Finding niche markets is one way they do this. Frank Dainello, Extension horticulturist, explained the benefits of niche marketing to a group of producers Thursday at the Central Texas Vegetable Shortcourse. Among the niches Dainello identified were winter squashes, melons that are not being readily produced, ornamental gourds, different types of peppers and basically anything else for which a producer can find a market. Dainello referred to a gentlemen who grows unusual types of pumpkins. This farmer has established a niche market for strange pumpkins.
Niches require a targeted clientele with unique needs.
An example is catering to a specific ethnic group, Dainello said. In the past few years, Texas has seen a growth in its Asian population, he said. This has provided a new market for products that Texas farmers had not thought of raising before. Dainello cautioned the producers that no one item can replace the major commodity in an area. This is part of the nature of a niche market item, he said.