Purple Amaranth - an ancient high-protein plant from South America

Locally Grown Ethnic Greens and Herbs: Demand Assessments and Production Opportunities for East Coast Farmers

Hispanics and Asians living in the United States had a combined purchasing power of almost $1.5 trillion in 2009, representing a major market opportunity for farmers on the East Coast. The primary focus of this project was to analyze consumer demand for ethnic greens/herbs, understand willingness to pay a premium for fresh leafy greens/herbs, document …

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A constructed wetland.

Use of Wetland Systems to Treat Nursery Runoff

More than 56.6 million acres of land were irrigated in the United States in 2007, of which 56% was irrigated by sprinkler and microirrigation systems.1  We are developing treatment technologies to cleanse irrigation runoff either before reuse for irrigation or release into the environment.  By developing constructed wetland and vegetative buffer design technologies for use …

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Ripening hazelnuts in husks

Hazelnut breeding for disease resistance and climate adaptation

Oregon produces 99% of US commercial hazelnuts, with farmgate sales at $60-75 million. Oregon hazelnuts attract a premium price for large nuts compared to any other production area. Commercial plantings began in 1905; the area planted to hazelnuts reached 29,000 acres in 1986 when eastern filbert blight (EFB) was found in Clackamas County, OR. Chemical …

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Hills of 'Evangeline' sweetpotatoes

Farmers Improve Sweetpotato Production Efficiency

Growth in the processing sector and nutrition conscious consumers are fueling sweetpotato popularity in the United States.  Production of the crop exceeded two billion lbs in 2010, the largest crop since 1950.  In addition, domestic per capita consumption increased by 34% during the last decade.  Yet variable yields, ranging from 350-900 bushels/acre, and rising production …

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New varieties will be at less risk for distortions

Meeting the demand for Eastern Broccoli

Broccoli is one of America’s most popular vegetables, worth nearly a billion dollars a year to farmers. A lot of broccoli is eaten in the East, but little is grown there. Buyers want eastern broccoli because locally grown food is popular, and high fuel prices raise costs. Unfortunately, current varieties under eastern growing conditions too …

View full post
Locally Grown Ethnic Greens and Herbs: Demand Assessments and Production Opportunities for East Coast FarmersUse of Wetland Systems to Treat Nursery RunoffHazelnut breeding for disease resistance and climate adaptationFarmers Improve Sweetpotato Production EfficiencyMeeting the demand for Eastern Broccoli

Mar
03

Locally Grown Ethnic Greens and Herbs: Demand Assessments and Production Opportunities for East Coast Farmers

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Purple Amaranth - an ancient high-protein plant from South America, with leaves are among the most nutritious of vegetable greens

Hispanics and Asians living in the United States had a combined purchasing power of almost $1.5 trillion in 2009, representing a major market opportunity for farmers on the East Coast. The primary focus of this project was to analyze consumer demand for ethnic greens/herbs, understand willingness to pay a premium for fresh leafy greens/herbs, document ethnic consumers’ preferences for local produce, and better understand demographic characteristics of likely buyers. The motivation for studying demand for ethnic greens/herbs is based on size of the Asians and Hispanic immigrant population, in this region. A 2006 consumer survey of the total ethnic produce market on the East Coast was estimated at more than $1 billion. To increase profitability and sustainability, many farmers have begun growing specialty crops, to target this sizeable horticultural market.

During 2010, we conducted four online focus group sessions with consumers who identified with one of four ethnic groups of interest (Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Asian Indians and Chinese), who identified a final list of 40 ethnic greens and herbs. Based on 2010 census data, there are 1.3 million Asian Indians, 1.2 million Chinese, about 3 million Mexicans, and 3.6 million Puerto Ricans in Washington, DC and the 16 Eastern US states covered by our study. A telephone survey instrument was developed, and a total of 1,117 interview samples were randomly collected from these target audiences. On average, Asian Indians spent $112 dollars per month; Chinese consumers spent $87 per month; Mexican consumers and Puerto Rican consumers spent $79 and $85 per month, respectively, on ethnic greens and herbs.

