Plant propagation

NACE code 01.3, 'Plant propagation', encompasses a vital industry within the broader agricultural sector. This industry focuses on the reproduction and cultivation of plants, providing essential inputs for a wide range of downstream industries, from food production to landscaping and horticulture. As a key component of the primary sector, the plant propagation industry plays a crucial role in supporting the overall growth and sustainability of the economy.

The plant propagation industry utilizes a range of techniques to reproduce and cultivate plants. This includes methods such as seed propagation, where seeds are sown and germinated to produce new plants, as well as vegetative propagation, where new plants are grown from cuttings, bulbs, or other plant parts. Additionally, the industry may employ techniques like tissue culture, where plants are grown in a controlled laboratory environment, and grafting, where plant parts are joined to create new, hybrid varieties.

The plant propagation industry requires a variety of inputs to support its production processes. Key raw materials include seeds, cuttings, and other plant materials, as well as growing media such as soil, peat, and other substrates. Specialized equipment, such as greenhouses, propagation trays, and irrigation systems, are also essential for the industry's operations. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce, including horticulturists, botanists, and technicians, to ensure the successful cultivation and propagation of plants.

The primary output of the plant propagation industry is the production of young plants, seedlings, and other propagated materials. These outputs are then consumed by a range of other NACE codes, including 01.1 Growing of non-perennial crops, 01.2 Growing of perennial crops, 01.3 Plant propagation, 01.4 Animal production, 81.3 Landscape service activities, and 46.2 Wholesale of agricultural raw materials and live animals, among others. The plant propagation industry plays a crucial role in supplying these downstream industries with the necessary plant materials to support their own production and operations.