With favorable agricultural lands, climate conditions, and innovative techniques, the farm sector is becoming an increasingly profitable area. However, knowing which products are more profitable can help farmers and investors make the right decisions. Such products are in great demand in both local and international markets, attracting attention and whet the appetite of investors. In this article, altitudementor.com will discuss high value small farm crops.
In this article, you will find information that will help you to direct your future investments best while discovering the products that have been worth their weight in gold in recent years. If you are ready, let’s open the doors to the profitable world of agriculture. Here are the most profitable and money-making agricultural products for you:
High Value Small Farm Crops
1. Lavender
Lavender, one of the most profitable medicinal and aromatic plants, provides above-average income for small growers because lavender is a versatile product. Fresh flowers can be sold in bulk or used to make lavender oil. Lavender flowers dry quickly. You can sell dried flowers to florists and crafters for use in wreaths and flower arrangements. Lavender is also used in the preparation of value-added products such as spice bags, herbal pillows, aromatherapy products, and skin care products (such as soap). Lavender cultivation is a profitable business opportunity.
2. Gourmet Mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the most suitable products for urban farming because they can be grown indoors and the returns are high. Oyster and shiitake are the two most commonly grown gourmet mushroom species that can be found fresh or dried in most markets. Oyster mushrooms in particular are quite productive. Half a kilo is sold for around 50 liras and you can earn thousands of liras by harvesting your first harvest in 2-3 months. Even if oyster mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms are dried, they are mostly sold fresh.
In addition, truffles are among the most profitable aromatic medicinal plants.
3. Asparagus
The history of asparagus, known as the “food of kings”, dates back to the Roman period. Asparagus, a complete source of nutrition and health, has started to take its place on market shelves today. It is currently sold for around 100-150 TL per bunch in markets.
4. Landscape Trees and Shrubs
Trees and branches used for landscaping are very profitable for small growers because the profit margins are quite high and you can grow a lot of plants in a small space. One of the most popular landscaping trees and shrubs are seedlings and you can get them very cheaply from wholesalers. Plastic pots and soil are also cheap.
5. Bonsai Plants
From slender trees as tall as your finger to mature maples and 18-inch pines, the world of bonsai is full of surprises. The spread and popularity of bonsai growing as a hobby has created great opportunities for new growers to sell bonsai trees to enthusiasts and collectors. You will need a small area to grow bonsai (as the plants are quite dense). You will also need to obtain seeds or seedlings and supplies.
6. Japanese Maple
Japanese maple has been cultivated for thousands of years and is a tree species admired for its unique beauty. Small-scale growers who focus on Japanese maple have a better chance of success, as most garden centers do not have the space to display many varieties. Japanese maple is a small tree and can be grown in containers in a small space. Japanese maple is an expensive and limited crop, making it a profitable niche for patient growers.
7. Willows
This trouble-free tree is easy to grow and maintain. Willow flowers and stems are in high demand. Florists use the stems for arrangements and wreaths. Crafters use willow branches in basketry and other fiber arts, such as garden fencing and rustic willow furniture.
8. Garlic
The profit from garlic farming is quite high, especially if you are going to grow “gourmet” garlic. There are three types of gourmet garlic: Rocambole, Purple stripe, and Porcelain. Once you taste these wonderful kinds of garlic, you will never want to eat ordinary garlic again. That is why customers do not hesitate to pay high amounts for these kinds of garlic. Another favorite type of garlic is Elephant garlic. The chance of failure in garlic farming is quite low because garlic is a product that can be easily grown in various soil and weather conditions.
9. Bamboo
This magnificent plant from the grass family is a favorite of landscapers. You can grow bamboo for homeowners and landscapers. A small area will be enough for bamboo cultivation. Over 600 bamboo plants can be grown in a 30′ x 40′ area in 5-gallon containers.
10. Quinoa
Since 2013 was declared the “Year of Quinoa” by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, quinoa has become increasingly popular around the world and is among the most profitable agricultural products. The high amount of protein it contains and the fact that this protein has a complete protein feature, which is very rare in plants, make quinoa valuable.
