Clemson Extension agents in South Carolina surveyed specialty crop growers in fall of 2023 on specialty crop acreage for the year, according to the South Carolina Grower.
The goal was to identify the counties of production, acreage and observable market prices for the year. Data was collected for 14 fruit and vegetable commodities. Bulb onions, citrus, and grape and cherry tomatoes were part of this survey.
Bulb onions were researched on 17 farms and 10 counties. The total acreage was 13.80 with the highest acreage in Chesterfield County. Onions had an estimated value of $188,784 and 24,000 pounds per acre.
Citrus was researched on 13 farms and 13 counties. The total acreage was 23, with the highest acreage in Beaufort County.
Cherry tomatoes were researched on 13 farms and 11 counties. The total acreage was 98.62, with the highest acreage in Aiken County. Organic acreage totaled 86.25. The estimated value is $1.3 million and 9,000 pounds per acre.
Grape tomatoes were researched on 14 farms and nine counties. The total acreage was 262.83, with the highest acreage in Saluda County. Organic acreage totaled 141.35. The estimated value is $2.9 million and 9,000 pounds per acre.