Growing specialty crops is gaining popularity in the United States. The Farm Bill defines them as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts. dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops” with unique characteristics, flavors, and cultural significance. However, their benefits extend beyond the agricultural landscape.
These crops diversify available foods to consumers and increase opportunities for farmers. They enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable practices.
Here are five reasons to add specialty crops to your landscape this year. Also listed are a few of our favorite specialty crop species.
Download the Specialty Crops Brochure
Benefits of Specialty Crops: A Brief Overview
Specialty crops provide immense benefits to the ecosystem. But they also help the individuals who plant, cultivate, and consume them! Specific advantages include:
Biodiversity Enhancement
Cultivating specialty crops contributes to environmental biodiversity. Most of today’s large-scale farms practice monoculture. These special plants contribute to a more varied and resilient ecosystem.
Economic Opportunities
Specialty crops can have massive benefits for farmers and their local economies. Demand for new and special fruits, nuts, and other horticultural crops is high.
Farmers can tap into niche agriculture markets. These specialty products often sell at higher profit margins than other crops. Farmers cultivating these plants are at the forefront of the growing farm-to-table movement. Their loyal consumers value quality and sustainable practices above low prices.
Farmers can take advantage of agroforestry practices to increase profits. One is to grow and harvest multiple crops from the same ground. For example, alley cropping nut trees with berry shrubs and a consumable perennial. These crops often mature in different seasons, which spreads harvest work and income. Some agroforestry concerns also incorporate non-crop businesses. These can include hunting, recreation, and ecotourism.
Health Benefits
Specialty crops are nutritious. They offer potential health benefits for individuals hoping to build healthier eating habits. Many of these crops are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The distinct flavors and textures of specialty crops can add to their appeal.
Environmental Stewardship
Specialty crops can be part of agroecological systems that focus on the environment. These systems concentrate on soil health, water conservation, and reduced chemical inputs. Within these systems, specialty crops help mitigate negative farming practices. They can also increase the long-term resilience of a property.
Crop Rotation and Soil Health
Incorporating a crop rotation plan is an effective way to maintain soil health. Specialty crops often have different nutrient requirements than major commodity crops. Because of this, their cultivation can break pest and disease cycles. This in turn reduces the need for chemical intervention. Implementing a rotation strategy can enhance a farm’s soil. Over time, soil fertility, structure, and microbial diversity will improve.
Specialty Crops to Embrace in 2024
Here are some of our favorites:
Chokeberry
Chokeberry, known for its dark, antioxidant-rich berries, offers many health benefits. This specialty crop thrives in well-drained soils. It can withstand diverse climate conditions, making it a resilient choice for cultivation.
Pawpaw
The pawpaw has a cult-like following in many parts of the country. This is due to its unique tropical flavor and custard-like texture. It gained popularity in culinary circles because of its taste and texture. It is excellent in breads, ice cream and even beer. Pawpaw trees require well-drained soils. The trees do best in partial shade, making them adaptable to various environments.
Pecan
The timeless pecan nut has a rich, buttery flavor. Besides its delicious taste, it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Pecan offers healthy fats, fiber, and many essential nutrients. Pecan trees thrive in well-drained, sandy-loam soils with good sunlight. They are an excellent choice for orchards and large landscapes.
Sugar Maple
This crop is well known for its maple syrup production. Sugar maples thrive in well-drained, acidic soils and are well-suited to temperate climates. Beyond their economic value, they contribute outstanding fall colors in reds and oranges.
Chestnut
Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is an emerging tree nut crop. These chestnut trees produce nutrient-dense nuts with a sweet, earthy flavor. They begin to bear nuts in less than five years, and in 10 years can produce as much as 10-20 lbs/tree. Chestnuts are gluten-free and a great source of fiber and other essential minerals. Chestnut trees prefer well-drained soils and are resilient against most pests and diseases. While not a native species, chestnuts can be part of a sustainable agroforestry farm.
Find Specialty Crops at Forrest Keeling Native Plant Nursery
Specialty crops offer many benefits. But, determining the right species for your site and goals takes study.
The experts at Forrest Keeling are here to help you decide which crops best suit your needs. You might also want to download our booklet with some of our most popular specialty crop options.
View Forrest Keeling’s Specialty Crop Brochure
Contact us with questions or to place your order for this upcoming season.
Forrest Keeling…it’s where the best trees begin!