Potential markets are in selling fresh-cut herbs to restaurants, at local farmers' markets, and through some specialty grocers. Also listed as an herb is the confusingly named anise, which is a close relative of fennel, bulbous fennel, Florence fennel, or finocchio. Herbs such as garlic, onions, parsley, and hot peppers also are priced but are listed as plain vegetables. The report covers 18 terminal markets around the country and provides prices and shipment sizes of 20 or more different culinary herbs. Most of the commercial fresh-cut herbs in this country currently come from California, Texas, or Florida.
Some items come from other States, and some are imported at very competitive prices.
A lack of knowledge of particular herb cultivation systems, difficulties with correct seed labeling, and lack of regulations concerning pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are major production problems. Seeds are another concern for herb growers. Although imported seeds and seeds supplied by bulk suppliers are the main sources for the industry, there is an urgent need for the production of high-quality, reliably identified seed sources. Processed Herbs Non-food herbs are another potential market. Considerable specialized knowledge of dehydrating, processing, and extracting, is often required. and specialized machinery may be needed.