The Nursery Management State of the Industry Report is an annual survey that provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The report can help growers to identify areas they can improve so that they will be poised for growth. Nurseries that can adapt to these trends and challenges will be better positioned for success in the years ahead.

Here are the top four insights from the report that are worth paying attention to.

1) Labor Shortages Continue to be a Challenge

Since the nursery business depends so heavily on labor, many nurseries continue to face difficulties because of continuous labor shortages. 53% of respondents said it was tough to locate skilled workers. The aging workforce, low salaries, and the difficulty of obtaining work visas for foreign workers are just a few of the causes contributing to the labor crisis. 47% of growers are using social media to attract new employees. Nurseries that can bring in and keep qualified staff will be at a competitive advantage.

2) Pricing Product is Changing

In 2022, growers raised prices to keep up with inflation. They increased prices less than the price increases during 2021.

3) Rising Costs in the Nursery Business

Rising costs are another major challenge for nursery businesses. 36% said their biggest challenge is increased expenses.

The report found that the cost of materials, labor, and energy have all increased in recent years. This has put a strain on nursery businesses’ profitability.

4) Growers’ Plans For the Future

Four areas growers want to improve; are automation, staff hiring, cost awareness, and marketing efforts. The majority of nurseries are not planning on expanding, the largest percent said they would remain the same. Sales were steady after increasing in 2021. 43% responded they believe sales will stay about the same. A desire to increase automation increased from 18% to 47%.

Growers are concerned about supply shortages, labor shortages, rising costs, and pricing of their products. Despite these challenges, the nursery industry is poised for growth. Businesses that take steps to address these challenges are positioning themselves to do well. These steps include investing in technology, training their employees, and offering competitive wages and benefits.

The Nursery Management State of the Industry Report is a useful tool for nursery owners and managers. The research highlights opportunities facing growers, and it can aid nursery businesses in creating plans to deal with these issues and grow their business.

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