Author : James Edward Webb
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (66 download)
Book Synopsis The Economic Feasibility of Greenhouse-grown Bell Pepper, Strawberry, and Cucumber as an Alternative to Field Production in Florida by : James Edward Webb
Download or read book The Economic Feasibility of Greenhouse-grown Bell Pepper, Strawberry, and Cucumber as an Alternative to Field Production in Florida written by James Edward Webb and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ABSTRACT: In 2005, Florida's fresh market vegetable industry (includes vegetables, watermelons and berries) ranked second in the U.S., with a value of $1.8 billion, grown on more than 190,900 acres (Florida Agricultural Statistical Directory, 2006). The state has a comparative advantage in the fresh market vegetable industry, due to its ability to produce in the winter off-season and its proximity to markets. Florida vegetable farmers face competition from around the globe. An alternative for certain high-value crops is production in greenhouses. The objective of my study was to analyze the economic viability of bell peppers, strawberries and cucumbers produced in greenhouses compared to those grown using conventional field production. Data were collected from government agencies, personal communication with commercial growers, and scientific literature. My study found that greenhouse production of bell peppers, strawberries and cucumbers is an effective way for Florida growers to increase net profit, in a state that is plagued by rapid urbanization and rising land prices, along with increasing water and environmental restrictions. Furthermore, the probability of obtaining a positive annual net profit is significantly greater in greenhouse production versus field production of these crops. When net profits of greenhouse production are compared to field production for the three commodities analyzed, it was determined that greenhouse production yellow bell peppers [net profit of $15,166/acre] can have returns up to four and half times greater than that of field production [net profit of $3,289/acre].