Growing Organic Heirloom Tomatoes in the Field and High Tunnels in North Carolina: Comparative Economic Analysis

Abstract

<jats:p>In this study, we conducted an economic analysis of high tunnel and open-field production systems of heirloom tomato (<jats:italic>Solanum lycopersicum</jats:italic>) based on a two-year study at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) located in Goldsboro, eastern North Carolina. The research site was transitional organic using organically certified inputs and practices on land not yet certified. Production costs and returns were documented in each system and provide a useful decision tool for growers. Climatic conditions varied dramatically in 2007 compared with 2008 and differentially affected total and marketable yields in each system. Profits were higher in the open-field system and the high tunnels in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using a range of market prices from $1.60/lb to $3.60/lb and a range of fruit marketability levels from 35% to 80%. Both systems were profitable except at the lowest price point and the lowest percent marketability level in high tunnel in 2007. At $2.60/lb, seasonal average sale price reported by growers for this region, and depending on percent marketability levels, the payback period for high tunnels ranged from two to five years. Presented sensitivity tables will enable decision makers to knowledgably estimate economic potential of open-field and high tunnel systems based on expected local prices and fruit quality parameters.</jats:p>

Is Vegetable Grafting Economically Viable in the United States: Evidence From Four Different Tomato Production Systems

“…To make adjustments in net revenues for the costs of tunnels, we assumed that initial investment of $12,975 was required to construct a 0.03-hahigh tunnel (Sydorovych et al, 2013) and $38,014 to construct 0.4-ha multi-bay tunnel. When the 10-year useful life (4 years for plastic) was considered for each tunnel, annual share of tunnel costs was estimated to be $4430 for the high tunnel and $1410 for the multi-bay tunnel (Haygrove, Inc.; Ledbury, United Kingdom).…”

“…For the conventional field production, the cost model is based on the production budget developed by Sydorovych et al (2012). The costs associated with organic heirloom tomato production in the field and high tunnel are based on O'Connell et al 2012and Sydorovych et al (2013). Finally, production costs associated with growing heirloom tomatoes in multi-bay tunnel are based on field trials that were conducted on a commercial farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA.…”

“…The initial fixed costs required to construct a 0.03-ha high tunnel with two layers of plastic were estimated. Assuming that the polyethylene plastic needs replacement every 4 years, the total costs associated with high tunnel construction were spread out equally over the period of 10 years to estimate the share of these costs per year of useful life for annual revenue analysis (Sydorovych et al, 2013).In the case of multi-bay tunnels, an estimate of costs associated with construction of a 0.4-hastructure was obtained from a supplier (Haygrove, Inc.; Ledbury, United Kingdom). It was also assumed that the structure would be used for 10 years and that the polyethylene plastic needs replacement every 4 years.…”

Planting Date Effect on Yield of Tomato, Eggplant, Pepper, Zinnia, and Snapdragon in High Tunnel in Mississippi

“…Planting date in HTs in Mississippi might be pushed even earlier for earlier harvest. Even if certain level of yield loss occurs due to great stand loss in earlier planting dates, demand for early produce, shortage in market supply during early harvest, and the associated premium price often observed for many HT produce (Sydorovych et al 2013) may offset economic loss from yield loss. In addition, labor may be more available early in the season when field production activity is limited.…”

Farm Type and High Tunnel Management: Connections between Farm Characteristics and High Tunnel Outcomes in Indiana

“…Growing specialty crops in a high tunnel is similar to growing them in the field, but there are enough substantial differences that one cannot use exactly the same methods in a high tunnel environment (Conner and Demchak, 2018). Previous studies have surveyed farmers about the management practices they use in their high tunnels (Knewtson et al, 2010), and explored the profitability of high tunnels (Galinato and Miles, 2013;Sydorovych et al, 2013;Vescera and Brown, 2016;Waldman et al, 2012). These studies have pointed to labor-related issues as barriers to increased high tunnel production and maximizing profit potential for farmers (Conner and Demchak, 2018;Conner et al, 2010;Knewtson et al, 2010).…”