describes your business (check one):

Grower ‐ wholesale only

Landscaper and/or Interiorscaper (installation only)

Grower ‐ retail and/or wholesale

Landscaper and/or Interiorscaper (maintenance only)

Horticulture distributor or re‐wholesale

Landscaper and/or Interiorscaper (installation/ maintenance)

Retail sales

Other ______________________________

3. How many years has this business been in operation? ............................................ 4. Is this operation a Family Owned Business? (Circle one) ...................................... YES NO SECTION 2 ‐ Gross Sales

2011

5. What were your total gross sales from nursery and greenhouse crops and landscaping? (Including hardscapes e.g. walkways, irrigation systems, decks etc.). Note: use fiscal year values if calendar year values are not available 6. What PERCENT of your total sales in 2012 were from:

2012 Projected 2013

a) Wholesale ‐ Plant sales……. ........................................................................

b) Wholesale ‐ Hardscape sales ......................................................................

c) Retail ‐ Plant sales ......................................................................................

d) Retail ‐ Hardscape sales .............................................................................. e) Landscape/ interiorscape installation ‐ Excluding hardscape.................... f) Landscape/ interiorscape installation ‐ Hardscape only............................

g) Landscape/ interiorscape maintenance.....................................................

h) Other (please specify)

(Percentages should add to 100%) ‐32‐

2012

100 %

7. What percent of your plant sales were in the following categories? (Include plants installed and maintained)

2012

Woody plants ....................................................................................

Herbaceous perennials .....................................................................

Annuals .............................................................................................

Aquatic Plants ...................................................................................

Specialty Greenhouse (e.g. indoor plants & tropicals) .....................

Christmas Trees ................................................................................

Other (e.g. seeds, sod and bulbs)

(Percentages should add to 100%)

100 %

8. What percent of your sales were produced by the following methods? (Include plants installed and maintained) a) b)

Field Grown (include aquatic plants) ............................................... Containers

In‐ground containers (Pot‐in‐Pot)..............................................

2) 3)

Above ground containers ........................................................... Greenhouse ................................................................................

Cut Flowers .......................................................................................

Other (please specify)

2012

(Percentages should add to 100%)

‐33‐

100 %

SECTION 3 – Wholesale Production and Sales 9. Did you produce, purchase or install plants in 2012?

Yes [Continue]

No [skip to question 11]

10. Please enter the percent of your 2012 plant material that you produced, purchased or installed in each category and region identified in the table below. Applicable columns should sum to 100. Location (purchased from)

Woody Plants

Annuals

Herbaceous Perennials

Grown entirely on your farm/ nursery

Maryland grown: Finished by you

Maryland grown: Already finished

Eastern States grown: Finished by you

Eastern States grown: Already finished

Aquatic Plants

Indoor Plants Christmas Other and Tropical Trees (e.g. seeds, Greenhouse sod, bulbs)

Southern States grown: Finished by you

Southern States grown: Already finished

Central States grown: Finished by you

Central States grown: Already finished

Western States grown: Finished by you

Western States grown: Already finished

Canada grown: Finished by you

Canada grown: Already finished

Other Countries:

__________________

Total

100%

Note: Eastern States include CT, Wash. DC, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, and WV Southern States include AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, Puerto Rico, SC, TN, TX, and VA Central States include IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MO, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, and WI Western states include AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, and WY ‐34‐

11. Did you wholesale and/ or re‐wholesale materials to customers in 2012?

Yes [Continue]

No [skip to question 13]

12. Please enter the percent of your 2012 sales by plant material category sold to each region identified in the table below. Applicable columns should sum to 100. States

Woody Plants

Annuals

Herbaceous Perennials

Aquatic Plants

Indoor Plant and Tropical Greenhouse

Christmas Trees

Other (e.g. seeds, sod, bulbs)

Maryland

Eastern States

Southern States

Central States

Western States

Canada

Other Countries:

_____________

Total

100%

Note: Eastern States include CT, Wash. DC, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT and WV Southern States include AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, Puerto Rico, SC, TN, TX and VA Central States include IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MO, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD and WI Western states include AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA and WY

Section 4 ‐ Land, Buildings, and Equipment 13. What is your estimate of the current market value of land and structures (owned and/or rented) and equipment used in your operation as of December 31, 2012? ................

