Xuan Wei

0000-0002-4130-3257

Does Eco-label Format Influence Consumers' Valuation of Fruit-Producing Plants?

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, and Xuan Wei

Consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has increased, and consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly fruit-producing plants. With the increased demand, however, the number and variety of eco-labels describing the environmentally friendly qualities of plants has also increased, which could confuse consumers and decrease label effectiveness. Previous studies found that well-designed eco-labels improve consumer understanding, clarity, and choice. This article summarizes a study that addressed how different eco-label formats (text vs. logo) impact consumer visual attention, preferences, and valuations of fruit-producing plants.

The Other Side of the Story: Greenhouse and Nursery Producers' Perceptions about Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Pollinator Friendly Labeling

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Alicia Rihn

This article summarizes producers’ perceptions about neonicotinoid insecticide labeling required for ornamental plants, as well as the potential changes in production practices due to the new labeling policy requirement.

Are consumers knowledgeable about neonicotinoid insecticides and pollinator-friendly plants?

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Alicia Rihn

Consumer and Producer Perceptions and Preferences for Pollinator-Friendly Labeling Practices in the US Green Industry

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Alicia Rihn

Florida Pest Management Industry Economic Contributions Report

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Christa D. Court

Florida's pest management industry is one of the nation’s leaders, accounting for more than 14 percent of pest management establishments in 2021. Among other services, this industry provides insect extermination and control, bedbug extermination, mosquito control, termite extermination and control, and rodent control and extermination. The market share concentration of the Florida pest management industry has increased due to consolidation during the past decade, but the general concentration within the industry has remained relatively low. Most operators are midsize or small and strategically located near densely populated areas. To estimate economic contributions of the Florida pest management industry for the most recent fiscal year, we sent survey questionnaires to more than 3,500 pest control firms and received responses from 764 of them. We then conducted an economic contribution analysis using the IMPLAN© regional economic modeling system and associated databases.

Pest Management Practices in the US Ornamental Horticulture Industry: Use of Neonicotinoid and Non-Neonicotinoid Insecticides

Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Alicia Rihn

This article summarizes ornamental plant producers’ current production practices with a specific emphasis on their use of neonicotinoid and non-neonicotinoid insecticides. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Alicia Rihn, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, July 2021.

Plant Selection Behavior and Promotion Use by Garden Center Customers

Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, and Xuan Wei

This study explores the relationship between consumers’ plant selection behavior (i.e., shopping behavior) and ways that promotions affect subsequent activities. Written by Hayk Khachatryan, Alicia Rihn, and Xuan Wei, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, May 2021.

Consumer Preferences for Florida-Grown Blueberries Part 1: Florida Fresh Blueberry Consumer Behavior—Insights on Shopping Locations, Frequency, and Spending

Younghyeon Jeon, Hayk Khachatryan, Xuan Wei, and Doug Phillips

Fresh blueberries have become one of Florida’s fastest-growing agricultural products. This growth aligns with growing consumer interest in local foods. Florida blueberry producers are capitalizing on demand by marketing their products with distinctive branding, particularly the Fresh From Florida logo. State production has met demand, but the Florida blueberry market faces challenges from imports from Mexico and Peru and from other US states. This publication is the first in a series designed to help local growers differentiate Florida-grown fresh blueberries in an increasingly competitive marketplace. It describes research into consumers’ purchasing preferences and awareness of locally grown fresh blueberries and identifies additional labels that can add value to existing ones to strengthen the competitive advantage of Florida-grown blueberries and attract more consumers.

Production Costs and Profitability for Select Greenhouse Grown Annual Bedding Plants: Partial Enterprise Budgeting and Sensitivity Analysis

Hayk Khachatryan and Xuan Wei

The objective of the research described in this publication was to estimate the cost of greenhouse production for selected annual bedding plants and help growers to determine how the particular crop they are growing influences profitability.

H-2A Workers in Demand in the Ornamental Horticulture Industry

Xuan Wei, Benjamin L. Campbell, Hayk Khachatryan, and Robin G. Brumfield

The US agricultural industry depends on immigrant farm labor, particularly in the specialty crop sector where tasks like harvesting require a lot of labor. Most US farmworkers are from other countries, and almost half are not authorized to work in the United States.  The importance of immigrant labor in meeting the demand for workers in the nursery and floriculture production sector has been further highlighted with this industry's recent growth. This publication offers an overview of the increasing demand for H-2A workers in the ornamental horticulture industry, examines growers' challenges, and explores the underlying factors affecting workers’ participation in the H-2A program. It guides industry stakeholders to monitor changes in immigration policies and labor regulations, including the H-2A program and to adjust labor management practices accordingly. It includes strategies to address  labor challenges and remain competitive in the marketplace.

Production Costs and Profitability for Selected Greenhouse-Grown Perennial Plants: Partial Enterprise Budgeting and Sensitivity Analysis

Hayk Khachatryan and Xuan Wei

The purpose of this study is to present practical enterprise budgets and help growers to determine how the particular crop they are growing influences profitability. Written by Hayk Khachatryan and Xuan Wei, and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, July 2022.