BLACKSBURG, Va., March 4 -- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University issued the following news release:
Across Virginia, farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs are increasingly offering homegrown bouquets alongside fresh produce. Virginia Cooperative Extension agents see this as a budding opportunity for local growers.
Cut flowers generated over $3.3 billion in U.S. sales in 2023 with nearly 60 percent being imported, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Despite seasonal constraints, Virginia growers contributed $133 million in sales - about 4 percent of national sales in 2023. With growing demand for seasonal, locally grown "slow flowers," Extension sees potential to reduce i...