Vegetable Farming in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld Has Been Updated
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 28, 2013 -- Vegetables are a staple in the American diet and part of most consumers' daily routine. Although per capita fruit and vegetable consumption has declined at an average annual rate of 0.2% during the past five years, rising prices and increased health consciousness have generally offset the trend. “Greenhouse growers have fared relatively well in the past five years because their product is of higher quality and is available year-round, which allows them to demand a premium rate,” according to IBISWorld industry analyst Kiera Outlaw. However, Vegetable Farming industry revenue is expected to fall marginally at an average annual rate of 0.5% during the five years to 2013, despite the 3.4% rise in 2013, to total $24.7 billion.
During the past five years, Vegetable Farming industry imports have increasingly supplemented domestic production, growing at an average rate of 7.4% per year to $8.1 billion. “Imported vegetables are usually priced lower than domestically grown varieties, which makes them attractive to downstream supermarkets and food service companies,” says Outlaw. Over the five years to 2018, however, imports of fresh vegetables are forecast to slow. As the domestic greenhouse cropping segment expands, the need for foreign-sourced, out-of-season vegetables will decrease.
The majority of farms, including those growing vegetables and melons, are small, family-run enterprises, and, thus, the industry has a low market share concentration. Farmers generally own and operate their farms supplementing family labor with hired hands only during key periods, such as harvesting season. On the other end of the spectrum are a smaller number of commercial farms, which dominate industry revenue and acreage. Even so, the production value is dispersed such that no single farm receives a large proportion of the industry's total revenue. The distribution of employment is linked closely to production values, with the few commercial mega-farms employing the vast majority of laborers.
Drastic changes are not expected within the Vegetable Farming industry over the next five years. Revenue will continue to increase during the five years to 2018. Vegetable consumption has plenty of room to grow to meet dietary standards; IBISWorld expects that industry associations and government spending will help promote healthy eating through vegetable marketing. Economies of scale will be an increasingly important factor for farmers remaining in the industry. Downstream wholesale bypass will also put increasing pressure on the farming sector as superstores continue to source directly from producers. Farmers who cannot meet high quality standards at shrinking prices will be squeezed out of the Vegetable Farming industry.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Vegatable Farming in the US industry report page.
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IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics
Establishments in this industry grow a wide variety of vegetables and melons in open fields and in greenhouses. This report does not include some notable crops such as corn, soybeans or wheat, which are included under the scope of other reports.
Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
Globalization & Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Barriers to Entry
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios
About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.
Gavin Smith, IBISWorld, 310-866-5042, [email protected]
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