Organization: Oceana County Extension (Peppers)

                        210 Johnson St.

                        Hart, MI  49420

                        231-873-2129

 

Submitter:      Jim Breinling-MSUE

                        817 S. Stewart St.

                        Fremont, MI  49412

                        231-924-0500

                        breinlij@msue.msu.edu

 

Peppers

Priorities:       1. Marketing issues to include:

     - Effects of NAFTA

-         loss of fresh markets in East to Canada

-         loss of process markets to Mexico

      - Marketing dominated by brokers in relationship to fewer actual

         buyers.

Estimated Economic Impact:

-         Fresh market-Canadian imports have depressed prices

$2.00/box  x 700 bx/A = $1500/A reduction of income

-         Process markets: Mexico competition has kept prices

Stagnant and eliminated up to $500/A.

                        New Issue

 

                        2. Phytophthora crown and root rot

                       

                        Estimated Economic Impact: Can result in 100% loss of crop, up to

                                    $5000/A

                        Old Issue: no previous industry funding

 

                        3. Bacterial leaf spot.

                       

                        Estimated Economic Impact: Can result in 100% loss of crop, up to

                                    $5000/A.

                        Old Issue: No direct industry funding.