UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
Commercial Horticulture
"Green Industry"

Overview

Sarasota County presently has 366,256 residents, with a share of the State’s 70 million annual visitors, a unique ecology and climate, and a wide range of plant material grown year round. Frequently the residents, visitors and property managers have unrealistic expectations. These expectations may encourage customers to use landscape maintenance practices that have negative impacts on Florida’s environment. Many of these people are dependent on professional horticulture service providers to make decisions regarding the landscape management of their properties.

Through improvement of the green industry’s professionalism, the gap between unrealistic landscape expectations and the reality of a Florida Friendly landscape can be narrowed. In addition, the professional can pass on to the property owner the knowledge and skills appropriate for Florida conditions. With adoption of best management practices, the customer can realize the aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits of a healthy landscape.

The Green Industry

The professional horticulture services industry in Florida has a tremendous economic impact. In 2005, total sales by Florida nursery, landscape service firms and horticulture retailers were $15.2 billion. Sales skyrocketed in comparison to sales in 2000, growing by 54%. Total employment impacts were 319,000 fulltime and part-time/seasonal jobs, including 24,000 jobs created in other sectors of the Florida economy.  In addition Sarasota County currently has 61 private/public golf courses.  Overall, Florida Golf courses provided $23.3 Bn in output impacts, $14.5 Bn in value added, and 361,690 jobs. A critical point is these people make thousands of horticulture and pest management decisions daily. Also, a large and growing portion of this work force is Hispanic. IFAS/Extension research and science-based educational programs can provide the green industry with best management practices and skills necessary to create and manage landscapes with reduced risk to the environment

Rationale
IFAS / Extension is the only organization in Florida with the ability to deliver research-based, unbiased technical information to the professional horticulture service industries on a county-by-county basis. Teaching the green industry current knowledge and skills will:

Encourage landscape design, installation and management practices that minimize negative environmental impacts and conserve natural resources.

Improve business profitability and longevity by providing business and management skills.

Improve Florida’s economy through successful business growth.

Improve quality of life in Florida by protecting the environment

Improve property values through installation of Florida Friendly landscapes and their correct management.

Increase green industry professionalism through continuing education and certification programs.