Last week, my passion for agriculture was reignited in a profound way when I attended MANTS 2024 in Baltimore, MD. The scale of the show was truly impressive, featuring a wide array of representatives from the horticulture value and supply chain. Despite its size, the event exuded a warm, familial atmosphere. Hugs replaced handshakes as the common greeting, and tales of past conferences were shared with fond nostalgia. One veteran grower, who I’ll keep anonymous, revealed that he has been attending MANTS for over 50(!) years. He reminisced about his childhood, playfully stealing candy and pencils from exhibitor booths, contrasting it with his current anticipation of reuniting with long-time friends and discovering the latest innovations in horticulture.
This sense of community is the heart of the agriculture industry. It’s a sector that thrives on an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to not just survive, but to excel. Many large-scale growers I spoke with consider their employees as extended family. Having grown up on a farm myself, I resonate deeply with this sentiment, understanding the long hours and strenuous work involved. Conversations often turned to legacies and concerns about their continuation. A common refrain was, “my kids are too smart to be dirt farmers.” Yet, amidst these worries, there were inspiring stories of innovation. Growers are increasingly turning to technology as a means to manage growing constraints on their profit margins and stay competitive.
Looking ahead, I predict a rise in industry-wide activities related to mergers and acquisitions over the next 5 to 10 years. This trend is likely driven by the challenge of passing family businesses to a new generation. This shift raises critical questions: What will be the impact on the communities these growers support? The labor forces that rely on these farms for their livelihood? And how will this affect the pricing of products for landscapers and consumers? These issues are not limited to greenhouse growers and family-run nurseries but are reflective of broader trends within the agricultural sector that will have lasting implications.
MANTS 2024 brilliantly showcased the thriving community and innovative spirit that defines today's growers and nurseries. With such a remarkable group of people leading the way, I am confident that together, we will not only overcome the aforementioned hurdles, but also usher in a thriving, innovative future for the industry.