Civil conflicts and the December 2004 tsunami have impeded the development of local fruit germplasm despite the inherent high quality and potential of Aceh’s fruit germplasm. Most of Aceh communities are composed of small scale farmers with land ownership averaging from 0.25 to 4 ha per capita; they plant various trees species (fruits, rubber, cocoa, etc.) in a mixed-tree based system (agroforestry) with extensive management. In Aceh' village markets most fruit is produced by local farmers.

Vegetables are mostly grown in mountainous areas with an altitude >400 m a.s.l., such as Temanggung, Central Java. The steep slope farming considers very little environmental suitability and sustainability. This study was conducted in 2004, covering a total area of 87,223 ha. Soil samples were analyzed for soil texture, pH, C, N, P, K, CEC, exchangeable cations, and base saturation. Soil characteristics data were used for land suitability evaluation for vegetables crops using the Automated Land Evaluation System (ALES) program.

The social and economic consequences of horticultural product food losses from farm to the consumer remain unacceptably high. In developing countries postharvest losses compromise food security, income generation and poverty alleviation for millions of families. In developed countries substantial product losses result in economic losses to supply chain participants and reduced supplies of healthy products into international markets.