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An interdisciplinary systems approach was used to explore the potential of fall, fresh-market broccoli as a new enterprise for eastern Virginia. Thirteen cultivars were evaluated in three plantings. Crop value was estimated at each harvest based on weekly market prices. The market window was open from mid-October until late November, with production of 160 cartons/ha, each at 11 kg. However, production of 120 cartons/ha narrowed the window to 2 weeks. Yield of some cultivars exceeded 160 cartons/ha in the first planting; yield of others was below the target production in the second planting. Low yield and low prices during most of the harvest period for the second planting suggests that the optimum harvest season ends in mid- to late November. Problems with poor plant establishment must be addressed before growers can fully capitalize on potential of broccoli as a new enterprise.
An interdisciplinary approach had been developed to examine the production, economic, and marketing feasibility of new crops. The methodology requires the determination of yield potential and product quality, construction of production budgets, and completion of marketing window analyses. Potential for integration of new crops into the existing farm enterprise is assessed using linear programing techniques that consider labor and equipment constraints, crop rotations and best management practices. Risk analyses consider yield, production costs, and price of both new and traditional crops. By using this method, broccoli has been identified as a potential new crop for eastern Virginia, with labor requirements and slush ice availability being the major constraints to integration into vegetable production in this area.