Investing in Specialty Crop Agricultural Properties: A Guide for Real Estate Investors

Specialty crop agricultural properties have emerged as an attractive niche for real estate investors seeking stable income and long-term growth. These properties are farmland dedicated to high-value crops such as lemons, avocados, almonds, olives, grapes, cannabis, dates, and culinary herbs rather than commodity grains. In this guide, we’ll explore what specialty crop properties are, why they can be lucrative investments, typical yields and revenue per acre, different operational models (from hands-on farming to passive leasing), key geographic markets, and important real estate considerations. We’ll also highlight real-world examples of active listings on Brevitas and how specialty ag land can fit into a diversified portfolio.

What Are Specialty Crop Properties?

Specialty crop properties are farms focused on growing fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other high-value crops (as opposed to bulk commodities like corn or wheat). The USDA defines specialty crops as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops” – essentially, any cultivated plant used for food or botanical purposes that isn’t a common grain or feed crop. Examples include:

• Fruit orchards: Citrus groves (lemons, oranges, limes), avocado groves, apple or peach orchards, etc.
• Tree nuts: Almond and pistachio orchards, walnut groves, pecan farms.
• Vineyards: Grape vineyards for wine or table grapes, as well as olive groves for olive oil production.
• Specialty plants: Fields of herbs (lavender, rosemary), medicinal plants, or other niche crops.
• Emerging crops: Premium products like cannabis or hemp (where legal), and tropical crops (e.g., dates or coffee) in suitable climates.

These crops often require specific climates and careful cultivation, but they command higher market prices per unit, making the land that produces them especially valuable. For investors, a “specialty crop property” means the real estate comes with an established agricultural operation (or the potential to develop one) for these high-value crops.

Why Invest in Specialty Crop Farmland?

Investing in farmland has historically offered a combination of stable income and asset appreciation, and this is especially true for specialty crop properties. Here are key reasons real estate investors are drawn to this sector:

Steady Income from Crop Sales or Leases

Specialty crop farms generate regular income from the sale of produce or from land leases to farmers. Many specialty crops yield harvests annually (or even multiple times a year), translating into recurring revenue. For example, a mature lemon orchard produces thousands of pounds of lemons every year, supplying steady cash flow. Investors can either operate the farm themselves to earn income from crop sales, or lease the land to an experienced farmer at a fixed rent. Either way, the land is working to produce revenue year after year, largely independent of stock market swings.

Long-Term Land Value Growth

Agricultural land tends to appreciate over the long term due to its finite supply and ever-growing demand for food products. Prime specialty cropland – for instance, an established avocado grove in Southern California or a Napa Valley vineyard – often sees its value increase as the region’s reputation and scarcity of farmland grow. Additionally, improvements like orchards, irrigation systems, and soil enhancements can raise a farm’s productivity and, by extension, its market value. Investors benefit from both the annual income and the potential for significant capital gains when selling the property in the future.

Inflation Hedge and Portfolio Diversification

Farmland is widely regarded as an effective inflation hedge. When consumer prices rise, the prices of food and agricultural commodities typically also rise – which can boost farm income and land values. Historically, U.S. farmland has shown a strong positive correlation with inflation. In fact, over the past few decades, American farmland investments have delivered around 10%–11% average annual returns, with much lower volatility than equities. This combination of steady returns and low volatility means adding farmland to a real estate portfolio can reduce overall risk. As Martin Davies of Nuveen put it, farmland “is not correlated to the economic cycle because it’s producing the necessities of life” In short, specialty crop properties offer tangible, productive assets that tend to hold value (or even thrive) during inflationary periods and provide diversification away from traditional commercial real estate sectors.

