Research to develop fresh market fruit and vegetable varieties. Research is needed to determine the consistency of varieties, i.e. why does the same variety of produce taste different when grown in different locations. Develop and maintain a current database describing equipment and horticultural supplies. Research and Extension Needs as Seen by California Farmers Richard Molinar Fresno, California California small farms are unique in the diversity of crops grown and their wide ethnic diversity. Over 250 different crops are grown and, in some counties, some are grown over a 365-day growing season.
Many regions specialize in a particular commodity.
They are small farms and mini farms by one definition. Many of the small farms, growers raise specialty crops with higher cash values, to compensate for smaller acreage. Sixteen percent of all small and mini farms are owned by minorities, the two largest groups being Southeast Asians and Hispanics. Fresno County has more large and small farms than any other county in California. The above list demonstrates the immense diversity of crops grown in Fresno and the limited acreage a farmer may have of any particular crop.