The majority of greenhouse operation owners are male (74%) and over age 55 (65%), while 29% are between ages 40 to 54 and 6% are in the 25 to 39 age range. Among business owners, 46% said they have a member of the next generation (born after 1970) who is preparing to assume, or who has already assumed leadership in their operations. Large operations (72%) are more prepared for succession than medium (59%) and small growers (34%).
“We are currently trying to transfer our operation to the third generation,” a grower said. “There is a lot of stress, as there are multiple families involved and a sticky land situation.”
Senior management positions are male-dominated (83%) and over age 55 (56%), while 28% are 40 to 54, and 17% are 25 to 39. Production management is slightly younger, with 42% over 55, 26% between 40 and 54, 29% ages 25 to 39, and 3% in the 18 to 24 range; and these jobs are also primarily male (77%). However in sales and marketing, the majority (56%) are female, and these roles are younger with 33% in the 55 and over range, 41% who are 40 to 54, 19% between 25 and 31, and 7% who are 18 to 24.