Typical Yields and Revenue per Acre

How much income can specialty crop farms produce? It of course varies by crop, region, and market conditions, but here are some typical annual yield and revenue ranges per acre for major specialty crops under good management:

• Citrus (Lemons & Oranges): Mature citrus orchards can generate roughly $3,000 to $8,000 in gross revenue per acre each year. For example, a healthy lemon grove in California’s Inland Empire might produce 15+ tons of lemons per acre, and with wholesale prices around $200–$500 per ton (market dependent), owners see steady cash flows. Citrus trees often bear fruit within 3-5 years of planting and can remain productive for decades.
• Almonds & Pistachios: Nut orchards have high value outputs. Almonds in California typically yield about 2,000–3,000 pounds per acre; at recent prices of $2–$3 per pound, that equates to roughly $5,000–$9,000 per acre in revenue. Pistachios are similar or slightly higher, often reaching $7,000–$10,000 per acre in good years . These orchards require a few years to mature (usually 5+ years before full production) but can produce for 25-30 years.
• Avocados: Avocado groves can yield around 5,000–10,000 pounds of avocados per acre annually once mature (roughly 200+ trees/acre). At an average farm price of $1 – $1.50 per pound, that’s about $5,000–$15,000 per acre revenue potential. In practice, yields and prices fluctuate, and many growers report about $3,000 to $7,000 per acre net returns under normal conditions. Avocado trees need warm, frost-free climates and a few years to begin bearing, but well-managed groves (for example, in Southern California or Central Florida) are profitable and in high demand due to the ever-growing popularity of avocados.
• Grapes (Vineyards): Yields for wine grapes are usually measured in tons per acre. A premium wine vineyard might produce 2 to 6 tons/acre. With wine grape prices ranging from ~$2,000/ton for bulk varietals to over $6,000/ton for high-end appellations, revenue can vary widely. A high-quality Napa vineyard, for instance, could gross $10,000+ per acre, whereas a lesser-known region might be in the $3,000–$5,000/acre range. Beyond wine, table grape vineyards in places like California’s Central Valley can yield 8+ tons/acre, though at lower price per ton. Either way, established vineyards can be quite lucrative and often come with the added value of a winery or tasting room business.
• Olives: Olive groves (for olive oil) typically produce 2 to 4 tons of olives per acre. With olive oil yielding about 40-50 gallons per ton of olives, and extra-virgin oil retailing around $15–$25/gallon, a productive acre might generate on the order of $1,000–$3,000 in oil value. However, specialty varietal olive oils or table olives can command premium prices that boost returns. Olive trees are hardy and long-lived (some European groves have trees centuries old), making them a long-term asset.
• Dates: Date palm orchards (common in desert areas like California’s Coachella Valley or Arizona) can produce roughly 5,000 – 8,000 lbs of dates per acre once mature. At farm prices often around $2–$4 per pound for Medjool dates (a popular variety), this translates to ~$10,000–$20,000 per acre in revenue. Date palms take several years to start producing, but they can bear fruit for many decades. The Coachella Valley in California is known for its lucrative date farms – often family-run operations that consistently profit from the global demand for dates.
• Cannabis & Hemp: In regions where it’s legal, cannabis is one of the highest value crops. Intensive medical-grade cannabis cultivation (often indoors or in greenhouses) can yield the equivalent of $100,000+ per acre annually due to the high price of the flower. Outdoor-grown hemp for CBD is less lucrative but still can bring in an estimated $10,000–$30,000 per acre. These numbers come with the caveat of significant upfront investment, licensing, and regulatory compliance costs. Still, some investors are eyeing cannabis-appropriate land (with suitable climate and water rights) as a speculative play in states where commercial cultivation is expanding.

It’s important to note that these figures are general estimates. Actual profitability depends on operational efficiency, market conditions, and crop prices, which can fluctuate. Nevertheless, compared to traditional row crops (like corn or soybeans, which might net only a few hundred dollars per acre to the landowner), specialty crops offer significantly higher income per acre. This is a key reason investors find these properties attractive – a smaller parcel of land can generate outsized income if planted with the right high-value crop.

