Crop insurance programs for fruit crops are not widely available. Since fruit production is not concentrated into particular regions of the state, actuarial tables have not been developed, so fruit producers cannot get federally subsidized crop insurance for most fruit crops. Food safety concerns and regulations are making production more costly. Compliance with increased regulation of apple cider production is putting downward pressure on margins, especially for small producers. Production Opportunities Indiana is not a major commercial fruit producing state, yet selected market opportunities exist for production of small fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and grapes, and tree fruits such as apples and peaches.
Selected opportunities exist for supplying fruits to local markets.
Direct farm markets, community farmer's markets, and independent retail outlets are among the most common local markets. During recent years, these market opportunities have grown, and are especially important for small producers. However, they still represent a small share of the total volume consumed. Producers seeking to establish local market opportunities should focus on establishing a marketing plan prior to commencing production. Production Considerations Climate is one of the biggest challenges to fruit production in the upper Midwest, and can lead to plant injury, inconsistent yield, and reduced quality.