If you've got some time you might take a look at ginseng. Takes awhile to get to market (about 5 years) I think and some special conditions (doesn't like sun).

Like another crop mentioned here there is a bunch of fashion about it and it's value is related very much to where is said to come from and how old it is. A wild variety does grow in our bush around here and it is extremely fashionable. Apparently it's a real gold mine for a person who know where a wild stand is. However, even basic commercial grades produce very high $ value per acre. One of our former federal politician's family wealth is based on it I hear.

Because of its high value per acre it might be interesting as a hobby crop on small plots. I think there is an organized market for the stuff and it shouldn't be too hard to find buyers. There are 'how to' books around for growing it.

If the idea actually is to produce some excess $'s most small operations for anything commercialized is likely to end up as a recreational operation so it's a good idea to start with something that's pleasing to do. For example, working the operation is fun and Christmas trees are nice to look at.

The economics of small operations is that to make much you need heavy resistance for producers to enter the market. That's why crops that take a long while to mature are good. Organic farming qualifies since it takes 5 years to get a certification. Other than time, something that has location, requires unique skills or has special requirements is good. Pick your own berry operations tend to do OK and it's because of location. Berries don't store or ship well so markets tend to be local. I'd look for something that's fun but also difficult and fussy or has a small consumer market. The short-term bottom-line orientation of current corporate managers does provide opportunity for the rest of us.

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