What defines specialty crops in agriculture?

Specialty crops are defined as those that are grown primarily for human consumption and are not classified as commodity crops. This distinction is important because specialty crops tend to include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and ornamental crops—essentially, anything that is not produced in large quantities and traded in bulk like traditional commodity crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans.

This category of crops highlights the significance of diversity in agriculture and reflects the consumer demand for fresh, high-quality, and sometimes locally sourced produce. Specialty crops often require different production practices and marketing strategies than commodity crops, making them a vital part of agricultural systems that focus on value-added products, nutrition, and culinary variety.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of specialty crops. For example, crops grown primarily for industrial purposes are typically not considered specialty crops, as they target different markets and uses. Additionally, while some specialty crops may require processing, it is not a defining characteristic of the group as a whole. Finally, crops used mainly for animal feed fall under a different classification entirely and are not included in the specialty crop category.