By Maegan Beatty
Last week, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hosted an Orchard Field Day at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida. The field day served as an educational event for commercial farmers, home gardeners and industry representatives. Attendees gathered to learn more about fruit crop diversification options. Speakers covered a variety of topics including cold hardy citrus, elderberry production, blueberries and other crops.
FRUIT CROP DIVERSIFICATION
Diversifying farming operations by adding a new crop can help growers spread risks and extend the cropping season, among other benefits.
“Fruit crop diversification provides an opportunity for better income, for using their land per capita investment and for higher efficiency,” said Ali Sarkhosh, UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticulture sciences. Sarkhosh also served as the program coordinator for the Orchard Field Day.
When diversifying crops, Florida farmers need to consider the different varieties of fruits and conduct research on items like chilling requirements, soil types and market demand.
There are many potential benefits of fruit crop diversification. Some of these benefits include a new income stream for farmers and benefits to pollinators. Growers considering adding a new crop should conduct all the research necessary to make the transition as smooth as possible.
“The main thing with fruit diversification is that it helps farmers to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability,” Sarkhosh said.
While there are potential benefits, there are also potential challenges when adding fruit crops. These challenges include things like marketing to the consumer, infrastructure and technical knowledge around growing the different varieties.
CROP MIX
Florida blueberries were featured during the field day. When farmers experience an ideal winter climate (good chilling) and enjoy a strong market, it can be a profitable crop. However, seasons with poor chilling hours will reduce yields. Markets can be volatile due to foreign imports or the Georgia season starting early. The crop also is a popular you-pick option on many farms.
Elderberry, which is a newer fruit crop that Florida farmers are trying to establish, has many potential benefits such as a high profit margin. The crop is desirable in niche consumer markets due to its various health benefits. It has multiple uses from fresh, teas, food ingredient, health supplements and more.
The elderberry industry in Florida is still relatively new, so work to build consumer awareness and more widespread demand is needed. This is something that should be considered along with knowledge about equipment, labor, growing methods, and land use.
“Farmers should try to be efficient in utilizing their equipment and their land to increase production efficiency,” Sarkhosh said.