Opinion: GenNext Focused On Future

Brian Sparks

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In the almost 13 years that I’ve been involved with American/Western Fruit Grower, I have had the chance to meet and visit personally with many growers, whether it’s at industry meetings or right on the farm. When I first started making these visits, I was often advised to seek out those who had been in the industry for awhile and had the necessary knowledge and insight to share with me.

Understandably, this usually meant speaking with “older” growers, or seasoned veterans, if you will. As time went on, however, I got to know not just these individuals, but their children as well, those who would one day follow in their parents’ footsteps, if they hadn’t started to do so already. Along the way, it became obvious just how similar their views were, but also how different they were in terms of how they gathered information and the tools they needed to carry the industry into the future.

Lots To Live Up To

In this month’s cover story, we introduce “GenNext Growers,” a program designed specifically to address the needs and concerns of these young growers, many of whom are now stepping out of the shadows of their elders and emerging as leaders in the fruit industry. They see a rising world population, and they recognize the critical need (and the huge opportunity) for them to provide a resource that no one can do without.

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This leads me back to the top of this column. GenNext Growers may be focused on young producers, but its purpose is not to cast aside the legacy that their parents have established in order to “make way” for the newcomers. In fact, the reverse may be true. This legacy means there is a lot to live up to. Plus, as many of you know, there is certainly much that one generation can and should learn from the other, and our presentation of this program will focus on that relationship.

(On a related note, GenNext Growers is not necessarily limited to new generations of a family. Meredith and Jeremy Compton, featured in the cover story, started Peaceful Valley Orchards in New Jersey on their own, without having it handed down to them.)

Engaging The Public

As our team of editors sought out younger growers to be featured this month and in future issues, there were a few common themes that emerged.
• Across the board, there was a strong desire to connect with the consumer, and do everything possible to help narrow the seemingly wide gap between the farming community and the general public. As one of our growers very poignantly pointed out, “In some cases, the American consumer, disconnected with our farms, supports onerous regulations that feel right (without a good compass, they can’t really tell if it will have a positive impact or not) in the ballot box, but don’t support those regulations with their wallets in the grocery store, therefore possibly decaying the integrity of their food supply instead of affirming it.” In addition, the disconnect can lead to regulations that hinder the success of the family farm.
• On a related note, many of the growers we talked to commented on the skills outside of horticulture and production that they would need to be successful in the future. This includes public speaking (your passion for agriculture will only go so far if you cannot share that passion effectively), human resources management, and how to navigate a turbulent regulatory environment.

Get Involved

So what happens next? We will continue to reinforce and emphasize the path to success for the next generation of growers. But it’s not all about what we have to say from behind our desks. It’s also about how you can get involved. Go to GenNextGrowers.com to keep up on articles, videos, and other information. If you are savvy in social media, you can also get engaged on Facebook at Facebook.com/GenNextGrowers or on Twitter @GenNextGrowers. Use any of those resources (or send me an eMail) for suggestions on story ideas, or simply to share your biggest concerns. This goes for all ages. Everyone has a stake in the long-term viability of the produce industry, so let us know what you think!

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