ARS | Publication request: Evolving paradigms of pecan production

Submitted to: Pecan Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: October 17, 2009
Publication Date: October 21, 2009
Citation: Wood, B.W. 2009. Evolving paradigms of pecan production. Pecan Grower. 21(2):32-36.

Interpretive Summary: The competitive fitness of the US pecan industry is challenged by other nut industries competing in the marketplace for food dollars. Competitiveness is dependent on successful integration of philosophies consistent with viable marketing, while simultaneously ensuring compatibility with profitability and environmental constraints. This article examines the evolution of pecan production paradigms from inception of the US pecan industry until the present time, and provides evidence regarding the future evolution of the pecan production paradigm. This information can assist the pecan industry in becoming better postured to target niche markets that are likely to arise in the future, and to ensure continued viability as an industry.

Technical Abstract: Advances in pecan production technologies and strategies over the last century have been impressive. This progress has been driven as a consequence of societal evolution and its associated forces. This article briefly reviews the evolution of the US pecan industry within the context of basic husbandry paradigms and proposes that the US pecan industry is showing evidence of transitioning to a new paradigm that better fits the needs of an evolving world society. This new paradigm integrates production, sustainability and human nutrition. There is increasing evidence of simultaneous co-evolution toward this new paradigm by several key agricultural crops. It is proposed that those food-crop industries that most successfully embrace this new paradigm will possess a competitive advantage in the marketplace; thus, affecting the "bottom line" of all those involved in the growing, processing, and selling of pecan nutmeats.