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The Economic Viability of Commercial Fresh Vegetable Production in the Northeastern United States

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  • Wysong, John W.
  • Leigh, Mary G.
  • Ganguly, Pradeep

Abstract

The Northeast region with nearly 25 percent of the U.S. population and purchasing power in I 983 is a deficit regioa in both processing and fresh market vegetable crops. This study explores the underlying factors in the long post-World War II decline in Northeastern vegetable production. It evaluates the economic viability of small-scale, family operated vegetable farms with emphasis on Maryland and the Baltimore-Washington Wholesale Market outlet near Jessup, Maryland. Preliminary results of our study indicate that, under certain conditions, small-scale fami ly farms can grow and commercially market fresh-market vegetables at competitive prices, and generate healthy cash flows. The optimum mix of crops would include up to three, non-competing crop sequences, with four different vegetable crops including spinach, snap beans, tomatoes and broccoli. Family (owner-operator) labor was found to be a major resource constraint on volume of vegetables marketed, especially tomatoes. Potentials for future expansion in selected crops seem to exist with improved technology and better management.

Suggested Citation

  • Wysong, John W. & Leigh, Mary G. & Ganguly, Pradeep, 1984. "The Economic Viability of Commercial Fresh Vegetable Production in the Northeastern United States," Journal of the Northeastern Agricultural Economics Council, Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:nareaj:159498
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.159498
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    References listed on IDEAS

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