Research Projects

Wholesale Produce Auction

Small Farmers urgently need alternative marketing strategies if they are to achieve the goals of a more a sustainable agriculture. This study was a survey of nine Pennsylvania wholesale produce auctions, all established between 1984 and 1998. The main goals of the auctions were to serve local communities, provide high quality produce to local consumers, and make profits. The results showed that the auctions typically employ an average of 7-10 people per growing season. The five most common commodities sold were cantaloupe, watermelon, tomato, pumpkin, and sweet corn. Asparagus and onions were the least sold during a regular growing season. irrigating fields In terms of market share, roadside market operators purchased the largest proportion of produce (40%), followed by farmers (27%), chain food stores (16%), independent grocery stores (11%), and restaurants (6%) making up an average annual gross sale of $3.5 million per auction. The study revealed that the nine Pennsylvania produce auctions were successful in meeting their goals. The reasons for success included private ownership, excellent quality and freshness of produce, good location, local produce recognition, clientele availability and customer-oriented business. The auction managers identified some weaknesses including inconsistent and poor grading, limited space in the auction facility, produce unavailability and limited volume, lack of cooling facility, price fluctuation, and slow service. The study indicated that local wholesale produce auctions are a useful marketing alternative for small farmers in Pennsylvania by providing marketing outlets and convenient shopping centers for sellers and buyers; by securing a source of fresh and locally grown produce not found in traditional wholesale terminal markets; and by allowing exchange and networking among farmers and buyers. Given these benefits, a non-traditional marketing alternative such as a wholesale auction can be a model for other small farm and rural communities. Authors: Stephan Tubene and James Hanson.

Agricultural and Demographic Changes in the Mid-Atlantic Region: Implications for Ethnic and Specialty Produce

Will Mid-Atlantic farms survive recent changes in agricultural and population patterns? Rapid change has led to concern about the future of farms in the region. Urban development and rapid population growth are having a significant impact on Mid-Atlantic farmers and farming practices. Remaining farmers must adapt to these changes in order to survive in this competitive market. Many farmers are looking at high-value crops, as well as alternative marketing strategies, innovative management planning, and value-added enterprises, to make the difference between success and failure.

Ethnic and specialty produce presents a significant opportunity for Mid-Atlantic farmers-as high-value alternative crops and an excellent source of income for farmers. on a hay ride For consumers, ethnic produce is not only a source of food and fiber but also a source of cultural values in a foreign land. These products can be produced by farmers in the region and sold through wholesalers, retail grocery stores, farmers' markets, and restaurants.

This fact sheet is the first of a series of fact sheets on ethnic and specialty produce. While this publication emphasizes the trends in the Mid-Atlantic agriculture and population, and their implication for ethnic and specialty produce, subsequent fact sheets will discuss market potential, production guidelines, and nutritional aspect of ethnic vegetables in the Mid-Atlantic region. Author: Stephan Tubene.

Ethnic and Specialty Produce in Maryland

Shifting from a "one-crop/tobacco" economy to an "alternative crops" economy has favored the creation and implementation of diversifying farm enterprises for southern Maryland growers. studying crops The shifts in population indicate that ethnic produce could be a source of revenues for these and perhaps other growers. A two-year research project has been established to study the production of a variety of ethnic vegetables and herbs in southern Maryland; develop a production handbook to be used by growers there, and to introduce ethnic and specialty produce to Maryland consumers through nutritional education sessions.

Preliminary research findings indicate that ethnic and specialty produce respond positively to Maryland weather/soil conditions and could be locally grown to supply local markets. Maryland direct marketing and wholesaling outlets have expressed the desire to order the produce, and consumers respond favorably to the new taste as the produce is introduced to the public at large. Authors: S. Tubene, R.D. Myers, C. Pergeson.

Maryland Specialty Crops Program

This program seeks to develop a diverse but comprehensive program for production, marketing and education for specialty crops in Maryland. It includes nine projects conducted by the University of Maryland, the Department of Agriculture, and commercial agricultural professionals. Seven projects address the production, marketing and education research of specialty crops while two other projects provide special seminars on specialty crops. The program includes research on production systems, season extension, market analysis, and variety trials for a variety of specialty crops in multiple locations in Maryland. In addition, project investigators will conduct seminars on production and marketing of organic products as well as aquaculture.

Specific alternative crops include specialty and ethnic vegetables, unique fruits, cut and potted flowers, and annual bedding plants. Season extension Research and Extension (R&E) includes utilization of high tunnel technology to extend the harvest season. Educational activities include specialty workshops for individual production systems and crops, specific sessions and presentations at annual regional winter meetings. A significant effort will be placed on market analysis, as well as marketing and "exposure" for these new and unique crops.

The program will (1) test the potential for growing these crops under one or more of the many diverse environments in Maryland; (2) evaluate their market potential in the state; (3) and provide valuable production and marketing guidelines to producers, retailers, wholesalers, and agricultural professionals. The crops targeted have either shown high productivity in other comparable environments or fit in well with the existing marketing, processing, and dissemination systems already present in the state. in the kitchen The targeting crops are all high value specialty crops or are amenable to processing into value added products for specialty and or high-end markets. The uniqueness of the crops chosen is that these crops have high demand potential with little danger of saturating the market. There will also be opportunities to export and exploit distant/regional markets.

Careful attention to recording detail of resource inputs and labor will be accumulated to construct enterprise budgets. Some of the crops in the project are labor intensive at some periods of production but requirements are consistent and/or complementary with existing labor demand of other agricultural enterprises in the region. Major investigators: S. Tubene, J. Bouwkamp, J. Fiola, et.al., 2002.

U.S. Small Farm Structure and Classification

The complex nature of the U.S. small farm sector makes it difficult to provide a homogeneous and unambiguous definition of the small farm. Small family farms vary in size and other characteristics such as business organization and arrangements, production methods, success measurement, source of household income, financial returns, and government payment shares. A farm typology developed by the USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) categorizes small family farms (sales less than $25,000) into 4 groups for policy development and evaluation purposes. These groups include limited-resource, retirement, residential/lifestyle, and farming-occupation. The implication of this typology is that policies are to be targeted to specific groups of small family farms taking into consideration their specific needs. Critics think that this typology leaves out other significant groups of small family farmers such as immigrant farmers, beginning farmers, farms in transition, and seasonal farmers whose needs are totally different from those of the mainstream widely recognized groups. This paper discusses issues facing small family farmers in the 21st century, and suggests recommendations (intended to better serve small family farmers) to land grant universities, federal agencies, small farm service providers, and policy makers. Author: Stephan Tubene

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Last updated: 04/3/2006