EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL EXPANSION AND DIVERSIFICATION OF THE DRAGON FRUIT INDUSTRY IN NORTH AMERICA

This project seeks to bring together stakeholders, researchers, and extension personnel to identify challenges and opportunities that are critical to the growth of the dragon fruit industry and related value chains. We will conduct a consumer survey to determine interest in dragon fruit and potential value-added products across the U.S. and key informants interview with actors in the value chain to examine the options for fresh and value-added dragon fruit products. The results of this consumer and value chain analysis will allow us to organize a strategic planning meeting to determine options for dragon fruit market development and plan a path forward for research and extension projects. We intend to use this strategic planning grant to develop future SCRI-NIFA proposals.