A Market Assessment for Potential Crops on Peatlands in Koochiching County

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to provide a list of crops with sufficient markets that can be grown on the tax forfeited peatlands and stimulate economic growth in Koochiching County. The focus was on finding crops with significant markets such that large number of peatland acres could eventually be utilized for production. The market for broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, and onions is large and growing. It should be able to absorb additional production from Koochiching County. In addition, the timing of the asparagus harvest may make it an ideal crop for the County. All of these crops can be grown on peatlands but additional work must be done in the production and marketing areas before an industry is developed. Production issues that must be addressed include varietal development and selection, site selection and accessibility, and production methods. A marketing infrastructure must also be developed. ~Even though these production and marketing concerns may eventually be addressed, the profitability of a large produce industry propably depends on the accessibility of land and the cost of clearing and the availability and cost of labor. Development of a produce industry in northern Minnesota will take money, time, and dedicated people. If Koochiching County decides to help develop the industry it should work with the organizations who appear to be leading the development: the Clearwater County Extension Office, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute at Crookston, Northern Minnesota Produce, and Kooch Grown.