By Clint Thompson
There are multiple concerns challenging the Alabama pecan industry; none more so than the lack of younger growers who will take over the production reins at some point in the future.
Alabama Pecan Growers Association President Bran Futral discussed the bleak outlook facing the state’s industry.
“One of the things we’re trying to focus on as an organization is trying to encourage, and working with the Alabama Farmers Federation, trying to encourage different farmers that maybe in different segments, like row croppers, if somebody’s got some idle land, pecans can be a good option,” Futral said. “We’re trying to encourage younger people to get involved in pecans. Overall, it’s scary. We’re just not seeing the younger guys file in behind us. That’s probably my biggest concern going forward; just trying to get those young people on board.
“Pecans can be a nice little fall, late fall, late year crop revenue.”
Futral predicted earlier this fall that the state will produce a crop load this year of about 3 million pounds, barring a tropical storm or hurricane type of event.