Ethnic Crop Opportunities for Growers on the East Coast: A Demand Assessment

Authors

• Ramu Govindasamy, Rutgers UniversityFollow
• Richard Van Vranken, Rutgers UniversityFollow
• William Sciarappa, Rutgers UniversityFollow
• Albert Ayeni, Rutgers UniversityFollow

Volume

48

Issue

6

Abstract

We examined the potential for expansion of production of ethnic crops on the U.S. East Coast by commercial farmers from a market-first and economic perspective based on consumer demand. A survey of consumers from four ethnic groups showed that the ethnic crops in greatest demand are as follows: Chinese—Baby Pak Choy, Oriental Eggplant, and Smooth Luffa; Asian Indians—Bottle Gourd, Indian Eggplant, and Bitter Melon; Mexicans—Chili Jalapeno and Tomatillo; Hispanic—Aji Dulce, Batata, and Pepinillo/Bitter gourd. Results of the study have important implications to assist local growers in deciding to produce ethnic crops.

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Recommended Citation

Govindasamy, R., Van Vranken, R., Sciarappa, W., & Ayeni, A. (2010). Ethnic Crop Opportunities for Growers on the East Coast: A Demand Assessment. Journal of Extension, 48(6), Article 17. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.48.06.17