Future Predictions

No one has access to a crystal ball, but we thought it would be fun to ask some folks where they think the industry will be in the future in 25, 50 and 100 years. Here’s what some people had to say.

Richard Meister

50 years from now: Per capita vegetable consumption will double.
One can’t help but be bullish about the vegetable industry growing strongly in coming years. Consumption is jumping through the roof, up by more than half in recent years, an eye-opening increase. National concerns about health and obesity, plus much improved vegetable quality and flavor, are sure to keep this favorable trend spiraling upward. In addition, in 50 years the experts say there will be three billion more mouths to feed, worldwide. The problem of the future may be to find the supply to fill the demand, and to find the land to grow the crops as biofuels compete with food crops. The recent era of plenty may turn into an era of shortage.

Precision will take over.
The wave of the future is precision production which saves on energy which is on an inexorable rise in cost, and conserves soil and water. Vegetable growers will embrace this new technology, as kinks are being worked out. Precision production hooks GPS (global positioning system) to the strength of the computer.

It will be the Hydroponic Age.
Keep an eye on hydroponics. Yields can be 15 times greater than in the field. As good farm land becomes scarcer, the cost/return equation favors intensive production. And for a really far-out idea consider sky farming---farming vertically instead of horizontally. Proponents claim it will reduce global warming, save energy and water. Each city, with its own “farmscrapers” could be self sufficient.

Organic will merge.
At some time in the future, organic and conventional production will join and became one. Already conventional production methods have adopted a lot of the organic system. Just look at biological crop protection. And, organic in order to grow, must expand its rules to allow more intensive methods. Local will take the place of organic. There already are proposals to limit organic to within 50 miles.

Vic Anthony

Anthony Farms, Scandinavia, WI

25 years from now: Without immigration reform, vegetable production will be confined to pick-your-own operations in the U.S. The remainder of the vegetables will be imported.

50 years from now: Due to pollution and extreme climate changes, vegetable production will be mostly grown in greenhouses with energy generated from the sun, wind, and other sources.

100 years from now: Vegetable production will not be viable on earth. The earth’s population will have migrated to outer space.

Rick Snyder
Professor and vegetable specialist
Mississippi State University

25 years from now: Most of the articles in AVG will be on greenhouse-grown vegetables, but there will still be a few special sections on field- grown crops. Four times per year, there will be a section called “Field Insider” for those who still grow vegetables out in the open.

50 years from now: The magazine will be 90% concerned with greenhouse vegetables, but there will be one or two articles each year covering the old school methods of using soil and exposing crops to the elements outside. Heirloom varieties for heirloom methods will be a popular niche growing topic, especially for some the old timers.

100 years from now: American Greenhouse Vegetable Grower magazine (note the name change) will be the most popular trade magazine in the world, with distribution in 50 countries and translation so that everybody can learn from Meister Media International Conglomerate.

Rosemary Gordon
American Vegetable Grower

25 years from now: There will be more of an international focus on agriculture and U.S. growers will work in tandem with growers from other countries to share information on growing practices.

50 years from now: The latest weather predictors will be able to forecast weather patterns four months at a time, enabling growers to determine what crops will grow best in wet versus dry climates.

100 years from now: Because of the population explosion, more crops than ever before will be grown hydroponically. Seed will be developed that will allow crops to mature more quickly. This, in turn, will allow growers to plant and harvest several times throughout the year.

Brian Sparks

25 years from now: Fresh cut vegetable sales will dominate retail sales in grocery stores. Consumers will view fresh cuts as the most convenient purchase.

50 years from now: Consumers accept biotech crops as the world’s population reaches record levels. Consumer acceptance of genetically modified vegetable production will make it easier to feed everyone.

100 years from now: Ag jobs legislation is about to be passed by Congress.