Overview
Total U.S. carrot production for the fresh and processing markets was valued at $632 million in 2008 (NASS 2009). The value of production of fresh carrots increased from $518 million in 2004 to nearly $600 million in 2008. Carrots used for processing were valued at $34.2 million in 2008, down from $34.4 million in 2004.

In the United States, carrot production is highly mechanized and highly concentrated. Both carrots used for processing and fresh carrots use mechanical harvesting techniques, and only two major California firms account for the majority of all carrot products sold (ERS 2003).  May 2009 ... Carrots
 

Marketing 

• 2009 U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Outlook, National Food and Agricultural Policy Project (NFAPP), Arizona State University.
• Carrots, Vegetables, NASS, USDA, 2009.
  
• Factors Affecting Carrot Consumption in the United States, ERS, USDA, 2007 - This article examines where and how much fresh and processed carrots are eaten and links this consumption to various economic, social, and demographic characteristics of consumers. The analysis indicates that per capita carrot consumption is greatest in the East and Central regions of the country.
• The New Mighty Maroon Carrot, Texas Neighbors, Texas A&M Internet magazine - Article on development and marketing of the purple-skinned “Texas A&M” neutraceutical carrot.
• Umbelliferae Improvement Newsletter, ARS, USDA.
• U.S. Trade Internet System, FASonline, USDA.
• Vegetables and Melons Yearbook, ERS, USDA, 2008.

Processing/Manufacturing

• Postharvest Handling & Food Safety, North Florida Research & Education Center, University of Florida- Handling and cooling of fresh produce has become an essential step for successful operations. This series of links covers SDA Grading standards, food safety recommendations, postharvest cooling and handling, and links to packer newsletters and similar resources.
• United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association - The mission of this association is to promote the growth and success of produce companies and their partners. United is the national trade organization that represents the interests of growers, shippers, processors, brokers, wholesalers and distributors of produce.
• U.S. Standards of Carrot Grades, Purdue University - The U.S. standards for the following types of carrots are available as downloadable files: Bunched carrots, topped carrots, carrots with short trimmed tops and carrots for processing (USDA-AMS).

Production

• Carrot Production in California, Vegetable Research & Information Center, University of California, 2008.
• Carrot Production in Washington State, Washington State University - This PowerPoint presentation reviews Washington state carrot production figures, pest and disease problems and weed control information.
• Carrots, Vegetable Crop Management, University of Minnesota Extension.
• Carrot Seed, North Florida Research & Education Center, University of Florida - National sources for carrot and other vegetable seeds.
• Commercial Production of Carrots in Mississippi, Mississippi State University Extension Service.
• Fact Sheet: Carrots, Cornell University - These pages provide integrated pest management recommendations, disease scouting information, plant spacing and varietal information, soil analysis and fertility studies. A number of useful links and addresses to resource contacts are provided.
• Organic Farming: Carrot Production, Department of Primary Industries, State of Victoria, Australia, 2007.

Businesses/Case Studies

• Bolthouse Farms - Example of a major producer, from whole carrots to juice. The site contains information on their products and company philosophy.
• Carrots to the Core, Rodale Institute, 2004 - Iowa organic farmer finds his niche with a favorite vegetable.
• Grimmway Farms - Another example of a major producer, from whole carrots to baby carrots to coins and juice. The site contains information on their products, kosher certifications, food safety monitoring and company philosophy.

Links checked May 2009.