Asparagus sector struggles with long-term viability

Asparagus sector struggles with long-term viability

Change is nearing a tipping point in one of the nation’s largest asparagus-growing regions. 

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring tells Brownfield the asparagus industry is facing several complex challenges with no easy solutions.

“Issues all the way from labor availability, the cost of labor today, ongoing supply chain issues, just international trade issues,” he says.  “We as a state need to be working on how we support and foster these industries before we lose them.”

Caleb Coulter with American Apple and Asparagus says his packing shed has become a 24-hour facility to cut overhead, but other changes are needed.

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