Specialty Crops

Specialty crops research is an essential part of the UC Small Farm Program. Small Farm Program advisors conduct field research on crops new to California which literally helps break ground on domestic production of some fruits and vegetables that are often imported directly to specialty markets. Other specialty crop research is conducted at the request of small-scale farmers who raise questions about new methods of producing certain crops. Advisors also regularly participate in variety tests aimed at helping small-scale farmers decide which new varieties might flourish under local growing conditions.

Below are some resources for information pertaining to specialty crops. More research results for specific crops are also available on our Research page. Check back for more resources soon, as we're currently updating our site.

• Specialty and Minor Crops Handbook
  An array of specialty crops are introduced in this 192-page handbook, with color photographs and market and culture information. Compiled with the expertise of more than 30 experts, the handbook was published in 1998, and also includes a glossary of Asian vegetable names. Sample pages and ordering information are included in the link above.
• Cost studies
  A collection of 14 recent cost of production studies for specialty crops, co-written by SFP farm advisors. List includes various Asian vegetable varieties.
• Archived articles online
  A collection of articles that were produced by the Small Farm Center and by USDA. The articles are listed by crop and are all online for easy viewing.

Additional sites with specialty crops information include:

• Agricultural Alternatives Free Publications, Penn State Cooperative Extension
  An archive of brochures of an array of agricultural production options. Each brochure includes information such as planning, marketing, production and resources for a crop or product.
• Cost & Return Studies, UC Davis Department of Agricultural Resources and Economics
  Economic studies of various crops throughout California, including costs to establish, costs to produce, and overhead costs.