Goal: Recognize Consumer Horticulture as a Driver of the Agricultural Economy

Objectives

• Document, comprehensively measure, and disseminate the economic impact and benefits of consumer horticulture.

• Create a united and recognized voice by building partnerships among all sectors that contribute to Consumer Horticulture.

• Train our existing and future workforce to be more professional, knowledgeable, skilled, and safe.

• Help retail operations and consumer service providers succeed and increase their profitability through the development of better economic management tools and technologies.

• Stimulate entrepreneurial opportunities in Consumer Horticulture.

Goal: Restore, Protect, and Conserve Natural Resources Through Consumer Horticulture Research and Education

Objectives

• Communicate the environmental benefits of Consumer Horticulture.

• Develop and promote sustainable practices specific to Consumer Horticulture.

• Educate practitioners on the appropriate use of production and management inputs.

• Identify and implement the positive environmental impacts of Consumer Horticulture on water quantity and quality resources.

• Identify and develop plants, products, and technology appropriate to the diversity of landscape and gardening practices to enhance ecosystem services.

• Forge a collective strategy with sectors of Consumer Horticulture to proactively address important issues such as the importation, introduction, and spread of invasive species.

Goal: Cultivating Healthy, Connected and Engaged Communities

Objectives

• Educate the public on nutritional, physical, psychological, and social health benefits associated with Consumer Horticulture.

• Provide policymakers with current scientific information that supports the social and community health impacts of Consumer Horticulture.

• Strengthen the adoption of Consumer Horticulture in the U.S. as an effective tool for improving human health and community well-being across diverse populations.