Abstract
Production costs have been analyzed in several studies using such normative approaches as budgeting and mathematical programming, and positive approaches as estimation of production, cost, or profit functions. This study used budgeting methods to analyze the costs and benefits of adopting integrated crop management (ICM) or organic methods versus conventional agriculture for tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. saccharada), and pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo L.). Data were collected using field studies conducted at the Rutgers University Snyder Research and Extension Farm, Pittstown, N.J. Time and motion study techniques were used to record machinery use and labor quantities. Records of production inputs and yields were also collected. These records were then converted to a 1.0-acre (0.4-ha) basis to constructed crop budgets. Results show that ICM systems are more profitable than conventional and organic systems. Organic systems had the lowest net returns. However, because of the organic price premium, the net returns were fairly close to those for conventional and ICM systems.
Department(s)
Agribusiness, Education, and Communication
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21273/horttech.https://doi.org/10.4.785
Rights Information
HortTechnology is an open-access publication and adheres to Creative Commons licensing: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. You may share, copy and resdistribute this material for non-commercial purposes in any medium.
Publication Date
2000
Recommended Citation
Brumfield, Robin G., Arbindra Rimal, and Steve Reiners. "Comparative cost analyses of conventional, integrated crop management, and organic methods." HortTechnology 10, no. 4 (2000): 785-793.
Journal Title
HortTechnology
