Specialty Crops Research Program

Dr. Edward Page
Colorado State University Extension
Small Acreage Management Agent

Much of Colorado's agriculture is experiencing increased competitive stress from high prices of land, aging the farmer, and increased competition for markets. Specialty crops are those offering growers alternatives to consider that address these stresses better than traditional commodity crops. This class of unique and varied crops quite often produces high returns per acre, but requires a relatively high degree of management.

The Specialty Crops Program at Colorado State University, as applied in the Tri-River Area (TRA) attempts to help growers find new production systems and crops with greater potential for profit and sustainability for the farm and community. The program assists in the financial and technical aspects of producing and marketing a new crop to reduce the associated risks. Vegetable, nursery, fruit, turf, ornamental, fiber, and herbs crops are some of those found in the Specialty Crops program. Crops that will not be found are most grains and oil crops, as well as other commodity crops.

Projects, which are currently supported in the TRA include work with strawberries and other small fruit and berries. A strawberry variety and survivability trial is being conducted at Circle A Gardens, an organic grower south of Montrose. Seven varieties of spring-harvest berries are being tested to see how well they adapt to winter cold and summer heat in the Uncompahgre Valley. A sampling will be scheduled for farmers markets late next spring to see haw well the different varieties are accepted by consumers.

A second project is now being developed as a demonstration of adaptability of other berries and small fruits to the climate of the Grand Valley. This will take the form of part of the demonstration garden at the Mesa County Extension office, 2750 US Highway 50, (just south of) Grand Junction, Colorado. A number of cane berries, blueberries, exotic Asian berries, and hardy kiwis will be grown to demonstrate their hardiness and productivity. Most plants will be put in this spring - watch what happens!

If funding continues, more developments will be coming in future years. If you have ideas about what would make a good crop or practice for this program, contact Ed Page at 249-3935 or go to the CSU Specialty Crops Program directly.

WebMaster
Colorado State Extension
Tri River Area
2775 US Hwy 50, Grand Junction, CO. 81503
voice: 970-244-1834
fax: 970-244-1700