Opportunities for Farmers to Grow Tropical Vegetables in the Northeastern United States

The demographics of the United States are changing rapidly as immigrant populations have increased at rates not seen since the early 20th century. The majority of these recent immigrants, unlike the majority who arrived from Europe in the 18^th,19^th and early 20^th centuries, are coming from tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The dominant groups are Spanish and Portuguese-speaking ethnicities from Latin America; there are also growing numbers of ethnicities from Asian countries and to a lesser extent from African countries. Researchers at the University of Massachussetts, in collaboration Rutgers University and University of Florida, have been evaluating crops popular among these new and growing immigrant groups to the Northeastern US that can be viably grown and marked by US farmers. A large percentage of vegetables grown in the Northeastern United States are from tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. For example, more than 70% of the 15,000 hectares of vegetables that are grown in Massachusetts have their center of origin in tropical or sub-tropical regions, such as sweet corn (Zea mays), peppers (Capsicum spp.), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and species in the family Cucurbitaceae. A system has been created that involves several intergraded components to evaluate and introduce new tropical vegetables to commercial growers and markets in the Northeastern US that are desired by these new immigrants. Key components of this integrated system include: 1.Informal and formal surveys of members of the target immigrant groups and markets where they shop to learn more about specific vegetables used in their respective cuisines. 2. Trials at research facilities and on cooperating farms to establish yields, pest and fertility management, postharvest requirements, among other production and packing requirements. 3. Establish the market size and demand for specific crops, including price points and seasonal demand. 4. Assist commercial farmers to promote the target crops in order to ensure viability of the production and marketing. A critical element in all aspects of the above components is the participation of members of the target immigrant group; working with people who speak the language and know the culture of the target groups has been essential to the success of this work. This research has led to sales of more than five million dollars in retail sales since 2004 of crops never before grown in Massachusetts. Examples introduced include calabaza (Cucurbita moschata), jiló (Solanum gilo), and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica).