Three New Taiwan Orchid Varieties Pique Interest of European, US Buyers

The U.S. is the No. 1 importer of Thai orchids, bringing in $20 million worth of the flowers a year. But Washington in 2018 removed a tariff exemption on the blooms, which had been granted for decades under the Generalized System of Preferences, a program for promoting the growth of developing economies. …

Move over poinsettias, because orchids are now the top-selling potted flower in the U.S. That shift opens the door for Virginia nurseries and greenhouses to branch out in the $288 million orchid industry. …

Statewide the production of flowers and other nursery products are worth more than $77 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Orchids make up almost 20 percent of that value. …