Aronia
Aronia
Key Requirements
| Land | Low |
| Labor | Medium |
| Capital | Medium |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- On-Farm Market
- CSA
- Value-Added
- Specialty Foods Markets
Pests & Disease
Subject to spotted wing drosophila infestations, making spraying a necessity. Aronia is attractive to deer and birds, and wildlife exclusion strategies could present significant time and expense for commercial plantings.
$10,200
Cost per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets. Can take 3 years to see returns.
$(854)
Returns per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets. Can take 3 years to see returns.
Challenges
- Unfamiliarity can inhibit widespread consumer acceptance, limiting sales volume.
- Necessity of processing further complicates the marketing process, eliminating direct fresh sales and affecting increasing returns.
Opportunities
- Aronia berries are less tender and therefore less prone to injury during transport to market.
- Aronia prefers a neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soil located in full sun.
- Have positive health aspects and these characteristics may help grow markets for both crops among more health-conscious American consumers.