Operational Models: From Hands-On Farming to Passive Investment

Investors in agricultural real estate can choose how involved they want to be in the farming operation. There are several operational models for specialty crop properties:

Owner-Operated Farming

In this model, you (the investor) take on the role of the farm owner-operator. This means you directly manage the agricultural business – deciding what to plant, hiring farm labor or a farm manager, handling sales contracts, etc. Many high-net-worth individuals who buy vineyards or orchards enjoy the tangible aspect of farming and choose to be hands-on. The benefit is maximum control and potentially higher profit margins (since you’re not splitting revenue with anyone). However, it also requires agricultural expertise, time commitment, and the ability to weather year-to-year volatility in crop yields or prices. For example, if you purchase a 20-acre olive grove, you might hire an experienced grove manager and oversee production and sales of olive oil under your own brand.

Passive Lease to a Farmer

Alternatively, you can treat the specialty farm purely as a landlord. In this scenario, you lease the land (and any existing trees/vines) to an established farming company or local farmer. They handle all day-to-day farming, and you collect rent – often either a fixed cash rent or a share of the crop revenue (sharecropping arrangement). Leasing is common in agriculture; roughly 40% of U.S. farmland is rented rather than owner-farmed. For specialty crops, institutional investors might buy an orchard and immediately lease it to a grower or to a company (for instance, a large almond processor might lease orchards to secure supply). The upside is consistent, low-effort income (usually the tenant pays even if yields vary). The downside is the rent may be lower than what you could earn farming it yourself, since the farmer tenant needs their profit margin too. Nonetheless, this is a popular model for investors who want exposure to farmland without farming headaches.

Management Partnerships

A hybrid approach is to partner with a farming expert or management firm. In this model, you own the land but contract a professional farm management company (or form a joint venture with a grower) to operate it. You and the operator would agree on how to split the revenues after expenses. For instance, you might hire a vineyard management firm to run your 50-acre vineyard, paying them a fee or percentage of winegrape sales. This arrangement allows you to benefit from expert knowledge while still sharing in the upside of good crop years. Many absentee landowners use farm management companies to handle tasks like planting, irrigation, harvesting, and marketing the crop. It’s a more hands-off approach than owner-operating, but typically yields better returns than a straight land lease because the owner shares in profits.

Agricultural REITs and Funds

If direct ownership isn’t your preference, you can also invest in specialty crop farms indirectly via agricultural real estate investment trusts (REITs) or crowdfunding platforms. There are REITs (like Gladstone Land and Farmland Partners) that own portfolios of farms – including almond orchards, berry farms, vineyards, and so on – and pay investors regular dividends from the lease income. These can be bought and sold like stocks. Similarly, farmland crowdfunding platforms offer fractional investments in specific farms. For example, an investor could buy shares in an LLC that owns an Oregon hazelnut orchard, earning a share of the income and appreciation. This approach offers the benefit of diversification (you can invest in multiple farms or crop types) and liquidity, but you don’t get the same level of personal control or the tactile satisfaction of owning the land directly. However, it’s an increasingly popular way to get exposure to specialty agriculture with minimal effort.

Key Geographic Markets for Specialty Crops

The viability and profitability of specialty crop properties are heavily influenced by location and climate. Certain regions are renowned for particular crops due to ideal growing conditions and established infrastructure. Here are some key geographic markets and what they’re known for:

