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Alternative Crops to Tobacco
| Name | Robert E. Bett | | Situation | The farmer in Marion County has depended on tobacco for his primary source of income for many years. The other crops grown are a low profit enterprise and in some cases nets a negative number. Concerning tobacco, the total pounds needed by the tobacco companies has been reduced by about half of what it was five years ago. For example, the average farmer was growing 100 acres of tobacco five years ago, with a total net of $80,000. Now that has dropped to less that $40,000. Plus, with the buyout, some did not get a contract, so have no place to sell tobacco. For those who did, the price has dropped by 50 to 60 cents per pound. Farmers are looking for alternatives. | | Response | At this point there were certain growers that were asking for help. As the Extension Agent, I have made it known at meetings, when I see them at their farm, as well as other locations during my travels, that I can help. I discuss different alternatives with them and show some greenhouses where other crops are being grown. | | Impact | The results are:
*One farmer is setting up his greenhouses, that he is no longer
using for tobacco plant production, to grow tomatoes, another for
strawberries, and another for other crops such as lettuce. He is also planning to move in the direction of organic vegetable production.
*A second farmer has planted 4 acres of blueberries and plans to
expand from this.
*A third farmer has started growing vegetables and selling them
at his farm. He even bought a large bean sheller for butter beans.
*Another farmer is starting to grow bedding plants in his green
house. He plans to sell them to landscapers that contract with golf
courses at the beach. |
Last update4/24/2008
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