| | "Horticulture crops are often considered by people who are either diversifying their existing operation, switching to something completely different or looking to start up something 'smaller scale' but profitable," says Robert Spencer, commercial horticulture specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. "There are many positives associated with the horticulture industry; however, as with any new venture or business, there are also things that should be considered."
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Scale - it is easy to have a bit of trouble with scale when comparing the size of a "typical" horticulture crop operation to a traditional field crop operation. It is always recommended to start small, if possible, as this minimizes the level of risk that comes during the learning period (which can last for years).
"You might think that you don't need very much land or you may think that the projected size of your operation is pretty small," says Spencer. "In horticulture, size is relative depending on the crop. Carefully consider factors such as market, risk factors (crop loss/failure), equipment and labour. While 5, 10 or 20 acres might seem like a drop in the bucket compared to cereals or oilseeds, consider managing an intensive crop with only a few labourers - yourself and whatever family you can rope in. You may find it is necessary to adjust your calculations."
Land base - even if you are only planning a small operation, consider the land base requirements to allow a proper crop rotation (for annual or short-term perennial crops), to allow for growth of the operation, or to allow for multiple long-term plantings (e.g. nursery crops).
Market - while horticulture crops can be quite profitable, you must seriously consider where you are going to sell your product and who is going to buy it from you. This is one area of a horticulture business that needs to have figured out in advance.
Market channels - if considering selling directly to consumers, it is still important to determine through what channels your product will be sold - farmers' market, on farm (pick-your-own or pre-picked, farm store), restaurants, institutions, or
to a group of customers (Community Supported Agriculture, food boxes).
"There are many factors when dealing directly with customers, not the least of which are time and labour implications," says Spencer. "This area does allow creativity and flexibility, but go in with your eyes open.
"Selling in retail stores means selling through a wholesaler and being able to guarantee that you will be able to supply sufficient quality product consistently. It is very difficult for an individual to get into the main retail chains. This is probably for the more experienced or larger scale producers. Mechanization will likely be necessary."
Soils - some soils are better or easier to work with than others. Soils should be well drained, not excessively rocky, and free from salts. Consideration must be given to the timing of planting, getting the crop in the ground, and how the soil is going to be managed.
Water - is a critical part of any horticulture operation. Irrigation is often required, even if only in some years. The quality of the water is equally important to the quantity available.
Labour -horticulture crops can be labour-intensive.
"Mechanization is not always an option and labour pools are often pretty shallow," says Spencer. "Be sure that you have enough people to et the jobs done when you need them done. Always be prepared to fill in the mechanical gap with hand labour."
Equipment - some of the equipment used for field crops can be used for horticulture, but much of the required equipment is specialized.
Season length - there are significant challenges associated with growing horticulture crops, not the least of which is the length of the growing season. Alberta's growing season limits what and how much can be grown in a given year. It is also a variable that increases risk.
Weather realities - some horticulture crops will survive in Alberta but may not be feasible choices when it comes to profitable production. It is recommended to plant crops that will yield reliably.
For information about commercial horticulture production, contact the Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276).
Contact:
Robert Spencer
310-FARM (3276) |
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