The Virginia Commercial Greenhouse Industry - Current Practices and Future Needs Assessment

Abstract

This report summarizes responses to a survey of Virginia's commercial greenhouse industry, conducted in 2000-01. The survey included questions about interests and needs of growers to assist Virginia Tech Horticulture faculty and staff in planning educational and research programming. Respondents were asked about current cultural practices, future plans for automation and technology, and impact of issues facing the greenhouse industry such as regulations and labor. The 273 responses were categorized based on the amount of heated greenhouse space: small, medium, large, or other (including part-time). Following analysis of the responses, focus groups were conducted across Virginia to further discuss issues raised in the survey.