• California: Perhaps the most important state for specialty crops, California’s diverse climates support a wide range of high-value agriculture. The Central Valley is famous for almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and table grapes (plus myriad fruits and vegetables). Coastal regions like Sonoma and Napa are world-renowned for wine grapes (vineyards), while areas like Ventura and San Diego counties grow avocados and citrus. In the Coachella Valley (Palm Desert/Indio area), you’ll find date farms, lemon orchards, and table grape vineyards. California farms benefit from strong export markets and high demand, but water rights and drought conditions are crucial considerations here.
• Florida: Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it a leader in citrus production (oranges, grapefruit, lemons). Many investors look at established orange groves in central and south Florida, which supply the fruit and juice market. In recent years, Florida growers have diversified into blueberries, peaches, and even tropical fruits like mangoes or lychees as citrus has faced disease challenges (like greening). Land in Florida often comes with water permits or irrigation systems given the need for frost protection and regular watering. Proximity to processors (juice plants) or ports can add value.
• Pacific Northwest (Oregon & Washington): Oregon is well-known for hazelnut orchards (it produces ~99% of U.S. hazelnuts) and vineyards in the Willamette Valley (famous for Pinot Noir wine). Washington state’s eastern regions (Yakima Valley, Walla Walla) also have large wine grape vineyards and expansive apple, cherry, and pear orchards (tree fruits that are specialty crops). The Pacific Northwest offers a cooler climate ideal for certain fruits and nuts, and ample water in many areas, though the growing season is shorter than California or Florida.
• Southwest & Desert Regions (Arizona, Southern California): The desert climates are unique but valuable for crops like dates, certain citrus varieties, table grapes, and winter vegetables. Arizona’s Yuma region, for example, is a winter lettuce capital and also hosts lemon and date farms. These areas often have inexpensive land compared to coastal farmland, but successful farming relies on securing water via wells or canal rights (e.g., Colorado River water). Investors are interested in desert land for its longer growing seasons and because some crops (like dates or lemons) thrive in the heat with proper irrigation.
• Mediterranean Europe (Italy & Spain): Internationally, countries like Italy and Spain present intriguing opportunities for specialty ag investments. In Tuscany, Italy, for instance, one can find vineyard estates that produce premium wines (like Brunello di Montalcino) and olive oil – these properties often come with historic farmhouses, blending real estate and agriculture value. Spain is one of the world’s largest producers of olives (for olive oil) and almonds; regions like Andalusia are covered in olive groves. An investor might acquire an olive farm in Spain or a vineyard in Italy both for the agricultural income and for lifestyle or tourism value (agritourism is a component in many European farm estates). The regulatory environment differs from the U.S., but prices per acre can be attractive, and the global demand for products like Italian wine or Spanish olive oil remains strong.
• Latin America: In Latin American countries, fertile land is abundant and often less expensive, though foreign ownership rules vary. Regions of Mexico, Central and South America are major producers of specialty crops like coffee, cocoa, avocados, and grapes. For example, Mexico’s Michoacán state is the world’s avocado powerhouse, and investors have shown interest in partnering on avocado orchards there (though direct ownership for foreigners may require special structuring). Chile and Argentina have thriving wine industries with vineyards for sale, and countries like Costa Rica and Colombia have coffee plantations that sometimes come onto the market (one Brevitas listing featured a large coffee farm in Costa Rica’s highlands, which even included a scenic waterfall on the property). While these international investments involve more complexity (currency risk, local laws, political stability), they can offer high yields and diversification beyond the U.S. market.

The bottom line is that each geographic market has its specialties. Savvy investors often focus on regions that have the climate, soil, and infrastructure ideally suited for the crop they are interested in. It’s no coincidence that Napa Valley vineyards or Sicilian lemon groves are prized – these places have a track record of quality production. When evaluating a specialty crop property, understanding the local region’s agricultural profile is critical: look at what crops are grown nearby, the presence of processing facilities or co-ops, access to markets, and even the labor availability for farm work.

Real Estate Considerations for Agricultural Properties

Buying a specialty crop farm is not quite like buying a typical commercial property – there are unique real estate factors to diligence. Investors should keep the following considerations in mind:

