The Food & Flower Marketplace

A study by Battelle Technology Partnership, the world’s largest nonprofit independent R&D organization, has measured the U.S. fruit, vegetable and mass-market floral industry for the first time, concluding it measures $275bn annually with a "ripple effect" to the economy raising that total to $554bn. The study included produce and mass market flowers, local farms, organic production, farmers markets, conventional production, all types of grocery stores and restaurants. The industry's total impact on the nation's economy is 4.23% U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), and 1/3 total U.S. animal and crop production. Impact on employment is 1.9% of the national total, translating into 2.7MM full-time positions, and nearly $72bn in wages.

The full report can be purchased from the Produce Marketing Association for $499.

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