CHANGING CONDITIONS AND EMERGING ISSUES FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN THE NORTHEAST

Production agriculture in the Northeast represents a declining share of national agricultural production. Some of the characteristics of Northeast agriculture that affect its future are (1) an unfavorable resource base; (2) proximity to population centers; and (3) a diversity of enterprises. Major issues affecting the future include changing technology, changing structure, competitive advantage, regulation, and labor supply and demand. The role of specialty crops in Northeast agriculture was examined. Pesticide regulation and the labor requirement for specialty crops are serious constraints to widespread adoption.