TRENDS IN GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION IN THE EAST NORTH CENTRAL UNITED STATES

Most of the changes in greenhouse production in the East North Central (ENC) United States in the last five years have occurred because of large increases in fuel cost and two extremely severe winters in succession (1976–77, 1977–78). The estimated cost to heat a glasshouse in this region for the winter of 1977–78 was $US1 per square foot ($US11m^-2). These spiraling heat costs have affected the types and grades of crops grown and the type of new greenhouses constructed.
Greenhouse vegetable producers have been the most severely affected because fuel cost is an extremely high percentage of their total production costs.
Glasshouse vegetable production continues to decline.
Hydroponic vegetable production under double layer polyethylene is being tried, however the large scale economic feasibility is questionable.
Production of cut flowers in the ENC United States has declined in the last 10 years.
California, Florida and South America compete advantageously in the production of most cut flowers.
Cut roses are an exception because of their higher profit margin.
Production of potted plants continues to prosper.
Because of container weight, inter-regional transport is costly.
Production of cool crops and smaller pot sizes is increasing.

Most new greenhouse construction is of air separated double layer polyethylene because of 35–45% fuel savings and reduced construction costs.
In addition, most producers have devised insulation methods to reduce heating requirements for the greenhouse.

Symposium on Potential Productivity in Protected Cultivation

P. Allen Hammer

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1978.87.16