highly variable. The lack of time series data from Mexico required that a deterministic model

be constructed.


Empirical Specification

 The data requirements of the proposed model are large. In this section, the data used

to empirically specify the model are presented.

 One notable omission from the quadratic programming model are resource constraints

imposed by land availability, labor, or machinery. Although limited land is available, especially

along the east coast of Florida, for fresh vegetable production, it could not be established that

effective resource requirements restrict the production of fresh vegetables in Florida, Mexico,

or other U.S. supply areas. The fruit and vegetable crops included in this study accounted for

approximately 41% of the harvested acreage for fresh produce in Florida in the 1991-92 season

(Vegetable Summary). In several of the regions studied, the fruit and vegetable crops included

herein compete with other fresh produce crops such as potatoes, beans, and sweet corn, as well

as citrus for land, labor, and other resources. Given the price endogenous specification of the

model, relative profitability is likely the more important consideration in planting decisions for

winter fresh vegetable production.


The Empirical Demand Structure

 The inverse demand equations employed in the model are based upon the work of Scott

(1991). In his study, a system of four equations of winter fresh vegetable demand in the U.S.

was estimated. The commodities included in his study were tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers,

and green beans. Four terminal markets: New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, were