NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — For many families, picking out a real Christmas tree is a cherished holiday tradition — but behind that tradition is a farm sector experiencing mounting long-term challenges. This season, the U.S. Christmas tree industry is facing strain from shifting consumer habits, rising competition from Chinese-made artificial trees, and a decades-long decline in domestic production.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down the scope of the U.S Christmas tree industry and the challenges growers are facing in today’s economy.
According to Munch, U.S. Christmas tree production remains a significant segment of specialty agriculture, with each tree requiring 7–10 years to reach market size. Despite the long-standing cultural appeal of real trees, growers face stiff competition from artificial alternatives — and between 85 percent and 95 percent of artificial trees sold in the U.S. are imported from China.
Long-term data reflect the pressure: the number of U.S. farms harvesting Christmas trees fell nearly 30 percent between 2002 and 2022. Yet, Munch emphasized why buying real still matters. Beyond supporting thousands of domestic jobs, real trees contribute to local economies and help keep family farms viable.
READ MORE: AFBF — Real Christmas Trees: A Market Worth Supporting
FarmHER Debra Lockard joined us Friday on the Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming show episode, which premieres on Tuesday, October 1 at 9:00 PM ET, only on RFD-TV!
September 30, 2024 11:03 AM
·
Meet FarmHER Debra Lockard, a third-generation Tennessee produce grower who splits her time running two farms in West Tennessee and teaching ag classes that promote sustainable farming practices in her Memphis community.
September 26, 2024 05:55 PM
·
September 24, 2024 11:46 AM
·
FarmHER Kate Hitchcock joined us on the Market Day Report to discuss the upcoming episode of the show where Kirbe and the crew visit her family’s produce operation in California’s Salinas Valley, which premieres tomorrow, Sept. 24 at 9 PM ET only on RFD-TV.
September 23, 2024 02:01 PM
·
The FarmHER crew catches up with fifth-generation California sweet baby broccoli producer Kate Hitchcock and her team in the middle of the harvest season in the Salinas Valley.
September 18, 2024 12:05 PM
·
FarmHER Janet Dennison joins us live on the Market Day Report for an interview before her new episode premiere on Tuesday.
September 16, 2024 02:47 PM
·
Kentucky Flower FarmHER Janet Dennison’s retirement project flourished into a thriving business, Mammoth Cave Transplants, in Kentucky. Learn about it and the beautiful ornamental plants she grows in this new episode of FarmHER.
September 12, 2024 04:49 PM
September 12, 2024 02:48 PM
·
September 12, 2024 12:48 PM
·
