By Guilherme Signorini, The Ohio State University

Rising production expenses pressure the U.S. horticulture industry from multiple angles. Labor, energy, propagative materials, and packaging supplies are operating expenses of primary importance that have increased faster than the general inflation rate in recent years, affecting virtually all sectors of the industry. While other production inputs also may have experienced cost hikes, this article focuses on four cost lines and uses a handful of research and extension materials as supporting evidence. This document then provides a brief analysis of fresh produce imports and domestic consumption. Results are intended to encourage horticultural business leaders and producers to reflect on the current scenario and consider strategies for enha

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