11. Stevia (Sugar Grass)
Stevia is a natural sweetener produced from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, discovered centuries ago by indigenous people in Paraguay. It began to be used by humans after being documented as a “sugar weed” by a Swiss botanist towards the end of the 19th century. Its fresh leaves are 40 times sweeter than sugar, and the powdered sweetener produced from it is 250-300 times sweeter. Despite being so sweet, it also has 0 (zero) calories, making it unique. When we consider the obesity problem in our world, which is deepening every day, it can be understood how critically important stevia is for human life.
Thanks to all these features, we can say that stevia will shake the throne of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose used in diet drinks and foods in the near future. When we consider the volume of the sweetener market, growing stevia will be quite profitable and strategic.
In addition, we should also note that the leaves have a shelf life of 5 years after harvest.
12. Purple Potato
Although its name is potato, its taste and appearance are quite different. The vegetable, which has a significant market in America and Europe, is an important export item and is also becoming increasingly widespread in our country. The vegetable, which is rich in vitamins as well as antioxidant properties, is a candidate to be indispensable for people who focus on healthy living.
13. Peony Flower
The peony flower, which was the symbol of the Antalya Expo Fair in previous years, is also among the most profitable plants. A 4-5 acre peony garden earns its investors an average of 40-50 thousand TL per year.
14. Gueva Fruit
Gueva, a type of fruit, is mostly used in pickles, desserts, jams, juices, and in the cosmetics sector. In addition, its ability to heal some cancers has been proven by scientific research. The fruit, which is sold at prices ranging from 25 to 70 TL per kilogram in our country, can be exported to European countries in particular to make more money.
15. Medicinal Herbs & Medicinal Aromatic Plants
The use of herbs has increased rapidly over the last two decades as more and more people are using fresh herbs in cooking, in herbal blends, and herbal products such as soaps, candles, teas, and bath oils. The most common demand for fresh culinary herbs comes from restaurants and grocery stores. Some growers sell their products at farmers’ markets. Other growers sell dried herbs in packets.
16. Saffron Cultivation
Known as the most expensive spice in the world, saffron is sold for 30 thousand TL per kilogram. Although it is easy to grow this plant, which can grow in most regions of our country, its labor is just as laborious. You can read our article below to get detailed information about this profitable agricultural product that you can grow even in your backyard.
17. Kumquat Cultivation
It is a type of fruit belonging to the citrus family that has just started to be known in our country. It is known as golden orange in China. The fruit, which is sold for an average of 70 TL per kilo, has an export sales price of around 7 Euros.
18. Woody Ornamental Plants
Woody ornamental plants are trees and shrubs with branches. After harvest, they are sold to florists and crafters to use in making decorative items such as arrangements and wreaths. Many woody plants have colorful stems and unusual branches. The most well-known woody plants are holly, which is harvested in winter, goat willow, which is harvested in spring, goldenrod, and hydrangea, which are harvested in late spring and summer. Unlike annual plants such as vegetables, woody plants can be harvested repeatedly. You can grow them all year round and there are different types that you can harvest throughout all four seasons.
19. Goji Berry
Classified as a “superfood,” goji berry – also known as wolfberry – has gained popularity thanks to its antioxidant properties and vitamins. It should come as no surprise if it becomes an indispensable fruit for organic juices and desserts shortly.
20. Blueberry
Blueberries are a fruit rich in antioxidants and stress-reducing phytoflavinoids. Being rich in anti-inflammatory components makes them an ideal fruit for diseases such as heart disease and cancer. They are also an important food in terms of fiber and vitamin C.
Studies show that blueberries contribute to mental activities. According to a study conducted by the University of Cincinnati, regular consumption of blueberries both improves memory and supports the learning ability of the elderly.
Blueberries are planted in early spring. Choosing the blueberries that best suit the climate and soil conditions of your region is critical for a more productive harvest. Blueberries prefer moist, acidic, well-ventilated organic soil. For this reason, it would be a good idea to have your land soil tested before growing blueberries.
21. Kale (Corn)
2-3 leaves of kale can meet 14% of your daily calcium needs and your entire daily vitamin A needs on their own. Kale, which is a very rich food in iron, has an iron content equivalent to a serving of steak.
Growing kale is not a difficult craft either. When you plant the seeds in a sunny area at the beginning of summer, they will be ready to harvest in 3-4 months.
22. Chia Seeds
Chia, which means “strength” in the Mayan language, is a food consumed as a seed. Chia seeds, which we can classify as grains, contain more protein than many other grains. They are also very rich in calcium. A handful of chia seeds contain 5 times more calcium than 1 glass of milk. Chia seeds, which are also rich in omega-3 and fatty acids, also have antioxidant properties.
When planting chia seeds, which relax the digestive system and provide energy, it is important to leave a certain distance between each seed. Covering the seeds lightly with soil and watering them every day are also among the things to be careful about. You can expect a seed planted in the soil to sprout within 1 week.
23. Sweet Potato
One of the most nutritious members of the vegetable family, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and calcium.
You can prepare and consume these potatoes, which have a really sweet taste compared to regular potatoes, in many different ways, just like regular potatoes.
Sweet potatoes, which love clay soils, grow very well in soils with a pH value between 5.8 and 6.2. Sweet potatoes should be planted at 30 cm intervals and the soil should be well ventilated. You can make sweet potatoes grow even better and more efficiently by using some fertilizer. When the tips of the leaves start to turn yellow, it means it is time to harvest sweet potatoes.
24. Autumn Beetroot
Autumn beet, which is widely grown in North Africa, Asia, and Europe, is rich in sugar. Autumn beet, which regulates blood sugar, prevents inflammation and strengthens the immune system, is important in terms of vitamin C, manganese, and potassium.
For autumn beets, which grow better in cooler climates, the soil temperature should be around 15 degrees.
It is recommended that you plant autumn beets by digging 2 cm into the soil. It would be much better to plant the beets 5 cm apart. Because they are planted too close together, the root part cannot develop and grow sufficiently.
25. Wasabi
Wasabi, an indispensable element of the sushi world, is a seriously expensive plant. A 100-gram wasabi root is worth about $50. Growers who sell wasabi directly to restaurants pay $300 for 1 kilo of wasabi.
Wasabi is a plant that should be consumed immediately. In other words, it starts to lose its freshness 15 minutes after being picked. In addition, wasabi is very difficult to grow because it is grown in freshwater sources. It is also difficult to grow wasabi in large quantities because it is susceptible to diseases.
Wasabi grows best in cool, cloudy climates and can also be grown in containers. If you have a pond or stream near your property, for example, you can grow wasabi by the pond.
Wasabi planted in the ground matures and becomes ready to harvest in about 15 to 24 months. However, harvesting can begin in 2 months and small harvests can be made every 6 months.
26. Ginseng
Ginseng is a slow-growing plant used for medicinal purposes.
There are two types: Korean and US variants. Both types have been used in traditional and complementary medicine for thousands of years. Although concrete and definitive benefits of ginseng have not been stated, it is known that it strengthens memory and energizes the mood.
Ginseng, which is used in most energy drinks, should be a long-term investment. In other words, it takes 6 years for a ginseng planted in the ground to be harvested. During this 6-year period, many growers can also make money by selling ginseng seeds and fresh ginseng roots.
Protecting the soil from rain is one of the most important issues when growing ginseng. For this reason, many ginseng growers are looking for ways to protect their land from the soil and storms.
27. Aloe Vera Cultivation
The aloe vera plant, whose benefits are endless, has begun to be appreciated in our country as well as all over the world. Cultivating this miraculous plant, which has found a place in different sectors such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, can be quite profitable.
28. Local Tomatoes
Tomato cultivation with local heirloom seeds can be quite profitable compared to regular tomato cultivation. Since the demand for these tomatoes is quite high, you can easily sell them to restaurants and luxury greengrocers at very high prices. Local pink tomatoes and red heart tomatoes stand out as delicious. However, it is useful to know that the shelf life of these tomatoes is quite short compared to regular tomatoes.
29. Ginger
Ginger grows better in areas that receive rain and have no problems with irrigation. Good rainfall during planting significantly increases the yield of the harvest. Before harvest, approximately one month of dry weather again creates an ideal environment for ginger. In other words, 28-35 degrees before harvest is good for ginger. Ginger likes humid and warm climates. Clayey, sandy and humus-rich soils that are well permeable to water are also important for ginger.
30. Pitaya (Dragon Fruit)
Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, is frequently grown in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Israel, and Sri Lanka. In our country, pitaya cultivation can be done in Mediterranean cities such as Adana, Antalya, and Mersin.
Pitaya, which is a healthy fruit for issues such as diabetes and cholesterol, is also a serious source of fat and protein.
Pitaya, which can grow even in barren soils, requires a tropical climate. The ideal is sandy soil rich in organic matter. This is available in the coastal cities of the Mediterranean region in our country. Direct sunlight may not be good for Pitaya, which requires an air temperature of 20-30 degrees. Therefore, shading systems should be considered for a productive harvest. It needs less water compared to other tropical fruits. However, frequent irrigation is essential during planting, flowering, and fruit development. Drip irrigation systems are an ideal method for this fruit.
31. Pineapple
Pineapple can be grown in the western and southern regions of our country. Antalya, Mersin, and Adana are the most suitable provinces for pineapple cultivation.
Pineapple is a tropical fruit. It requires plenty of sun. Since it is a tropical fruit, it needs frequent and regular water during the flowering and fruit formation period. In other words, the soil should always be moist.
The most suitable temperature conditions for pineapple are between 18 and 35 degrees.
Pineapple is a fruit that needs magnesium-heavy fertilizer. Therefore, fertilizer should be supplemented every 2 weeks until the flowers bloom.
32. Artichoke
Artichokes require plenty of sun and well-watered soil. However, if the soil is constantly moist, they risk rotting. Since they consume nitrogen in the soil, plants such as peas, cabbage, and sunflowers can be planted next to artichokes to balance this situation.
Artichokes require organically rich soil and their soil should be well cultivated and aerated.
Artichokes should not be planted next to each other because they require direct sunlight. The shadow of a neighboring artichoke should not affect the other artichoke.
Artichoke is a 5-year-old plant that requires watering 1 to 3 times a week after it has entered the maturation period. That is, once planted, it can produce for 5 years.
33. Mango
Mango, a tropical fruit, was grown for the first time in our country in 2017 and the result was successful. Thanks to this study conducted in Manavgat, it was seen that mango can be grown in our country.
Mango, a very delicious fruit, prefers sunny climates. As long as the air temperature does not fall below 4 degrees, mango can be grown in the Mediterranean region of our country.
Mango, a fruit that grows on trees, grows from seeds. Care should be taken to ensure that the seed, which is planted at a depth of 6 cm, is moist in the first period. The mango tree, which sprouts within 1 month, begins to bear fruit within 6 years at the earliest.
34. Strawberry
Strawberries, one of the easiest fruits to grow, are a delicious fruit that brings joy to the summer months. Especially ripening in June, strawberries can be easily grown in many regions of our country, including Central Anatolia. Some types of strawberries continue to bear fruit from spring to autumn. Again, some types of strawberries continue to bear fruit until frost.
In this respect, strawberry is a beautiful fruit that has always attracted attention and is loved and can grow in many climatic conditions.
35. Eggplant
Another most profitable agricultural product, eggplant, is one of the most popular vegetables in Turkish cuisine and even Middle Eastern cuisine. After all, there is a reality called Yarnıyarık!
Eggplants, which love sunny climates, grow from mid-summer to autumn. It is possible to grow eggplants, which grow well in organically rich soil, in many regions of our country.
36. Purple Tomato
Purple tomato, also known as “Chrokee tomato” is an interesting plant. Purple tomato, which belongs to both the ivy family and the fruit family, can reach a weight of 400 grams.
Ready to harvest in 80 to 90 days, purple tomatoes will continue to be produced until they are hit by frost or killed by another factor.
Purple tomatoes, which grow in well-draining, organically rich soils, generally like soils with a pH value between 6 and 6.8. Purple tomatoes, which require monthly fertilizer supplements, should be watered regularly and watering should be stopped a while before the harvest season. It does not have a very different growing process from the red tomato we know.
37. Morel Mushrooms
Morel, also known as morel, is a wild mushroom species that is in high demand worldwide. Morel, which is not often grown on mushroom farms, is usually collected from nature, but you still have the opportunity to grow it.
The ideal place to grow morels is the base of a dying tree. Since it is not always possible to find such an environment, care should be taken to ensure that the area where the planting will be done is in constant shade and receives a maximum of 3 hours of sunlight per day.
38. Goji Berry
The wolfberry (giji berry) in bush form is a fruit that can be grown in pots, even in the backyard. Being a fruit rich in antioxidants, the lambberry easily adapts to different temperatures and seasonal conditions. It can grow up to 3 meters as a bush. It can be grown as an ornamental plant.
Especially in spice shops and herbalists, dried wolfberry can be sold for up to 250 liras per kilo. In this context, we recommend that you read our more comprehensive article on wolfberry cultivation.
39. Reishi Mushroom
It is possible to see the Reishi mushroom, which attracts attention with its interesting color and shape, in the most luxurious restaurants in the world. Also known as the mushroom of immortality, the Reishi mushroom grows in temperate climates between May and November, but it is also possible to grow it at home, in the garden, or on the farm.
Reishi mushroom, which has a woody and sharp taste, is mostly used to make tea. Reishi mushrooms, which can spread quickly, can even be grown in bags. It is a mushroom species that is highly adaptable to its environment and does not tire its producer.
40. Capers
The caper plant (also known as caper) mentioned by Evliya Çelebi in his work Seyahatname is one of the most beneficial plants growing in Anatolia.
Capers, which find their place in many countries’ cuisines, are said to increase sexual power and have rejuvenating properties, are a type of maquis. They can be seen abundantly in the dry and rocky lands of the Mediterranean. They are also found in Spain and Africa. It is a shrub-like plant and can reach 1.5 meters in height.
Pickles made from the buds of the caper plant are one of the most common ways to consume capers. It can also be eaten directly as a fruit. It is also used in pizzas and salads.
41. Soybeans
It is a good tuberculosis plant in small areas like soybeans and corn. It is relatively easy to grow. It is an important plant for animal feed production as well as for consumption in our kitchens.
42. Canola
Quinola, which is used as a source of vegetable oil, is becoming increasingly widespread in our country. Especially in these days when oil prices have reached skyrocketing levels, the need for alternative oil sources has also increased. It is frequently planted in Europe, especially in Romania and Bulgaria. In addition to being grown as vegetable oil, it is also used as biodiesel.
In short, we can say that the future for those who invest in canola is as bright as the colors of canola!
43. Shiitake Mushroom
Shiitake mushroom, one of the most used mushroom species in the world, is very valuable in terms of protein. It also has medical uses. Shiitake mushroom grown on logs is worth 600 lira per kilo in markets like Migros. Therefore, it is sold in 50-gram packages. We are talking about such a valuable mushroom.
We recommend that you take a look at our article where we explain every conceivable detail about growing shiitake mushrooms.
44. Broom Flower – Plantain
Hosta is also one of the popular ornamental plants. Hosta, an effortless plant, can quickly become huge in narrow spaces. It does not discriminate against climates because it is succulent. It is easy to breed and graft. In other words, you can grow huge amounts of hosta in a tiny space.
45. Sorghum Grass
Sorghum grass, which is essentially a grain similar to wheat, is used abundantly in beverage syrups and drinks. It likes warm climates. Sorghum grass, which is also an increasingly common alternative in craft beer production, will be seen much more frequently in 5 years. Let us tell you.
46. Tree of Life
The tree of life, also known as arborvitae, is a miniature pine species. It is a favorite of ornamental planters because it remains evergreen and has a reasonable height.
