AgriLife Extension gives something to think about

COLLEGE STATION - Harvest-time photos from small farms this time of year inevitably show food-laden tables, classic farmhouses and smiling people. It's enough to make anyone yearn for a small acreage on which to produce food for local markets.

While that goal is achievable throughout much of this warm, sunny state, Texas AgriLife Extension Service horticulturists note that several thousands hours of labor and not a few brushes with weather and pests come before the fall harvest.

That's why a new program, Small Acreage Horticultural Crops, is being launched by AgriLife Extension to help people learn how to set up a business to produce and market vegetables, fruits, nuts, and greenhouse and nursery products.

"This program is designed to help small-scale producers in rural and suburban areas become more knowledgeable in identifying and planning ways to diversify their operations in a sustainable way," said Dr. Joseph Masabni, one of 12 AgriLife Extension specialists who created the program's components.

The free program will be offered via AgriLife Extension agents in various Texas counties beginning this fall, according to Masabni. The initiative will include two webinars (meetings that can be viewed online from participating counties statewide) with various experts who can answer specific questions.

The first webinar, on fruits, pecans and grapes, will be 10 a.m. until noon Nov. 18. The second program, on vegetables and greenhouse crops, will be 10 a.m. until noon April 13.

Masabni said AgriLife Extension county agents are able to lead other related learning tasks locally in addition to the webinars. Among the topics are site selection, marketing and economic considerations, and specifics on production for a variety of potential crops.

For instance, a person interested in growing leafy greens might learn that it may cost $200 to $1,500 per acre to establish and may be sustainable on one to 12 acres for a potential profit of $700 per acre, according to the Small Acreage Horticultural Crop site http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/smallacreage/.

Other information given for potential crops includes the types of markets for the yields, how likely the produce is to sell in various markets, the season and location it is best grown in the state, labor and equipment requirements, and general growing factors for each crop.

Included in the online training modules will be 10 videos that cover various strategies for diversification into horticultural crops.

Those interested in the new program can explore the site and contact the local county agent to ask about participating.