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FIG FARM

here is a thread from few days ago showing fig farm and fig tourism in action
good luck
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Figs-in-australia-6352849

Liza hi .I wish i had that land...

u can get some ideas from here too : https://www.facebook.com/PetelTov/photos_albums

its a farm where people can come and pick their fruit and eay at the place or pay for what they take home. 


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Liza, I don't have a "fig farm" yet.  I have 47 acres (see http://tinyurl.com/CorreiaChestnutFarm) which is planted to chestnuts, alfalfa, and a little plot of pomegranates (along with hobby plants).  I have about 100 fig trees in pots, maybe around 70 varieties, and have about 20 older fig trees in the ground.  I most likely will disc up a small area (maybe 32' x 600') of my alfalfa in the next couple of weeks and plant most of my potted fig trees there.  If this venture is profitable, I may expand that planting.  I do not plan to have a large planting of more than an acre or two as I believe the most profitable manner to grow figs in my area is trying to market directly to some individuals, chefs, and markets.  Large commercial operations are mostly 150 miles south of me though there are some medium-size commercial operations not far from me.  I've read of these selling figs for $2 to $7 per pound.  Naturally, I'd prefer the upper end of that price range! :)

Quote:
Originally Posted by rcantor
You need a good kitchen and chef.  And cuttings and plants to buy.  Sign me up!


Dear Rcantor,

Let me know when you want to go to Portugal and I can meet with you there........


Quote:
Originally Posted by theman7676
here is a thread from few days ago showing fig farm and fig tourism in action
good luck
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Figs-in-australia-6352849


Dear 'The Man 7676',
thank you so much for showing me the link.................
Now that is some set up!!!!!!!!!

Liza

Quote:
Originally Posted by JackHNVA
You should post pictures


Hello Jack,

I managed to get some pics posted...........

Harveyc: I have seen figs go for $1 per fig at farmers market. I'd like to get some of those chestnuts when you harvest.

Liza: sounds like a big project. You could have lots of customers. Just please don't plant brown turkey.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Figfinatic
Harveyc: I have seen figs go for $1 per fig at farmers market. I'd like to get some of those chestnuts when you harvest. Liza: sounds like a big project. You could have lots of customers. Just please don't plant brown turkey.


$1/fig would be great - what city is that in?  I think they probably wouldn't go for that much here.  I know of one guy who supposedly gets $7/pound but he's got a cult following with his "biodynamic" farming practices and I've read of other area farms that charge $2-$2.2.5/pound which might not be too profitable with labor, etc.  A local grocery store says they have bought a 40 pound lug from a small hobby grower for $60 (but he was guessing from memory).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Figfinatic
Harveyc: I have seen figs go for $1 per fig at farmers market. I'd like to get some of those chestnuts when you harvest. Liza: sounds like a big project. You could have lots of customers. Just please don't plant brown turkey.


Thanks for the input, have Pingo de mel and St. jean planted .I am trying to plan a trip to go and see the farm.So many years since I was there last.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HarveyC

$1/fig would be great - what city is that in?  I think they probably wouldn't go for that much here.  I know of one guy who supposedly gets $7/pound.


$1 a fig is the equivalent of about $6-7 per pound.

I'm in NYC, some of my figs are sold to very high end restaurants and boutique groceries.

X-Large figs are delivered at $40-45 per dozen to restaurants,
same figs are only worth $25 dozen at the boutique groceries,
which sell the x-large figs at $3.50 each.

Point being the figs are worth more at wholesale to restaurants,
 than at retail to the consumer.

Kind of works the same way with other produce items as well,
flat of heirloom tomatoes sell more at wholesale to upscale restaurants,
then they will at retail to the consumer.
Of course, delivery costs are a component of this pricing.

Markets are considerably different in NYC.  I don't imagine there are many fig growers to compete with.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HarveyC
Markets are considerably different in NYC.  I don't imagine there are many fig growers to compete with.


Yes, of course considerably different than CA.

Besides figs that come from CA, there are figs from Australia, Mexico, Chile imported
into the local wholesale terminal market 8-9 months out of the year.
Probably more competition than you see in CA when it comes to figs.
Flats of figs, 30-40 count, about 4 pounds, wholesale $ 7-10 for the flat.

