Native Fruits Offer Resilient Alternatives

A feature on CNN highlighted native fruits that could offer improved resilience for backyard growers and farmers alike. Individual growers and research organizations are both exploring native crops such as pawpaws, persimmons, beach plums, sand cherries, and aronia. They are finding native plants resilient to extreme weather and better able to withstand pests and diseases. Producing them as crops is not without challenges, however, as some have a short shelf-life and are too delicate to handle easily. In addition, farmers who invest in less-familiar crops often have to build their own markets for the products.
Related ATTRA publication: Fruit Trees, Bushes, and Vines for Natural Growing in the Ozarks