Research Progress Report 339 June, 1968

The Indiana Vegetable Industry: Production Trends, Market Organization and Competitive Position
G. H. Sullivan and J. N. Uhl
Departments of Horticulture and Agricultural Economics

Increased production costs, more competitive markets, and changes in the competitive position of major vegetable producing regions require that growers and processors have accurate information upon which to base decisions and future market planning. For these purposes this study provides data relating to the production and marketing of commercially important vegetable crops in Indiana. The information is intended to serve as a basis for decision-making of growers, wholesalers, retailers, and processors of Indiana vegetables, contributing to the efficient use of resources and adjustments important to the future competitive position of the industry.

Part I presents vegetable production and marketing trends in the United States. National trends in vegetable consumption, production, and marketing are shown for comparison with trends in the Indiana vegetable industry.

Part II evaluates consumption, production, and marketing trends for the Indiana fresh vegetable industry. Commercially important fresh vegetable crops are discussed and evaluated with respect to economic importance, competitive position, and future industry development.

Part III describes production and marketing trends for the Indiana processed vegetable industry. Major consideration is given the market structure for Indiana processed vegetable crops and its influence on the present and future competitive position of the State.

The U. S. Vegetable Industry
Trends in Vegetable Consumption. Per capita consumption of vegetables has increased during the last three decades, Table 1. However, this trend has levelled off in recent years as supply has expanded at about the same rate as population growth. Future vegetable consumption is expected to remain at present levels because of changed food consumption patterns of a calorie conscious population. The downward trend in consumption of high-calorie vegetable products, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, is expected to be offset by the upward trend in consumption of low-calorie, processed vegetables.

The increase in per capita vegetable consumption has not been distributed equally among all vegetable crops. Tomatoes, snap beans, sweet corn, and leafy greens have exhibited the most significant increases. The

PURDUE UNIVERSITY • Agricultural Experiment Station • Lafayette, Indiana