I've never heard of anybody that enjoyed eating a fig that was handled through a terminal market.  There are many small growers selling ripe figs here in California besides the types that get shipped through packing sheds, brokers, terminal markets, etc.

Harvey, This breba could do very well in your County. Portuguese fishermen who have lived in Monterey
after WW1 may have taken this fig and others to that area
A large fruit, avrg 100+ grams, nice aspect, sweet and juicy..If am not wrong it is called CASTANHOL in distant Madeira!...with good treatment , wise pruning and cultivation is very prolific.
A week ago when the first fruit showed up on Saturday's farmers markets, it was selling at 12 euros per kilogram...I am told that today it came down to 8 euros/kg..
Francisco

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Wow, that's a pretty high price for a farmers' market there Francisco.  One grower not far from me (Knoll Farms, shown in one of the Martha Stewart videos here several months ago) supposedly gets $7/pound for their fruits at the farmers' markets and they introduced their first fruits of the year today.  But they have quite a following with their big push with their "bio-dynamic" farming practices, etc.  We will see....I will eat them myself for now. :)

Quote:
Originally Posted by HarveyC
I've never heard of anybody that enjoyed eating a fig that was handled through a terminal market.  There are many small growers selling ripe figs here in California besides the types that get shipped through packing sheds, brokers, terminal markets, etc.


Harvey.............
This is why I started to grow figs,I was convinced that the bland little lumps that were sold in the supermarkets had to be improved on.WHen I tasted my first home grown fig ,I became hooked.
Of course this is the case with all fruit and veg,but the challenge of growing the best....well is the best

Liza, I see you have Crystal Ice for sale on eBay.  Is that a fig that requires caprification?  Are you growing it on your farm in Portugal?

I saw somone started the topic so i want to ask somthing.

If i buy a land and plant figs there do they need any watering?

is it possible to invest in land and grow figs there without any ( and  i mean any ) maintanance--watering, mulching fertilizing etc...

Quote:
Originally Posted by HarveyC
Liza, I see you have Crystal Ice for sale on eBay.  Is that a fig that requires caprification?  Are you growing it on your farm in Portugal?


Hello Harvey,
thanks for showing interest in the Ice Crystal Fig .I do not have this on the farm as yet,but will take some there in 2014.
As this is an Afghani cultivar,yes a pollinator will be required.
I am only growing plants here in London at the moment,scions,air layers as well as many suckers.Our weather here ,this year has been just perfect for all propagation and fruiting.
How is your New Fig Orchard doing ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by elin
I saw somone started the topic so i want to ask somthing.

If i buy a land and plant figs there do they need any watering?

is it possible to invest in land and grow figs there without any ( and  i mean any ) maintanance--watering, mulching fertilizing etc...


Hello Elin,
Are you thinking about buying in Portugal?...........When I originally bought the Farm ,it had been laid with each individual plant having a self watering drip system as the trees were very young.As I have not been there for some 8 years no one watered the trees on the hills, I have been told that the only trees that have suvived ar the ones in the valleys..........I am scared to see the result of my neglet.........but withing the next month , I will pluck up courage and go and see.
sigh...............

Hi Liza, the new figs are growing well.  My drip system should be installed this week, working in-between my other farm chores right now (and tours, LOL).

Hope you have the ability to restore your farm and fulfill your dreams!

Quote:
Originally Posted by HarveyC
Hi Liza, the new figs are growing well.  My drip system should be installed this week, working in-between my other farm chores right now (and tours, LOL).

Hope you have the ability to restore your farm and fulfill your dreams!

I am glad all is going to plan for you Harvey.............
I have finally managed after 8 months to establish a contact in Portugal to assist me with the hope of being able to obtain EU funding for the Farm.....watch this space.

Great.  I'd be bidding on your Crystal Ice but don't wish to have a visit by the USDA/APHIS inspectors.  Good luck with those!.

QUINTA BOM FINALE

Well I am off to Portugal next Thursday..............To the Farm, first time in 8 years..................
have to get the show on the road..............again.
Apprehensive to say the least.


Good Luck!

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