• Zoning and Land Use: Ensure the land is zoned for agriculture. Many rural properties have specific agricultural zoning (like A-1 or Ag zoning) that may restrict non-farm development. Zoning can also dictate minimum parcel size (for example, the listed 9-acre organic lemon ranch in Thermal, CA is zoned A-1-10, meaning a 10-acre minimum lot size) – this affects whether you can subdivide or not. It’s also wise to check if the land is in any agricultural preserve program (like California’s Williamson Act) which can lower taxes but impose use restrictions.
• Water Rights and Irrigation: Water is often the single most important factor for farm value. Investigate the property’s water sources: Does it have wells (and well permits)? Surface water rights from rivers or irrigation districts? Is there an allocation of water shares? In the West, owning land in a proven water-rich area (or with an efficient well) is a huge asset given recurring droughts. Look at the irrigation infrastructure on-site too: Are there drip irrigation lines, sprinklers, canals, or an on-farm reservoir? Modern irrigation systems (like drip lines and water storage reservoirs) can greatly increase farming efficiency, especially for water-intensive crops like avocados or citrus. For example, the featured lemon ranch property includes an oversized reservoir and an underground irrigation system – critical features for sustaining an orchard in a desert climate.
• Soil Quality and Topography: Not all dirt is equal. Soil types (sand, loam, clay, etc.) and soil health (nutrient levels, pH, drainage) determine what can be grown successfully. Many specialty crops have particular soil requirements – e.g., blueberries need acidic soil; grapes prefer well-drained, slightly rocky soil; almonds thrive in alluvial loam. If you’re buying an existing operation, review soil test reports. If it’s raw land, consider testing the soil and examining the topography (is it flat, sloped, prone to erosion?). An uneven terrain might be great for scenic vineyards but harder for row crops or nut orchards. Also check for any contamination history if the land was used for other purposes that might leave residues (old orchards, for instance, might have lingering pesticides in soil).
• Climate and Growing Degree Days: Microclimate matters enormously. Within a general region, local microclimates (due to elevation, proximity to water, etc.) can affect frost risk, heat accumulation, and harvest times. Many crops have chilling hour requirements (e.g., fruit/nut trees need a certain amount of cold in winter) or heat thresholds. Investigate the property’s historical climate patterns: first/last frost dates, average summer highs, etc. Some properties may come with climate data especially if they have been farmed for years. As an investor, aligning the crop to the climate is crucial – you wouldn’t plant cherries in a low-chill area or attempt a citrus grove where winter freezes are common.
• Existing Plants and Crop Condition: If the property already has plantings (like an established orchard or vineyard), evaluate their condition and age. Tree crops and vines have life cycles – an almond tree is most productive between say 5 and 20 years of age; beyond ~25 years it may need replanting. A vineyard might need replanting after 30-40 years due to diseases like phylloxera or simply vine age. So a farm’s value can depend on whether you’re buying a young, prime-of-life orchard or an old one nearing replacement. Also inspect for diseases or pests. Citrus groves, for example, should be checked for signs of citrus greening disease; grapevines for Pierce’s disease; and so on. An independent agronomist’s inspection can be worthwhile.
• Certifications and Farming Practices: More consumers are demanding organic and sustainable produce. If a farm is certified organic, that can enhance its value and market access. Organic certification means the land has been managed without synthetic pesticides/fertilizers for at least 3 years and has passed inspections. Some farms might also have certifications like GlobalGAP (for export standards), Fair Trade, or specific designations like “Napa Green” for sustainable winegrowing. Being certified organic can allow the farm to charge premium prices for its crops – for example, organic lemons or almonds often fetch more than conventional. On the flip side, maintaining organic status requires adherence to certain practices, which a new owner would need to continue. It’s good to know if you’re inheriting any special status (or obligations) in terms of farming practice.
• Infrastructure and Improvements: Consider what non-plant assets come with the property. Is there on-site cold storage, a packing house, or processing facility (like a winery or olive mill)? Are there barns or sheds for equipment? Any living quarters (farmhouse or labor housing)? Fencing? A solar power installation (to reduce energy costs for pumping water)? For instance, a large farm listing in California’s Central Valley comes with a 15,000 sq ft metal shop and even solar panels to offset electricity costs. These improvements can significantly reduce operating costs and may add to the property’s value for an investor. Conversely, if such infrastructure is lacking, you might need to budget for adding essentials (like deer fencing for a vineyard or a greenhouse for plant starts) to make the operation viable or more profitable.
• Access and Logistics: The property’s accessibility to markets is important. Check the proximity to major roads or highways for transporting goods. Remote farms might have higher hauling costs to get crops to packing houses or buyers. Also, evaluate labor accessibility – is the farm near towns or communities where farm laborers live? Some regions face farm labor shortages, so locations closer to a labor pool are advantageous. If the crop requires custom processing (like a winery for grapes, or a shelling facility for nuts), being near those facilities (or having them on-site) is beneficial. Even consider biosecurity and ease of moving equipment – a farm with multiple disconnected parcels or difficult terrain could complicate farm management.
• Financial Performance History: Treat the farm like the business it is – review any available financials from the seller. How much income did the farm generate in past seasons? What were the operating costs? If the seller can provide yield records, expense statements, or contracts with buyers (e.g., a contract with a citrus packer or a winery), that information is gold for an investor. It helps you project your return on investment. Specialty crop farms can have more variable year-to-year performance than a rental property (due to weather, etc.), so seeing a multi-year trend is useful. You might discover, for example, that an almond orchard had banner yields two years ago but was hit by a late frost last year which reduced output. Understanding such dynamics helps in pricing the land and planning for contingencies (like holding reserve funds for weaker crop years).

