The Top Crops Vegetable Growers Believe in Right Now

If growers were planning a major response to labor costs, weather challenges, and squeezed margins, it would likely show up in their crop plans. Instead, the 2026 State of the Vegetable Industry survey suggests a more measured approach. Across nearly every crop category, the most common response was to maintain production rather than make dramatic changes.

That pattern has remained remarkably consistent throughout the past five years. While growers continue to adjust around the edges, the data suggest most are refining their crop mix rather than reinventing it.

Taken together, the results point to a cautious but deliberate approach. Growers are maintaining core crops while selectively expanding where they see opportunity and pulling back where the economics, labor requirements, or risks may be less favorable.

The Established Crops That Are Growing

Among crops already grown by large portions of the industry, these showed some of the strongest expansion signals in 2026. Fresh tomatoes remain the industry’s most widely grown crop while also posting one of the strongest expansion signals.

Building Momentum 

These crops are grown by a larger share of vegetable operations today than they were five years ago, suggesting steady adoption across the industry.

Where Growers Are Pulling Back

A handful of crops showed higher levels of planned decreases or exits than most categories.

Percentage indicates grower dropping or decreasing the crop. 

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Stay tuned for more  findings from the 2026 State of the Vegetable Industry survey.