NFG-Important issues for a new fruit grower.
Here are some of the basic, important questions that you should ask yourself and answer as best you can, BEFORE you plant a tree. We've tried to list them in order of importance as we see them.
- Start with a plan!
- Why am I even thinking about doing this?
- What and where is my market? This is the most important question you need to answer. We all know that if you don't have a market for your production, then you have to EAT it! Some of the markets that you need to investigate are:
- Do I really have a fruit site?
- Equipment Questions:
- Government Regulations and Compliance Questions.
- Conventional or Organic Production?
- Getting the fruit growing knowledge base:
- Buying the trees.
- Pollination--- Not as difficult a question as most make it out to be!
Agriculture tourism and entertainment
Roadside or Farm Market
Farmer's Markets direct to the consumer
U-Pick Orchards
Wholesale Produce Markets or Auctions
Organic Production and Markets
Who is my competition?
Other unique market niches.
Do I know what kind of soil I have, and can I grow fruit on it?
Elevation is important for consistent production. Will I frost or freeze out on a regular basis?
Hardiness Zone--- What is mine, and what limitations might it impose of fruit production?
Can I improve my site to make it better?
5. Business Planning: Dollars and Cents Questions:
Do I have the necessary financial and capital resources for the long term?
Am I willing to make the long term dollar investment?
Is my spouse on-board?
Can I realize a pay-out or return on my investment?
Do I have good communication with my banker?
Can I use any of my existing equipment?
What other essential equipment do I need and what is the cost or availability?
How will my current existing equipment help determine my orchard design?
Uncle Sam (Local, state, and federal governments) will be your partners whether you like it or not. It isn’t the wild west anymore, partner!
Is there a viable market for organic in my region?
Am I in a region where organic production is practical or is it just possible?
What are the pitfalls and benefits of organic versus conventional production?
Orchard Production and Training Systems:
Dwarf (pedestrian) or Semi-Dwarf trees?
Determine proper tree density and spacing.
Decide whether to trellis, support single trees, or grow self-supporting trees.
Management time requirements for my system.
Capital and investment requirements for my system.
Discovering the fruit growing infrastructure.
Variety selection--- should be based on your market!
New varieties--- to do or not to do?
Standard varieties--- some are always a sure bet.
Heirloom or antique varieties--- can they be a niche for me?
Hard to find and custom varieties--- where and how to get them.
Rootstocks--- Maybe a more important factor in success than varieties sometimes!
Rootstocks determine the final system selection.
Dwarf or Semi-dwarf?
Are they the proper match to my site and soil?
Are they the proper match for my market niche?
Where to get the bees?
Dependence on local pollinators may be troublesome.
Should I get in the bee-keeping business? Honey is a marketable product.
The basics about pollinator varieties is really quite easy, and shouldn't be sweated over as much as it is.