In summary, when buying a specialty agriculture property, you have to evaluate both the land as real estate and the farm as an ongoing business. Engaging professionals – from ag real estate brokers to farm managers and agronomists – is prudent to navigate these considerations. The extra due diligence will pay off by ensuring you know exactly what you’re acquiring and how to unlock its full value.

Examples of Specialty Crop Listings on Brevitas

The specialty ag real estate market is active, and Brevitas features numerous listings that illustrate the range of opportunities available. Here are a few examples:

• Organic Lemon Ranch in California: As mentioned earlier, this 9.1-acre organic lemon ranch in Thermal, CA (listed by Susan Harvey) is on the market for $625,000. It boasts 910 Lisbon lemon trees, an on-site reservoir, and proximity to high-end country clubs and festivals (Coachella is just 7.5 miles away). The property is in an Opportunity Zone, offering potential tax benefits to the investor. This listing exemplifies a turnkey specialty farm with immediate income potential from lemon sales.
• Large-Scale Organic Farm in Central California: In California’s Central Valley, a 284-acre organic farm in Merced County is available, currently cultivated with organic rye, potatoes, and various specialty crops. It comes equipped with three wells, extensive irrigation infrastructure for permanent plantings, and even a 15,000 sq ft solar-powered steel equipment barn. An investor in this property could continue row-crop farming or transition parts of it to an orchard or vineyard, leveraging the existing water and power infrastructure to scale up operations.
• Vineyard & Olive Estate in Tuscany, Italy: For those interested in international diversification, Brevitas has listings like a 40-hectare farm estate in Montalcino, Tuscany. Priced around $1.9 million, this property includes rolling vineyards and olive groves in one of Italy’s renowned wine regions, plus a restored farmhouse. An investor here might produce high-end Tuscan wine or olive oil and capitalize on agritourism. It demonstrates that specialty crop investments can span across the globe, combining agricultural returns with luxury real estate elements.

These examples scratch the surface of what’s available. Whether you’re looking for a small family-run orchard or a large commercial farm, the Brevitas marketplace likely has something to fit. Investors can search by crop type, region, acreage, and price to find properties that meet their criteria. From a 48-acre organic date palm ranch in the California desert to a 200-acre citrus and cattle ranch in Florida, there is a breadth of offerings. Each listing provides insights into the farm’s production, infrastructure, and investment potential, helping buyers make informed decisions.

How Specialty Ag Fits in a Portfolio: Many seasoned real estate investors view specialty ag properties as the “third leg” of a diversified portfolio stool, alongside traditional commercial real estate and other alternative assets. The farmland provides a hedge against inflation and a source of uncorrelated returns (as discussed earlier). It also can offer tax advantages: income from farming may qualify for certain IRS deductions, and being a landowner can open up 1031 exchange opportunities when swapping properties. There’s also a sustainability angle – by investing in farms, you’re supporting food production and often stewardship of the land (especially if you maintain organic or regenerative practices).

