Wildflower Seed is an Alternative Crop for Tobacco Farmers

Source from:  suwanneedemocrat.com 06/20/2005

Researchers with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, or UF/IFAS have found an alternative source of income to help replace the revenue tobacco farmers are losing. Although there is probably no single replacement crop for tobacco, native wildflower seed is one alternative crop that could play a meaningful role in alleviating some of the revenue losses in the tobacco-based economy of 20 northern Florida counties, including Suwannee. While Florida wildflower seed production and marketing is in its infancy, there is a growing market. There is a strong demand for native wildflower seed derived from naturally occurring Florida populations - but Florida's fledgling native wildflower seed industry cannot meet current and projected demand. So, instead of purchasing seed from within the state, agencies such as The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are forced to buy seed from major seed producing states such as Texas. "We try to look for the Florida ecotype or the Florida grown seed, because we're getting research back from the universities that say it has a better re-seeding value here in Florida because it's our soil types," said Tim Allen, Maintenance Rating Program/Roadside manager for FDOT. "Whatever I can't get of the Florida grown, then I look towards the other suppliers from outside the state. "The Florida co-op has only been around for a couple of years now, so I think we've only bought Florida grown seed for about three years now." FDOT is currently the largest buyer of wildflower seed in Florida. Other large land management agencies, such as Water Management Districts, along with private companies that must reclaim large areas of land also have expressed strong interest in purchasing Florida ecotypes of native wildflower seed. Goldenmane Tickseed was the most frequently grown wildflower crop in 2002, and the most profitable species. However, since this species is the one in greatest supply - and supply is expected to increase - a slight drop in price could occur within the next few years if efforts are not made to facilitate an increase in demand. Florida ecotype wildflower seed has potential as a high-value crop. Depending on species, Florida growers are currently receiving $35 - 100 per pound, with typical yields of 20 - 60 pounds per acre. It should be noted that although wildflower seed production can help replace lost tobacco revenue, it will require an investment of time and money. "Even though seed price is high, it's not a get rich quick' business," said UF/IFAS wildflower researcher, Dr. Jeff Norcini, who is based at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy (NFREC-Quincy). "New growers should start small and then expand; be prepared to invest dollars and sweat equity." According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' (FDACS) publication, "Native Wildflower Seed Production in Florida," wildflowers for seed production can be grown in field or landscape fabric production systems. Details about theses two types of seed production, including costs, are discussed in this publication, to which a direct link can be found online on the NFREC-Quincy's website. Growers interested in starting a wildflower seed operation can purchase seed from the Wildflower Seed and Plant Growers Association, Inc., a co-operative of Florida growers, which was established in 2003. If purchased from another source, the FDACS offers this tip, "Wherever transplant or seed is purchased, make sure the original source was a naturally occurring population in Florida." Growers and landowners interested in starting a wildflower seed operation can visit http://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/wildflowers.htm for more information, publications and links.