Over 400-plus respondents from growers to industry suppliers and research and Extension individuals, took part in American Vegetable Grower® magazine's inaugural State of the Industry survey. The resounding outcome was that U.S. growers are optimistic for 2016.
In spite of the drought, concern over government regulations, rising production costs, and finding labor, many growers said they plan to increase or keep production the same in 2016.
Of the growers who responded, two-thirds produce on less than 200 acres, and about half have an annual sales volume of less than $100,000. Plus, these farms are staples in the industry as nearly 35% have been in business between 25 and 50 years.
Half said production in 2015 was up compared to 2014, and about 25% said production was up 10% over 2014 numbers. About one-third said they plan to increase crop production in 2016 while more than half plan to keep production on par with 2015 numbers.
Plans to increase production go hand-in-hand with plans to invest this year. Key areas of grower investment will be in plant health, specifically crop protection, plant nutrition, and soil amendments. Other areas growers plan to invest include crop management, greenhouses, irrigation equipment, and seed.
To read the full report, including information on where the respondents see production advantages, plans to increase profits and trends in 2016, please click here.
