Curious if leafy greens growers handled their farms any differently from their peers, we took a fresh look at our most recent American Vegetable Grower State of the Vegetable Industry survey. We isolated those who grow leafy greens from all other vegetable growers and found some striking differences between the two groups.
The following is based on 187 leafy greens growers and 225 growers who do not include the crop in their mix.
Leafy Vegetable Farms Grow a Wider Array of Crops
One of the most noticeable points of departure between the two groups was the diversity of their crops.
- 80% of leafy greens operations grow these eight crops: leafy greens, fresh tomatoes, cucumber, summer squash/zucchini, peppers, onions, cabbage, and other cole crops (such as radishes, collards, and bok choy).
- 70% of leafy green operations grow 16 crops in common. In addition to the above, they also grow beans, kale, winter squash, broccoli/cauliflower, beets, herbs, peas, and sweet corn.
- 70% of growers who do not grow leafy greens have no common crops. The closest is just under that percentage — 69% grow fresh tomatoes.
Higher Labor Numbers
Since leafy vegetable harvests are on a much shorter timeline compared to other crops, it’s no surprise leafy greens farms require a higher level of labor, on average.
Attitudes to Climate Change
Leafy greens growers more much more likely than their vegetable producing peers to think humans impact the climate.
Leafy Greens Growers Report Crop Price Increases
About two thirds of all leafy green growers reported a 5% or more increase in crop prices over the past 10 years. Only half of their peers report a similar increase.
More Likely to Embrace Alternative Production Methods
It’s no surprise that farms growing leafy vegetables are much more likely to grow under cover. These crops are much more vulnerable to changeable weather.
But these growers are also much more likely to embrace softer chemistries, as well.
