New crops

Useful Information

The following is a list of non-traditional greenhouse crops grown commercially in US or other countries

• Avocado
• Banana
• Blueberry
• Cherry
• Eggplant
• Green beans
• Hops
• Mango
• Muskmelon
• Raspberry/Blackberry
• Root vegetables
• Sweet corn
• Wine grapes

For considering new crops, the following is an approach to consider.

1. Theoretical analysis
   • Understanding current status
     • How are they grown now? – production system, schedule, materials, cultivars, density, equipment, etc.
     • Where are they grown now? – climate conditions, benchmark/record yields
     • What are the issue of current production systems
   • Evaluating potentials
     • Are there ways to maximize productivity? – planting density, crop management, environmental conditions, nutrition, crop cycles
     • Cost estimates (CapEx and OpEx)?
     • Is there a good market for it (Premium? Quantity? Season?)?
2. Proof of concept trial
   • Productivity
   • Costs (CapEx and OpEx)
   • Logistics (crop management and supply chain)
   • Compatibility (system and multi crops to share the growing space)
3. Small scale production trial