Vegetable Crops

Vegetable crops comprise only 22% of the total crop land in Imperial County but generate more than 58% of the total crop returns providing over 500 million dollars in farm gate revenue. The total economic impact of vegetable crops to the local community can be estimated at nearly 1.5 billion dollars. The main vegetables grown in Imperial County are iceberg lettuce, leaf lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cantaloupes, honeydews, dry bulb onions, processor onions, carrots, sweet corn, spinach, spring mix and watermelons. 

Vegetable production requires large economic inputs when compared to traditional agronomic crops. Due to increasing regulations and public concerns, management practices more than ever call for the use of new and emerging technologies. In addition to the customary; crop, labor, pest, and economic management, growers are increasingly faced with new issues such as food safety and environmental management. Therefore, today’s vegetable producers must be at the top of their game in order to provide a safe, healthy product while securing their investments and hopefully realizing a profit.

The University of California Cooperative Extension Vegetable Crops Program provides information, research, and educational opportunities aimed at supporting the vegetable crops industry in Imperial County and the greater community. If you need information on vegetable crops or have vegetable crops related issues that require new research initiatives, contact us at (442) 265-7700.