Specialty Crops

Specialty crops are a division of crops that include fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, horticulture, floriculture, and nursery crops. To be considered specialty crops, they must be cultivated, managed, or used by people for food, medicinal purposes, or aesthetic gratification. Specialty crops can include everything from apples, walnuts, and potatoes to Christmas trees, hops, roses, St. John’s wort, honey, tea leaves, rosemary, and maple syrup!

Benefits of Specialty Crops

Specialty crops often encompass fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other unique or niche products. Their cultivation frequently involves sustainable practices such as crop rotation, integrated pest management, and reduced chemical inputs, which can contribute to improved soil health and biodiversity. This shift towards diverse crops can also help mitigate the risks associated with monoculture farming, where a single crop dominates, potentially leading to soil depletion and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Moreover, the appeal of locally grown specialty crops can bolster the connection between farmers and consumers, promoting a sense of community and fostering a greater understanding of where food comes from. This connection often leads to increased demand, creating opportunities for smaller farms and local producers to thrive in the market.

Investing in these crops also aligns with consumer trends favoring healthier, more sustainable options, which can further enhance the economic viability of farming operations while supporting environmental stewardship. Overall, by diversifying into specialty crops, farmers can not only improve their economic prospects but also contribute positively to their local communities and the environment.

Changes in Indiana County Agriculture

Over the past two decades, there has been a general shift from dairy farming to beef cattle and grains farming as well as a reduction in the number of farms throughout Indiana County.
Based on the 2017 ag census, since 2012, the county has lost 18% of its farms and 4% of farmland while the overall size of farms has increased by 18%.
Of those farms, only 9% sell directly to consumers.
Indiana County ranks 6th in the state for vegetable, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes and ranks 32 in the state for fruits, tree nuts, and berries.
For cultivated Christmas Trees and short rotation woody crops, Indiana County ranks 6th in the state.
The county has no reported sales of malt grains or hops.
Click here to view the 2017 Indiana County Ag Census

Indiana County Hub for the Advancement of Specialty Crops

The Indiana County Conservation District has created a hub to advance specialty crop production in Indiana County. Our grounds now house a greenhouse and high-tunnel, raised garden beds, various species of fruit and nut producing trees and shrubs, and a row of hops.

Products grown on our grounds are used to populate various community gardens in the county including the Indiana Community Garden, Chevy Chase Community Garden, and community gardens at various county aging services senior centers.

Specialty Crops

Benefits of Specialty Crops

Changes in Indiana County Agriculture

Indiana County Hub for the Advancement of Specialty Crops

ICCD Produced Resources

Additional Resources on Specialty Crops

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