US: Why vanilla might be the next big crop for South Florida

Florida is on the cusp of a new agricultural crop that could give small farmers in the southern region of the state a high-value alternative to vegetable and fruit production. University of Florida researchers at the Tropical Research and Education Center have embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of vanilla — from researching fertilizer recommendations to developing the highest-yielding and disease-resistant varieties to identifying beans with the best vanilla content. “Why grow vanilla? It’s the world’s most popular flavor,” Edward “Gilly” Evans, University of Florida Food and Resource Economist and Director of the Center, says. “Vanilla extract can command anywhere from $250 to $600 per kilo. By value of acreage, it has the potential to outcompete all other crops we grow in this area.” Vanilla, a vining orchid, is mainly grown in Madagascar. The U.S. is the world’s No. 1 importer of vanilla beans, which are then processed stateside and used for food, flavor, cosmetics, ...