PRODUCE, FRUIT & VEGETABLES: TOP GROWERS TRENDS THAT WILL DEFINE THE FUTURE OF FARMING

Innovation moves fast in the produce world these days. As consumer preferences and technologies continue advancing, consultants point to several trends poised to shape fruit, vegetable and herb farming over the next two years.

Sophisticated Greenhouses Become the Norm

High-tech greenhouses enable ultimate environmental control, lowering risks from droughts, floods and pests while maximizing yields. Come the time we hit 2025, industry experts anticipate established operations will convert the bulk of traditional farmland to climate-regulated greenhouse environments. Internet of Things sensors and AI-enabled control platforms will fine-tune irrigation, lighting, humidity and nutrient inputs to optimize production. Some companies may even develop vertical farms or indoor hydroponic grow rooms to overcome land barriers.

Commitments to Sustainability Accelerate

With climate change and food production intertwined, consultants foresee growers facing increasing public pressure to operate sustainably over the next 24 months. Leading organizations will showcase carbon-negative operations, water conservation, regenerative techniques like cover cropping, integrated pest management, zero-waste packaging, renewable energy infrastructure and community supported agriculture programs. Responsible growing practices combined with traceability promise to become baseline consumer expectations.

Demand Surges for Plant Alternatives

Data shows plant-based “meats” are going mainstream. While traditional proteins will always have market share, consultants cite tremendous velocity in Perfect Day’s animal-free dairy proteins, Impossible Foods’ soy-based beef and Beyond Meats’ burgers from peas and brown rice. Strong consumer adoption and heavy investment in tastier, healthier plant-based formulations signal headwinds for livestock producers – but tailwinds for amenity-rich crop growers.

Specialty Mushrooms Capture Attention

Long gone are the days of just button and portabella mushrooms. Thanks to their nutritional density and meaty texture, ultra-savory exotic mushroom varieties are garnering serious foodie attention. Ingredient diversity allows unique applications across soups, sides, snacks and center-of-the-plate fare. While shifting taste preferences are no large threat to mainstream mushrooms, consultants expect growers will continue experimenting with hot new specialty caps and stems to drive revenue.

Fruits and Veggies Go Convenient

Lastly, between increasingly busy schedules and growing single-person households, industry experts foresee persistent demand for convenient packaged produce that’s optimized for easy use in 2025. Pre-cut, pre-washed, individually portioned and ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables promise strong sales growth – especially nutrient-dense options coinciding with health megatrends around immune support, plant-based eating, probiotics and protein. Turning fresh picks into value-added products may raise margins for skilled producers.