With the industrial revolution and resulting urbanization, commercial production of vegetables occurred near populated areas. Produce, when transported, moved on major waterways, then by railroad. In 1886, the invention of refrigerated railroad cars made it possible to ship distances. By the early 1900's, production of vegetables shifted to areas of the U.S. that had a favorable climate and cheap labor. List and explain the different types of vegetable production methods used today.
Growers utilize many of the same cropping techniques and equipment used for agronomic crops.
Processors contract with growers to purchase vegetables at a lower quality and higher quantity than fresh market vegetables. Farmers measure their yield by the ton and are usually located near processing plants to facilitate transportation. Market gardening- smaller scale farming using various intensive gardening practices to supply fresh vegetables to large population centers. Production is normally less than 100 acres. Market gardeners may either grow a wide variety of vegetables or specialize in certain crops in order to supply a specific consumer such as restaurants, organic food stores, co-ops, etc.