Starting a Plant Nursery or Greenhouse Business Richard Regan,
Extension Horticulturist, Oregon State University Chip Bubl,
Extension Agent, Columbia County, Oregon State University At a
time when traditional agriculture is struggling, Oregon
nurseries are prospering, growing at about twice the rate as the
national nursery industry. During the late 1990's, the industry
benefited from a strong construction market, rising household
incomes, and growing interests in landscape aesthetics and
environmental enrichment. Currently, the industry is concerned
about the lackluster economy, shipping difficulties, poor
climatic conditions, and competition from other nursery regions.
Oregon's 2000 nursery and greenhouse gross sales were estimated
at $642 million. This is the highest nursery value ever
estimated and the industry has about doubled in size over the
past decade. About 75% of all Oregon grown nursery products are
shipped out of state, which accounts for 11% of the national
market. Most of the states nursery and