Popularity of Chickpeas Could Open Up Crop Opportunities for Farmers
Chickpeas grow in popularity among U.S. farmers
The growing popularity of chickpea-based dips and spreads has caught the attention of farmers and food manufacturers, due to its potential as a breakout cash crop star. This increasing demand could expand chickpea growth across the U.S. and replace tobacco crops on farms that have experienced a gradual drop in business due to decreases in cigarette sales.
Last year's U.S. chickpea crop totaled 332 million pounds, up 51 percent from 2011, and hit a record $115.5 million last year, USDA data shows. Chickpeas are a relatively new crop concept for many farms, but, for tobacco farmers who have been seeing a continual drop in sales, it is an investment they are willing to make.
In a recent press release, Sabra Dipping Company, makers of the bestselling hummus, announced investing in the development of a facility in Richmond, VA that will focus explicitly on the research of chickpea agriculture, nutrition, food science, engineering, packaging, and product delivery.
Sabra's chief technology officer, Tulin Tuzel remarked on the importance of the research facility by stating, “We need to establish the supply chain to meet our growing demand. We want to reduce the risk of bad weather or concentration in one region. If possible, we also want to expand the growing seasons."
Chickpeas are currently grown in the north-Pacific region of the U.S. where the weather tends to be cool, but could be expanded to all regions should a successful method of growing in arid or humid terrains be developed at the Sabra research facility.