Broadening Our Horizons Enhances Production and Commerce in Tropical Ornamentals.

All too often our opportunities for increased production and commerce are constrained by preconceived patterns and resources. Horticulture is generally a conservative form of rural pursuit, satisfying regional needs for food, flowers, or nursery plants. Increased globalization not only opens world- wide avenues for increased market participation, but opens smaller doors for unique and boutique markets. This paper will look at existing markets and tends for floricultural and nursery products and postulate how changed directions in research and marketing may lead to new opportunities. Examples of research in Australia, and new 'discoveries' of wild plants from different tropical regions around the world, will illustrate how innovation can provide the tools to reach new goals. By expanding our horizons we realise new potentials for growth, which, if managed correctly, can enrich farming families and regional communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]