The production horticulture industry is all about the growing of vegetables, fruit, herbs and plants from small-scale to large-scale production. Businesses produce fresh fruit, flowers and vegetables for local, national and international markets.
There are 9,646 production horticulture businesses in the UK. The industry employs 95,166 full and part-time workers, as well as tens of thousands of seasonal or casual workers.
Businesses range in size from small private nurseries employing two or three people, to large production organisations employing hundreds of people in different locations.
Many production horticulture businesses operate as farms growing vegetables, while others are based on extensive orchards. Some businesses are intensive and grow fruit, vegetables and mushrooms in controlled environmental conditions.
It is a growth industry and one that offers a huge variety of opportunities. There are around 18.5 million gardens in the UK and gardening is more popular than ever. Gardening enthusiasts need support from those who develop, grow, sell and maintain plants.
Horticulture is a major UK industry. It is also one of the most advanced sectors within the UK, especially in the areas of research and development.