Based on the purchasing behavior and numbers of consumers in each of these demographics, the potential farm-gate value of these ethnic vegetables could conservatively be over $200 million per year in Washington DC and 16 US states covered by the study. Our team has utilized a number of follow-up strategies to reach potential producers and extension specialists. An online webinar was conducted by team members, during which outcomes of this survey were presented (see http://www.primetechrepair.com/symp//EthnicCrops/Ramu_Govindasamy/player.htm)
Team members have also developed a world crop website to promote outreach to clientele at http://www.worldcrops.org/

 

1. Project Title: Locally Grown Ethnic Greens and Herbs: Demand Assessments and Production Opportunities for East Coast Farmers

2. Funding Agency: USDA-NIFA

3. Project Award Number: SCRI 2009-51181-06035

4a. Project Funding Dollar Value: $1,503,166

4b. Project Funding Matching Amount: $1,503,166

5. Effective Project Dates: 09/01/2009 – 8/31/2013

6. Institutions and Companies Involved: Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Pennsylvania State University, University of Massachusetts, University of Florida

7. Congressional Districts: NJ-06; FL-06; MA-01; PA-05

8. Stakeholder and Commodity Groups Affected: Vegetable growers; Consumers; Direct Marketers

9. Project Website: View website

10. Project Director/Co-PD: Ramu Govindasamy

11. Project Director/Co-PD Email: Govindasamy@aesop.rutgers.edu

12. Project Director/Co-PD Phone:

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Nov
28

Use of Wetland Systems to Treat Nursery Runoff

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A constructed wetland

Constructed wetlands filter pollutants from nursery runoff. Growers can use this technology to protect surface waters from nutrient enrichment.

More than 56.6 million acres of land were irrigated in the United States in 2007, of which 56% was irrigated by sprinkler and microirrigation systems.1  We are developing treatment technologies to cleanse irrigation runoff either before reuse for irrigation or release into the environment.  By developing constructed wetland and vegetative buffer design technologies for use as an environmental best management practice, our team will provide growers with plant-based technology to remove sediment, nutrient, pathogen, and pesticide contaminants from water.

Through collaboration among plant scientists, plant pathologists, and environmental toxicologists, with commercial nursery and greenhouse growers in GA and SC, we are designing ecological treatment systems to cleanse water.  These treatment systems rely on natural processes to remove contaminants rather than chemical treatments.  Developing this technology will increase reuse of irrigation runoff (saving potable water resources for non-irrigation uses) and increase worker safety.  Close cooperation among researchers and commercial growers takes advantage of everyone’s expertise, ensuring progress towards implementation of the science into practice.

During the past three years, we have monitored the efficacy of two constructed wetlands to facilitate removal of nutrients and pathogen contaminants from runoff.  The wetlands reduced export of total nitrogen by 69%, phosphorus by 39%, and Phytophthora spp. (a pathogen) by 80%.  Over 630,000 gallons of water flow through these wetlands each day, and an average of 143 lbs. of nitrogen and 0.12 lbs. of phosphorus are removed from runoff on a daily basis.  Given that it takes only 0.02 ppm phosphorus to contribute to nutrient enrichment and potential impairment of surface waters2, optimizing best management practices to reduce nutrient export into surface waters is critical.  This technology to filter contaminants from runoff not only helps to protect our surface waters, but can also be applied to increase re-use of irrigation runoff to save potable water sources for other uses.

 

1. Project Title: Use of Wetland Systems to Treat Nursery Runoff

2. Funding Agency: USDA-FNRI

3. Project Award Number: 6618-13000-003-02S

4a. Project Funding Dollar Value: $262,877

4b. Project Funding Matching Amount:

5. Effective Project Dates: 09/26/2007– 8/31/2012

6. Institutions and Companies Involved: Clemson University, USDA-ARS-HRL

7. Congressional Districts: SC-03, GA-02, FL-16

8. Stakeholder and Commodity Groups Affected: Container-nursery; Greenhouse

9. Project Website: View website

10. Project Director/Co-PD: Sarah White

11. Project Director/Co-PD Email: swhite4@clemson.edu

12. Project Director/Co-PD Phone: 864-656-7433 (email is preferred method of contact)

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Nov
22

Hazelnut breeding for disease resistance and climate adaptation

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Oregon produces 99% of US commercial hazelnuts, with farmgate sales at $60-75 million. Oregon hazelnuts attract a premium price for large nuts compared to any other production area. Commercial plantings began in 1905; the area planted to hazelnuts reached 29,000 acres in 1986 when eastern filbert blight (EFB) was found in Clackamas County, OR.

Chemical control of EFB costs $160/acre/year. Scouting and removal of infected branches is an additional $150/acre/year. Infected trees experience dramatic yield reduction as they gradually die. From 1986 to 2010, new orchards were planted (mostly ‘Lewis’) and old diseased orchards were removed, and the total acreage remained at 29,000 acres. About 70% of orchards are infected, or are close to diseased orchards.