47. Arugula
Arugula is one of our favorite greens from the lettuce family. It goes especially well with fish. Even a plain arugula salad is delicious. It is also very easy to grow, just like parsley, mint, and basil.
48. Basil
Almost everyone loves the smell that comes from caressing basil. Of course, basil also has a great taste in soup and pizza. Growing basil is quite easy. It can be harvested many times a year. It can also grow indoors and best of all, it ripens quickly. The milder the weather and the more humidity, the easier it is for basil to grow.
49. Coriander
Coriander is also an easy green to grow, like arugula and basil. Since it can be grown in a very small area, there is almost no place where it is not used in kitchens and dishes. In other words, it is possible to earn good money by growing coriander in a very small area.
50. Fresh Flower
Flowers are one of the plants that have a very important place in our culture. We usually give each other flowers as a sign of love and respect. We decorate houses and cars with flowers. We also have a culture of sending wreaths. In this respect, flowers are among the plants that attract attention for 12 months of the year.
You can grow and sell countless types of flowers such as daisies, lilies, roses, violets, and orchids commercially.
51. Almond
Almonds are one of the most delicious nuts. They have always been expensive and it seems like they will continue to be so in the coming years.
Almond is a plant that grows on trees. You can have an almond orchard by planting almonds as seeds, but they can also be planted as seedlings. Of course, growing almonds will certainly be a long-term investment.
However, if you consider that vegans use almond milk instead of cow’s milk and that almond milk has countless benefits, we can say that growing almonds would be a solid investment.
52. Avocado
Avocado, one of the most profitable agricultural products today, was known as an exotic fruit in the 90s. It was very expensive. Today, it is not a cheap fruit, but avocado has a much larger place in recipes and kitchens compared to previous years.
Moreover, avocado cultivation has also begun in Turkey. It is quite possible to grow avocados, whose homeland is Mexico, in provinces such as Antalya and Mersin.
Avocado grown from seed likes a mild and warm climate. It can also be grown by placing it in pots after it sprouts 15 cm. Spring is the ideal time for planting.
53. Peanut
Peanuts are consumed more frequently in our country in terms of price compared to nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts. They are mostly grown commercially in the Mediterranean region. They are resistant to hot weather and have low water requirements. Considering how frequently peanuts are consumed, you can also consider that demand will never stop.
54. Kiwi
Kiwi is a fruit that can be grown in many regions of our country. It can be grown in very different climates such as Muğla, Antalya, Bursa, Bartın, Düzce, Trabzon, and Artvin.
The problem with kiwi, which requires hot and humid climates in summer and warm climates in winter, is that it must not be exposed to frost. In other words, kiwi can grow easily as long as there is no frost. Kiwi, which loves acidic and permeable soils, is a fruit that is consumed frequently, especially in winter months, is frequently sold in packages in markets and bazaars, and generally attracts high interest.
55. Okra
Okra, one of the favorite vegetables of Turkish cuisine, is rich in vitamin A and low in calories. When it comes from someone who makes it well, Okra soup is so delicious that it can make you forget the world. Okra, which is usually sold in dried form at herbalists, is very expensive per kilo.
Okra, which requires plenty of sun, is generally planted around June, and it takes 2 months for the okra to emerge.
56. Edible Flowers
If you are looking for agricultural products that will make you money in a short time, edible flowers may be the product you are looking for. Edible flowers, which have become a favorite plant in recent years, have managed to become indispensable for those who want to add a nice touch to salads, meals, and desserts. Moreover, the fact that just a few flowers contain more minerals and are more nutritious than the entire salad makes these flowers even more indispensable. These flowers, which you can grow in a small area, deserve to be one of the most profitable agricultural products of the future.
The profitable farming products mentioned above are the most popular because you can earn a lot of money from all of them every year. You can also grow these products easily even with basic gardening skills. Any of these profitable farming products will be rewarding for new growers both personally and financially.
You can leave a comment on our article to get detailed information about the product you are planning to grow. Good luck to everyone!
We will continue to research special agricultural products and the most profitable plants for those who ask what they can grow.
