Introducing The Next Generation Of Vegetable Growers

Rosemary Gordon

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The headline above may seem a little odd, but I’m going to guess that it piqued your interest. The next generation? Yes, we have a definition of who is considered to be a next generation grower, or as we have termed it: a GenNext Grower. This issue of American Vegetable Grower debuts our coverage of the future of farming, or more specifically the future of vegetable production and who will be taking up the torch. We caught up with some of the younger folks in agriculture who are starting to make their mark to discuss some of the issues they face, their biggest problems, and their hopes and fears.

As most people know, the average age of the American farmer is about 57. So it comes as no surprise to anyone that in order to continue to provide the nation — or the world for that matter — with fruits and vegetables, more people, such as our

GenNext Growers, must take up the reins and plow forward — literally.
What are some of their top issues as they strive to produce food for the consuming public? Most of those we talked to mentioned labor, food safety, government regulations, land prices, and access to water. Another concern mentioned was encouraging more young people to take up farming.

As Kaitlin Dye of Re-DiVined in Holtwood, PA, said, “Now a lot of kids are leaving the farm. What needs to happen is for some kids to realize the treasure of what is being passed down to them.”

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Taking Up The Treasure

A group that realizes the importance of agriculture that recently caught my attention is the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). A story that honed in on the “next generation” was in a recent issue of Food Nutrition & Science discussing how working in agriculture may be a good opportunity for veterans returning from service looking for work. According to a press release, the FVC is actively looking for a “new generation of farmers and food leaders through the collaboration of the farming and military communities.” To date, the FVC has a network of more than 600 veterans in 47 states.

A Never Say Die Attitude

It is refreshing to hear this good news amidst all the less than good news. After speaking with the GenNext Growers striving for success in the industry, it was clear to me that although they are fully aware of the challenges that lay before them, they, and others such as those involved in the FVC, will continue to persevere. 

Yes, we need more young people to embark on a career in farming or in an agriculture-related field, and, yes, growers today have more hurdles placed before them than previous generations. With their drive to succeed and willingness to embrace the latest technology, however, I am optimistic that we will be successful not only feeding our own country but also providing fruit and vegetables for people across the globe. Creating efficiencies by using the latest technologies may be the ticket to help these growers produce more on fewer acres, increase yields, etc.

As one of the GenNext Growers, John Boelts of Desert Premium Farms in Arizona, said “[I made the choice to farm] because I’m passionate about it and I enjoy the challenge of growing crops and the pleasure of knowing that folks are eating and clothing themselves in what I’m producing, all around the world.”

Stay tuned for more information on our GenNext Growers in coming issues, or check out the website at http://GenNextGrowers.com.

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