State Of The Fruit Industry
November 19, 2012 Whether it’s Michigan apple growers looking to rebound in 2013, berry growers weighing their options in dealing with the spotted wing drosophila, or the agendas from upcoming winter meetings, there’s no better time to reflect on the past 12 months, and ponder what’s to come. With that said, I hereby present my “State Of The Fruit Industry” address — with hopefully more applause than jeers.
Labor: The Constant Challenge
It’s pretty much an assumption that labor supply remains the issue top of mind for most growers, regardless of size or location. David Douglas, the outgoing president of the Washington State Horticultural Association, sums it up best in this month’s cover story when he notes that without some sort of meaningful progress — which will likely mean an amnesty program — even the most beautiful crop will not make its way out of the orchard. “If we can’t get enough people, we’ll start to see a lot of fruit that will hit the deck.”
Farm Bill: Stalled Or Progress?
As of this issue going to press, the 2012 Farm Bill remains stalled, no real surprise considering that lawmakers spend most of their efforts this time of year stumping for votes. There’s been talk of renewing discussions right after the election, but I’m certainly not holding my breath.
What makes this failed progress such a shame is that 2008 was the year that the fruit and vegetable industry finally found a place at the table — and not the kids’ table — with millions of dollars in funding allocated for research and promotion. While some drop in specialty crop investments was inevitable given the current economic climate and push for spending cuts, it does look like the produce industry will once again be recognized.
However, all that potential goes out the window without passage of the 2012 Farm Bill. Of particular concern are the millions of dollars dedicated to Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) programs, which are funding anything from the battle against brown marmorated stink bug to coordinated efforts for plant breeding. Many of the research projects tied to SCRI grants span multiple crops, regions, and universities, and in fact some of the trials covered in this research are taking place on commercial farms.
In other words, when it comes time to talk to your elected officials about your biggest needs, Farm Bill funding should rank near the top of that list.
The Next Generation: Their Time Is Now
One of the great things about this past year is that we’ve found ourselves spending more time with the next generation of fruit growers, those individuals who are beginning to take over more and more of the responsibilities at their family farms. These are the folks who will be leading the industry in the years to come, and it’s clear that their main interests, and the tools they will use to share and receive information, are changing.
Want proof of this? Pop in to a meeting room during one of this year’s upcoming conferences. The most crowded sessions, and the ones generating the most discussion, are focused on topics such as social media, human resources, and using new technology, whether it’s automated harvesters, smart phones, or in-the-field recordkeeping systems.
Stay tuned to American/Western Fruit Grower in 2013. We will be shining a spotlight on the leading innovators who are part of this new generation of growers. Years from now, they will likely be the ones driving the industry forward, but they have to start somewhere.
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