Ornamental horticulture industry: Extension services, economic dimensions, and global market dynamics

Abstract

The ornamental horticulture sector occupies a distinctive position within global agriculture: economically substantial, aesthetically driven, and deeply intertwined with consumer lifestyle trends, urban planning imperatives, and environmental sustainability goals. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on three interconnected pillars — extension service delivery, economic performance, and market structure — across the global ornamental horticulture industry. With global market revenues exceeding USD 120 billion in 2025 and projected compound annual growth of 5.8% through 2030, understanding the economic underpinnings and information transfer mechanisms that sustain this industry is of critical importance to researchers, policymakers, extension professionals, and commercial producers alike. We examine the evolving role of cooperative extension systems in technology transfer, producer education, and market intelligence dissemination; the economic characteristics of ornamental production including cost structures, returns to scale, price formation, and supply chain dynamics; and the structure of domestic and international ornamental markets including floriculture, nursery, and landscape segments. Particular attention is given to digitalization of extension services, e-commerce disruption of traditional market channels, price volatility drivers, climate-related economic risks, and emerging opportunities in sustainable and functional ornamentals. Regional market analyses spanning North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and emerging markets are included. Policy implications and directions for future research are identified throughout.