Small grain mixtures are the mainstay of bird food. Most of the grain species used in these mixtures are of tropical and subtropical origin or could be produced in the tropics and subtropics. Their cultivation, processing and marketing open diverse opportunities for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in developing countries. The purpose of this report is to give an overview of the market for bird food and to highlight some of the plant species that could be successfully grown and processed in developing countries to supply this market. Major constraining factors to be taken into consideration are also identified. Information provided will be found valuable by entrepreneurs of small businesses and farmer groups looking for new cash crop alternatives, as well as service providers and policy-makers in the agro-industrial sector in developing countries.
