Specialty Crops
Fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Wild plants are not considered specialty crops even though they may be used for the same purpose as cultivated plants. However, natural populations of native plants that are brought into cultivation, such as sugar maple trees, pecans, blueberry, huckleberry and cranberry are considered specialty crops by USDA.
Narrower Topics
Horticulture
Horticulture is defined as that branch of agriculture concerned with growing plants that are used by people for food, for medicinal purposes, and for aesthetic gratification. [NALT]
Publications
Specialty Crops and the Farm Bill
FE1138/FE1138by Suzanne D. ThornsburyJuly 13, 2023This publication provides Florida specialty crop producers with an overview of major policy approaches in the Farm Bill and a description of how they have evolved over time to address some of the unique characteristics of specialty crops.
Related IFAS Blog Posts
Food is Our Middle Name podcast: What’s the deal with…Florida agriculture?
Tory MooreOctober 21st, 2022On the first episode of the Food Is Our Middle Name podcast, we sit down with Bob Hochmuth to discuss Florida’s deeply rooted history in agriculture. When most people think of Florida they think beaches, theme parks and MAYBE Florida oranges. But what about the rest of the products produced here? Bob, UF/IFAS Extension agent, […]
UF researchers to provide information growers can use now to support their operations
Ruth Hohl BorgerJuly 27th, 2022University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers will present their latest findings of immediate use to Florida’s citrus and specialty crop growers at the Florida Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo August 17 and 18 in Fort Myers, Florida. The expo features 33 presentations, filled with information that growers can use now to […]
Florida’s next commodity: Tea?
Kirsten Romaguera RabinJune 9th, 2022University of Florida researchers tested seven types of tea plants to determine growth and yield potential as a Florida specialty crop. A publication on the study captures years three to five of their growth process, during which time the plants reach harvesting maturity. Scientists minimally managed the plants, allowing them to observe how Florida’s conditions […]
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