Specialty Crops

Specialty crops face a variety of climate-related challenges. Perennials such as grapevines and nut trees represent a major investment and – unlike annual field crops – cannot be abandoned or fallowed in the event of a severe drought, storm, or heat wave. Warmer temperatures may prevent stonefruit (such as peaches and cherries) from experiencing the chill-hours needed for proper flowering.

Photo by Sara Fitzsimmons, American Chestnut Foundation

Across the northeast, farmers are increasingly looking to chestnuts as a new option for their farms. This interest in chestnuts comes from several angles. U.S. production of chestnuts is much smaller than domestic demand, so chestnut farmers have ready markets for their products…

Chestnuts: A Perennial Opportunity for Northeast Farms

Climate change impacts to California’s agricultural sector will vary by crop and growing region. Providing crop- and location-specific recommendations for adapting to future conditions and mitigating crop loss is critical to reducing economic impacts and maintaining food…

Climate Vulnerabilities to California Specialty Crops

High tunnels, like this one, are used at Ridgeway Farms and are common in parts of Alaska

Case Study Background Ridgeway Farms is a homestead family farm located eight miles east of Kenai and is part of the Kenai Peninsula farming community. Abby Ala and four generations of her family have been working the land since 1948. Currently, they generate most of the farm’s…

Ridgeway Farms, Alaska Case Study

Bushes Bunches Produce Stand has been growing its rhubarb since the 1950s

Case Study Background Bushes Bunches Produce Stand is a family owned business that has been providing produce to Palmer and the surrounding areas of Wasilla and Anchorage since 1954, when Alaska was still a territory. The 14-acre farm produces table and seed stock potatoes,…

Bushes Bunches Produce Stand, Alaska Case Study

Hurricane approaching the SE US

State Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Commodity Guides People who live and work in the Southeastern United States are unfortunately familiar with the devastation and loss of life and property that can accompany a hurricane event. While hurricanes have always been a threat…

Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Commodity Guides

Haycamp Farm

Project Area Description Haycamp Farm and Fruit is a small, diversified family farm sitting at 7,000 ft elevation on the eastern edge of the Colorado Plateau in southwestern Colorado’s Montezuma County. Landforms in most areas are controlled by the underlying sedimentary rock…

Haycamp Farm Case Study

group picture of practices

Did you know that the USDA Soil Conservation Service (now called the Natural Resources Conservation Service or NRCS) was founded in 1933 during the Dust Bowl to help farmers conserve soil, especially during times of drought? Today, NRCS offers cost sharing for practices that…

Drought Resistant Practices

Scene from virtual tour

Nurseries and greenhouses are intensive production spaces where careful water management is critical to business. As the climate changes, there will be more periods of hot and dry weather in the region. Efficiently managing water resources will be essential to maintaining…

University of Maryland Ornamental Irrigation Research

Flood damage on a Massachusetts farm following Hurricane Irene, August 2011. Image by John Appleton.

Climate change will alter rainfall patterns in New England in the coming decades. Storms will likely become more intense, increasing the frequency of flooding. This leaves many agricultural lands, especially those in floodplains, at risk. Farms in New England tend to be…

Farming the Floodplain: Trade-offs and Opportunities

Subscribe to Specialty Crops