As I train pets, I'm watching this with much interest.
Sold my CLD's years ago (so have no land plot), although it would be nice if these fruit growing boxes can be used in apartments as well. Even if you can't upgrade them, and have just have level 1 fruit box or something. Just so that anyone who owns a building can feel part of the new system to a point.
To be honest this new farming gives me confidence there's a long term strategy plan in place for pets. MA are clearly saying we want more pet training for future releases, and possibly a continued use for wood (harvesting).
I don't think they will drop noobs completely in the poo, walking should still have some value. Although for those that have put a ton of time into training pets (the spenders) will know 15 ped for 1K of fruit was not sustainable if you was burning 500 - 1000 fruit bars a day on eco training mode.
I'm sure the fruit mafia will be wondering what to do with the millions of fruits they've been holding back from the market, I'll be watching the auction with interest as well.....smiles.
It's all good
Rick