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Rutgers Ultra Niche Crops | Strawberries | Live Stream

Summary

This session is moderated by Peter Nietzsche of Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Morris County, who introduces the panel and leads a discussion on strawberry production and marketing. Growers and industry partners share hands-on experience with plasticulture and matted row systems, focusing on harvest timing, cooling, irrigation, pest management, and weed control. The panel discusses strawberry varieties, including differences in yield, flavor, and appearance, and explains why most growers do not price berries by variety. Marketing strategies such as farm stands, pick-your-own, and CSA programs are explored, with attention to pricing, customer expectations, and reducing waste. The session highlights practical decisions that help Northeast growers produce high-quality strawberries and sell them profitably.