Kansas is well positioned to grow a variety of specialty crops including pumpkins, squash, decorative corn, watermelon, muskmelon, sweet corn, sweet potatoes and ethnic crops. Increasing consumer interest in local food systems is bringing attention to the Kansas specialty crop industry. Additionally, more than 780,000 acres in Kansas have historically been involved in horticulture activities, including fruit, berries, nuts, vegetables and melons, grapes and wine, medicinal plants, Christmas trees, sod, nurseries and greenhouses, florists, arborists, turf installation and maintenance, and lawn care firms. Based on current industry trends and results of an ongoing Statewide Survey of Specialty Crop Production, tools to encourage growth, increase competitiveness and identify marketing outlets for the specialty crop industry in Kansas will be identified and prioritized.
Consolidated Notes from Specialty Crops Sector Workshop
Specialty Crops sector document (Draft created prior to Summit)