Is New Greenhouse Production Space A Sign Of A Good 2013?

Are you working on improving your structures this year? If so, what are you doing? If not, what would your next project be? And what do these plans mean about the 2013 season?

That’s what we asked you in our 2013 State of the Industry survey. There are growers who will be adding production area next year. In our survey, 36.7 percent of respondents say they will add space in 2013. Here’s the full breakdown:

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Do you plan to add or retrofit a greenhouse structure in 2013?
Yes, we plan to add or retrofit a greenhouse in 2013 36.7 percent
No, we see no need to add or retrofit in 2013 39.3 percent
No, we can’t afford to add or retrofit, even though the need exists 24 percent

We also asked growers even if they don’t plan to actually add or retrofit, what are their highest priorities? The answers varied on this essay question, mentioning everything from new environmental controls to repairs and maintenance, but some answers popped up more often than others. According to our survey, even if they won’t be adding greenhouse space, they would like to.

Here are the numbers:

If you would like to add or retrofit, even if you are not planning to do it this year, what types of projects are your highest priorities?
Expanding greenhouse space 21 percent
Add or replace shade and energy curtains 10 percent
Add or improve automation 8 percent
Repair and maintain structure 6 percent
Retrofit greenhouse roofs  6 percent

An optimism for 2013 is also reflected in some survey responses. When asked what excites growers most for 2013, here are some of the responses:

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  • Better economic environment.
  • I’m excited to see how growers’ improving replenishment programs will increase sales and lower costs and add more to the bottom line in 2013.
  • Shake out of growers has left the best.
  • The optimism growers have going into the season.
  • Most had solid FY2012 and should have money available for capital expenditures.
  • Large growers’ serious plans to expand.

What do you think? Will you be expanding production area anticipating a good 2013? Click here to read about why Charlie Hall thinks 2013 may be a turnaround year or leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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