14. What was the total acreage your operation owned and/or rented for nursery sales and production in 2012 (Including all production, sales and holding areas)?

‐35‐

15. Please provide the number of acres your operation owned and/or rented for nursery sales and production in 2012 for each of the categories below: a) Field production (in ground) ....................................................................................... b) In‐ground Container production (pot‐in pot) ............................................................. c) Out‐of‐ground Container production (container nursery) .......................................... d) Permanent greenhouse (eg. propagation houses; not overwintering structures) .... e) Holding/sales ...............................................................................................................

Yes [Continue]

No [ Skip to question 18]

16. Did your operation have any greenhouse, shade‐ house or overwintering areas in 2012?

17. Please indicate type and area of covered space in use in 2012. (Include covered space used for holding, selling, or finishing product.) Fill in EITHER square feet or acres

Square Feet

a) Glass greenhouses (not overwintering) .......................................................

b) Rigid plastic greenhouses (not overwintering) ............................................

c) Film plastic greenhouses or hoop houses (not overwintering)....................

d) Hoop houses, or other houses used only for overwintering .......................

e) Shade houses ................................................................................................

f) Other (please specify)___________________..............................................

Acres

18. Please list the Maryland counties where your operation is located. If your operation is in more than one county, please list the total acreage in each county. (report acreage to the nearest whole number) COUNTY

ACREAGE

‐36‐

SECTION 5 ‐ Labor

19. What were the TOTAL number of workers employed by this operation during 2012?

a) Of these workers, how many were paid for working 149 days or less?................... b) Of these workers, how many were paid for working 150 days or more? ................

20. Of these workers (item 19), how many were foreign laborers or migrant workers? ........

How many workers from the total above (item 19) were from the H2A a) program? ...................................................................................................................

How many workers from the total above (item 19) were from the H2B program? ...................................................................................................................

How many workers from the total above (item 19) were from other foreign or migrant worker programs? .......................................................................................

21. What were the total gross wages paid by your operation during 2012? (Include employer’s cost for social security, workers compensation, insurance premiums and any other benefits provided). ............................................................................................. 22. Of the total gross wages paid (item 21) how much was for labor overhead (e.g. payroll taxes, workers’ comp, benefits, other costs of hiring and processing foreign labor) ...................................................................................................................................

23. During 2012, what was the average hourly wage for:

a) Inexperienced laborers ..............................................................................................

b) Experienced laborers .................................................................................................

c) Managers ..................................................................................................................

d) Supervisors ...............................................................................................................

24. How many UNPAID workers were on this operation in 2012? (Include family members, operators, interns and partners not paid a salary) ...............................................

‐37‐

SECTION 6 ‐ Industry Factors 25. Please list the 3 most important factors that are limiting growth or are problematic for your business.

26. Is any of your land in a land preservation/conservation program? (Circle one)…….. YES NO 27. If Yes: How many acres did you have total in preservation/conservation programs in 2012? ........................................................................................................................................

SECTION 7 ‐ Conclusion 28. Would you like a copy of the survey results? (Circle one) ......................... …….. YES NO Please share with us any comments on issues affecting your industry: Reported by: Date: Phone: ( ) Email: If additional help is needed please feel free to contact us to answer your questions John Majsztrik: email: jcmajsz@umd.edu or call 301‐741‐8185 John Lea‐Cox: email: jlc@umd.edu or call 301‐405‐4323 Andrew Ristvey: email: aristvey@umd.edu or call 410‐827‐8056

STOP

This is the end of the survey. ‐38‐

Thank you for your time!

Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association P.O. Box 726 Brooklandville, MD 21022

Phone: 410-823-8684 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: 410-296-8288 E-mail: mnacma@aol.com Web: www.mnlaonline.com