Industry Suppliers Bent on Guiding Vegetable Growers Through Inflation
November 23, 2022 Rising costs, prevalent throughout 2022, will continue to be at the forefront for vegetable growers in the New Year, according to industry suppliers. In turn, companies are making it a point to guide their customers through the issue.
“With the rising costs of inputs, nutrient-use efficiency, and tools to help growers optimize the inputs they are putting out will be our focus,” says Alexander Duffy, the National Product Manager with Timac Agro USA. “We will be developing tools and building the research and development to support these agronomic positions in a wide variety of cropping systems. This will help growers get the most out of the investments they make in plant nutrition while maintaining yields. This will help manage operational risks and maintain production despite higher input costs.”
Greg Hardison, the Vice President of Global Specialty Crop Portfolio with Verdesian Life Sciences, calls increasing production costs the “No. 1 concern” of growers.
“We are working with growers to create efficiencies that reduce input costs. Our solutions stimulate the natural processes within the plant that increase photosynthesis and root growth and mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses,” Hardison says. “These processes facilitate acquisition and translocation of nutrients throughout the plant to optimize fruit quality and yield.”
The seed industry is not immune to the issue.
“Production costs everywhere in agriculture are skyrocketing. These trends are the very same in the seed industry,” says Patty Buskirk, Managing Partner and Plant Breeder with Seeds by Design. “Sadly, in 2023, I predict that increased seed prices and shortages will continue.
“We live in a global supply market, and logistics is only the tip of the iceberg for increased costs for seedsman and their suppliers. In some countries, agricultural chemicals and basic fertilizer costs are reaching new price heights and in short supply. Seed growers all over the world are requiring seed crop increases to backfill their ever-increasing input costs. What is the value of quality seed for planting? I feel many of us need to review this question when thinking of purchasing next year’s seeds for their garden, fields, or crops.”
Bruce Ulmer, the U.S. Sales Manager with Stokes Seeds, suspects producers will face many of the same challenges in 2023.
“The continued threat of rising input costs due to the lack of availability will have to be skillfully managed by operators in order to achieve profitability,” Ulmer says. “Land, fertilizer, seed, fuel, packaging, and labor are just some of the supply chain issues many industries are feeling the effects of.
“Stokes Seeds is partnering with customers to help alleviate the supply burden for seed. We work closely with breeder-producers to gain better knowledge and understanding of supply issues to share with our customers, aiding them in making informed decisions regarding the most critical crop inputs. We believe the best way to serve our growers is by being open about seed supply and offering viable alternatives when shortages arise.”
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