This publication provides an overview of the considerations involved in selecting, cultivating, and marketing alternative agronomic crops. Experimenting with alternative crops can be profitable but involves risk as well. Before venturing into an alternative crop, it is wise to investigate the market and determine whether any new equipment will be required. It is also advisable to talk to others who have grown the proposed crop. Many additional resources for alternative crop information are referenced in this publication.

Asian Rural Life Development Foundation is a training center for sustainable agriculture in the uplands in the southern part of the Philippines.

The Alternative Crops Project site lists climate and soil requirements for alternative and traditional crops. Overall crop suitability maps, based on crop requirements and the soil and climate of Illinois, are presented for more than 400 existing and potential crops that include food, feed, fiber, fuel, medicinal, and food additives. The crop requirements in the database are also presented as text on the page where the map is shown. This information is the result of research conducted at the Illinois State Water Survey with support from the Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research.

Virginia's land grant universities, Virginia State University (VSU), Petersburg, and Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, are both deeply involved in alternative crop research and development. VSU conducts new crops research and extension activities to benefit small farmers in the state. Virginia Tech's program is geared toward large scale agriculture and more basic areas of research.

AFSIC Sustainable Agriculture Information. What is Sustainable Agriculture? Publications on Sustainable Agriculture; Searchable Sites and Databases; Organizations and People; Educational Resources and Institutions; Related Systems and Practices; Event Calendars.