Men and women are employed by government or private agencies as inspectors of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, to maintain a high level of quality and uniformity in the produce industry. Writing for gardening or agricultural magazines, newspapers, television and radio can be a rewarding field for men and women trained in horticulture. Vegetables for fresh market or processing, tree and small fruits, flowers and specialty crops are each valued in the millions of dollars annually. Nationally, commercial horticulture continues to expand in regions of favorable climate for production of specific crops, and in regions of expanding urbanization, for the horticultural service and marketing sector. Horticulture furnishes major contributions to a balanced diet and has contributed to major shifts in American dietary patterns.
Horticulture is also America's number one hobby.
As leisure time increases for all Americans, the demand for horticultural products and services continues to grow. There are over 500 arboretums and botanic and display gardens in the United States, providing enjoyment and horticultural education to that expanding gardening public. With modern transportation and communications systems, horticulture is truly an international business. The flower seed for the petunias on your patio may have been produced in Central America, by a Japanese seed company, and sold to your local garden center by an American sales representative. Or mint oil produced in Indiana may flavor toothpaste manufactured in Ohio, and marketed worldwide.