Stock Up On Alternative Crops

There has always been a buzz around “alternative” crops, as growers seek the next big thing in specialty crop production. With today’s challenges like HLB in citrus and tight margins in other more traditional crops, perhaps the search for alternatives is more intense than ever.
For growers in search of these new and emerging crops, Hopkins Nursery has just about any alternative crop one can imagine. The nursery’s tagline — “Where the exotic becomes reality” — is fitting considering there are about 60 different species of fruit plants in cultivation there on the 10-acre operation in Immokalee.

The operation is a family affair with a passion for growing tropical fruit. The nursery is managed by Billy Hopkins, his mother Barbara, and his wife Rachel. Billy and Rachel’s daughter Hannah Joye is five and already in command of many of the plants grown at the nursery.

Picking Peaches

The hottest alternative crop of the day is peaches. Citrus growers, in particular, have been planting in peaches as HLB and canker eradication has taken acreage out. While it is hard to put an estimate on the peach acreage in the state, ballpark figures are in the 1,100-acre range. That number is growing every year.

Hopkins is now selling peach liners and he has some advice for growers considering planting the crop. “I have heard some people comment that peaches are replacing citrus,” says Billy Hopkins. “This is simply not true. Look at peaches as an addition to your income. Peaches begin fruiting after Valencias are finished, so they are a way to extend your season and cash flow.”

He adds that growers should start with a solid rootstock selection. There are some peaches going in older rootstock technology from Tennessee, which is not the proper selection. Flordaguard is the current rootstock developed by and recommended from UF/IFAS.

“Verify that peach trees you purchase are fresh,” says Hopkins. “Trees grown on speculation may have been sitting and have become stagnant or have circling roots and are root bound. Make sure the trees are actively growing, unless they are purchased in winter while they are dormant.”
Hopkins also advises that prospective or existing peach growers visit different nurseries to inspect the quality and appearance of trees. “Pull a few plants out of their containers and look at the roots,” he says.
“We recommend contract growing the peach trees to ensure you have the freshest trees possible. It is not like the good old days of field grown citrus nurseries. Peaches don’t care for the old deep citrus pots.”

Currently, Hopkins is testing different containers that will produce a good tree with a healthy root system. Experimentation with new crops and new production techniques is emblematic of how Hopkins Nursery has been successful over the years.

Ancient Crops Comeback

While peaches have garnered much of the current alternative crop attention, pomegranates and olives also are getting noticed as having potential in Florida. These crops date back to biblical times, but have been in demand throughout history. Recent news on both plants’ health benefits are bringing increasing interest from consumers in pomegranates and olives.

During the All Florida Ag Show in April, Dr. Bill Castle, UF/IFAS, announced the formation of the Florida Pomegranate Association to support the fledgling interest in the new crop in the state. “Dr. Castle is researching the crop’s viability here,” says Hopkins. “At this time, there is not a fresh fruit market here, however efforts are being made to develop a pomegranate industry in Florida. It does appear to make a good processed fruit crop.”
Hopkins sells five primary pomegranate varieties at the nursery. He says he and others are still trying to determine which varieties work best in different locations.

South Florida's Hopkins Nursery provides growers seeking a niche an abundance of choices.