Of course, investing in farms isn’t without challenges – agriculture can be affected by weather events, commodity price swings, and the need for operational know-how. But with careful selection and possibly partnering with expert farm operators, specialty crop properties can yield both financial and tangible rewards (there’s nothing quite like enjoying wine, fruit, or olive oil produced from your own land!).

Publicly Traded Specialty Crop Companies

Investors who prefer stock market exposure to specialty agriculture can consider publicly traded companies specializing in these high-value crops. Here are a few noteworthy examples:

• Limoneira Company (NASDAQ: LMNR) – A leading producer of lemons, avocados, oranges, and specialty citrus, Limoneira owns extensive farmland primarily in California. They are recognized for their integrated operations from farming through marketing, offering investors exposure to the citrus and avocado market.
• Calavo Growers (NASDAQ: CVGW) – Calavo Growers specializes in avocados, prepared avocado products (like guacamole), and other fresh produce. With farms and packing facilities in California and Mexico, Calavo provides exposure to growing avocado consumption trends globally.
• Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYSE: FDP) – A major global supplier of fresh fruits like pineapples, bananas, avocados, and specialty tropical produce. Del Monte owns agricultural land across the Americas, providing diversified exposure to international agricultural markets.
• Mission Produce (NASDAQ: AVO) – Mission Produce is one of the largest avocado producers and distributors globally, owning farms in California, Mexico, Peru, and other key regions. Their vertically integrated operations offer significant scale in avocado production and marketing.
• Adecoagro (NYSE: AGRO) – Adecoagro is involved in agriculture across Latin America, producing commodities like sugar, grains, and dairy, but also maintains specialty crops including rice and organic sugar cane, offering a broader agricultural exposure.

Including stocks like these can complement direct farmland investment by providing liquidity and broader market exposure to specialty crops

Conclusion & Next Steps

Specialty crop agricultural properties offer a compelling mix of stable income, asset appreciation, and inflation protection, all while contributing to essential food and commodity production. From lemon groves in California to vineyards in Italy, these investments can take many forms. The key is understanding the unique factors at play – the crop economics, the regional climate advantages, and the operational strategies – to maximize returns and mitigate risks. For investors willing to venture beyond the typical real estate categories, specialty farms can be a fruitful addition to the portfolio in every sense of the word.

If you’re interested in exploring current opportunities, Brevitas provides a curated platform of active farm listings across the U.S. and internationally. You can filter searches by land use (agricultural), size, location, and keywords (try searching by crop, like “vineyard” or “citrus”, to see matching listings). Each listing comes with details on the property’s features, and many have photos and financial highlights to help you evaluate the deal. As always, perform due diligence and consider consulting agricultural professionals when needed.

Ready to dig in? The world of specialty crop investing awaits – whether you’re dreaming of owning a boutique vineyard or simply looking for a stable, income-generating land asset.

Browse Specialty Crop Land Listings on Brevitas

References:
• Limoneira Investor Relations
• Calavo Growers Investor Relations
• Fresh Del Monte Produce Investor Relations
• Mission Produce Investor Relations
• Adecoagro Investor Relations
• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service – What is a Specialty Crop? (Definition of specialty crops)
• Farmstand App Blog – 10 Most Profitable Crops to Grow: From Saffron to Hemp (Typical yield and revenue per acre for almonds, avocados, citrus, etc.) 
• Money.com – Investing in Farmland to Beat High Inflation and Volatility (Farmland returns ~11% annually with low volatility; diversification benefits)
• Equity Trust (Trustetc) – Farmland as a Hedge Against Inflation (Historical correlation of farmland to inflation ~70–80%)
• FarmTogether Blog – Capitalizing on Cannabis and Hemp (Estimated revenue per acre for hemp and medical cannabis)