The Economics Of High TVinnels

摘要

eIVERYONE seems to be thinking about producing horti-I cultural crops in high tunnels these days. High tunnels can significantly increase the length of the market season by allowing earlier planting and by protecting plants from frost in the fall. A recent economic study conducted by Wen-fei Uva and Mei-Luan Cheng of Cornell University, and involving several New York producers using high tunnels, indicates mat these structures can be profitable, but it depends on the crop grown and how it is marketed. The study, sponsored by the New York Farm Viability Institute, surveyed growers of tomatoes, English cucumbers, cut flowers, and raspberries keeping expenses and income from crops sold for the 2006 and 2007 growing season. In addition, the growers shared information about the initial cost of the high tunnels they had erected on their farms.