Programs Areas > Ag Production Systems > Alternative Crops

Alternative Crops and Specialized Management Technologies

Program Description

A few major crops dominate Minnesota’s agriculture. Producers may chose to grow a lesser-grown crop for a variety of reasons, such as: unusual spring planting conditions, financial diversification, or ecological reasons. Organic production, in particular, is an increasingly popular production method in the state. Minnesota ranks 8th in organic production acres (2002). Alternative, lesser known, and organic crops require specialized management techniques (such as field inspections and contract stipulations). Keeping Minnesotans informed of organic and specialized production research results can help maintain Minnesota's role in this growing industry. Profitable production of organic and alternative crops can help diversify and economically stabilize Minnesota's economy.

Serving...

Producers and marketers of lesser known grown crops and certified organic crops
Agriculture professionals

Specific Goals

Organize and provide access to a resource library (hard copy and electronic formats) consisting of all the published information on lesser known and grown crops and specialize management in Minnesota. (In cooperation with the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics)
To continue to provide current and previously published unbiased research-based information
on lesser known and grown crops and specialized management technologies to interested producers
To keep interested producers in Minnesota informed of the latest organic production options and research findings to ensure Minnesota's significant contributions to this growth industry.
To continue research related to production technologies of new and uncommon crops so that data is available before producers need it to answer their questions..