As the population grows, the horticulture industry will

• A. Decline due to automation
• B. Remain constant
• C. Focus on landscaping only
• D. Grow also as the demand for plants increase

Answer: (D)

When more people are around, the need for plant-based foods, ornamental plants, and landscape services grows. The horticulture industry encompasses producing fruits, vegetables, nursery stock, turf, and garden and indoor plants, as well as landscaping. As population rises, demand for these plant products and associated services tends to increase, driving expansion in production, sales, and innovation within the industry. Automation and efficiency gains may change how work is done, but they don’t negate the overall trend of growing demand. Limiting the view to landscaping alone misses the broad range of plant-related needs that accompany a larger population, so the best answer is that the industry will grow as demand for plants increases.