Leafy greens dropped out of the Top 10 for the first time this year, to No. 11. Just prior to the E. coli in romaine outbreaks, it ranked No. 5. It has yet to recover its popularity after the E. coli outbreaks of 2017 and 2018. The number of growers producing the crop fell from 51% in early 2017 to only 44% in 2020 — a seven-point drop.

Pumpkins made the Top 10 list for the first time this year. That’s a remarkable feat, considering what growers were saying during the first few chaotic weeks of the pandemic. Many wondered if they should dump more ornamental crops like pumpkins, since grocery stores were focusing heavily on essentials. But instead of pulling back on production, many growers decided to add pumpkins to their mix. It surpasses even sweet corn in the percentage of its growers who are adding the crop — an impressive 11%.

Cabbage held its No. 9 position for the second year in a row.

Onions moved down one notch from last year's ranking.

This cucurbit crop dropped one spot in the ranking from last year.

Beans maintained its popularity from 2019. In both years, 52% of growers reported growing the crop. But just four years ago, only 44% reported doing so. That eight-point percentage climb is second only to pumpkin’s 9-point climb.

Sweet corn jumped up to the fifth most popular vegetable crop for the first time. It was No. 9 last year. One reason for that rise links to a surge in those adding the crop. Among those who reported growing corn, a whopping 9% said they were adding it — as in they were not sweet corn growers in the previous year. That’s a figure that traditionally stays between 3% to 5%. It was one of only two crops with such a bump — pumpkin is the other. 

In 2019, this crop ranked No. 3. So, technically with a tie, it holds steady for 2020.

This crop moved up one spot from its 2019 ranking into a 2020 tie.
Photo by Paul Rusnak

Holding steady. 2019 rank of this crop also was No. 2.

King of the veggie crops again. No movement at the top from last year.