Peppers

Includes bell peppers, chili peppers, and specialty hot peppers. Warm conditions encourage growth, but insect pressure can be significant.

Farmers often resort to protective netting, biological controls, or selective spraying to manage pests like pepper weevil or thrips. Popular chili varieties (such as Hawaiian chili or jalapeño) align with local taste for spicy seasonings and sauce making. Bell peppers fetch higher prices in fresh markets if they’re of uniform size and color, but consistent yields require careful fertilization and irrigation. Driven by stable local consumption and restaurant demand, peppers remain an enticing yet management-intensive crop for many mid-sized farms.