Vegetable Industry Allies Offer Advice for the Next 5 Years

In the 2026 State of the Vegetable Industry survey, we asked suppliers, consultants, researchers, and other industry allies a simple question: If you could offer the average grower one strategic piece of advice for the next five years, what would it be?

Their responses varied, but several themes emerged.

Know Your Numbers. The most common advice centered on financial discipline. Respondents repeatedly urged growers to watch costs, focus on profitability, monitor return on investment, and avoid overextending themselves financially.

Know Your Market. Many emphasized understanding customer demand before making production decisions. Several encouraged growers to identify reliable markets, understand what buyers value, and avoid growing crops without a clear sales strategy.

Invest Carefully. Allies see automation, smart technology, and data-driven management gaining momentum. At the same time, they noted that many growers are delaying major capital purchases, underscoring the need to invest strategically rather than chase every new innovation.

Build Resilience. Diversification, strong customer relationships, collaboration with other growers, and connections with Extension were frequently cited as ways to strengthen long-term success.

Despite concerns about rising costs, labor challenges, weather, and market pressures, many respondents remain optimistic about the future of vegetable production. Technology, healthier eating trends, local food demand, and the resilience of growers themselves were among the reasons they cited most often.

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If you could offer the average grower one strategic piece of advice for the next five years, what would it be? Leave a comment below.