The goal of this SCRI-funded project is to develop disease-resistant hazelnuts, develop varieties adapted to nut production in eastern North America, and develop varieties providing Midwestern growers with an additional biofuel enterprise. The ‘Gasaway’ gene confers resistance to EFB. It is fully mapped and characterized, although work continues to refine our understanding of its function. Cultivar ‘Jefferson,’ EFB resistant and valued for its large nuts, is being readily adopted.

Beginning in 2010, plantings have expanded at a rate of 3000 acres per year with availability of new resistant cultivars. Continued research will identify and study new sources of resistance, and use them to develop new cultivars with stable resistance. Hazelnuts provide an alternative enterprise to the Willamette Valley’s grass seed growers, who continue to suffer from stagnant markets since the fall of the housing market in 2008. In a fully establishment orchard, EFB resistant trees return $1,940 per acre over cash costs to the grower, as compared to -$3,014 for the EFB susceptible planting, a difference in cumulative cash flow of $4,954 per acre. China is the principal export market for US hazelnuts.

 

1. Project Title: Expansion of hazelnut production, feedstock, and biofuel potential through breeding for disease resistance and climate adaptation

2. Funding Agency: USDA NIFA SCRI

3. Project Award Number: 2009-51181-06028

4a. Project Funding Dollar Value: $1,392,933

4b. Project Funding Matching Amount: 100%

5. Effective Project Dates: 9/1/03 – 8/31/12

6. Institutions and Companies Involved: Oregon State University Rutgers University of Nebraska Arbor Day Foundation

7. Congressional Districts: OR 1, OR3, OR 4, OR 5, NJ 6, NB 1

8. Stakeholder and Commodity Groups Affected: Hazelnut

9. Project Website: View website

10. Project Director/Co-PD: Shawn Mehlenbacher

11. Project Director/Co-PD Email: mehlenbs@hort.oregonstate.edu

12. Project Director/Co-PD Phone: 541-737-5467 (email contact much preferred)

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Nov
19

Farmers Improve Sweetpotato Production Efficiency

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Hills of 'Evangeline' sweetpotatoes

Growth in the processing sector and nutrition conscious consumers are fueling sweetpotato popularity in the United States.  Production of the crop exceeded two billion lbs in 2010, the largest crop since 1950.  In addition, domestic per capita consumption increased by 34% during the last decade.  Yet variable yields, ranging from 350-900 bushels/acre, and rising production costs, exceeding $4,000.00 per acre, have left many producers on the edge of profitability. Unfortunately, producers must contend with huge variations in storage root yield, quality, disease, and storability in fields.

The long term goal of this project is to improve sweetpotato production efficiency, by overcoming production limitations that reduce yield, improving root quality and addressing food safety and emerging disease threats.  Through research and on-farm validation of an initial production model we identified conditions that lead to yield loss.  Producers who participated as case studies are not only aware of the model based decisions concerning sweetpotato production, but they implemented these practices on their farms, made informed decisions and subsequently realized optimum results, thereby demonstrating that our research has already impacted early adopters.

Through workshops and surveys, we are identifying food safety hazards and developing crisis communication plans for all participating states which will serve as a system for ensuring food safety for a $400 million industry.  Our participatory approach will aid in the development of a decision support system which will reduce yield variability and improve efficiencies.  Ultimately, our efforts will ensure our producers capitalize on expanding opportunities and remain profitable.

 

1. Project Title: Participatory modeling and decision support for improving sweet potato production efficiency, quality and food safety.

2. Funding Agency: USDA-NIFA

3. Project Award Number: 2009-51181-06071

4a. Project Funding Dollar Value: $2,841,987

4b. Project Funding Matching Amount: $2,841,987

5. Effective Project Dates: 9/01/2009-8/31/2012

6. Institutions and Companies Involved: Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, University of California Cooperative Extension

7. Congressional Districts: CA-018, LA-005, LA-006, LA-007, MS-001, MS-002, NC-001, NC-002, NC-003, NC-004, NC-007

8. Stakeholder and Commodity Groups Affected: Sweet Potato Producers in the United States

9. Project Website: View website

10. Project Director/Co-PD: Tara Smith

11. Project Director/Co-PD Email: tsmith@agcenter.lsu.edu

12. Project Director/Co-PD Phone: 318-435-2155

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Nov
18

Meeting the demand for Eastern Broccoli

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New broccoli varieties (right) will be at less risk for distortions that ruin quality (left).

Broccoli is one of America’s most popular vegetables, worth nearly a billion dollars a year to farmers. A lot of broccoli is eaten in the East, but little is grown there. Buyers want eastern broccoli because locally grown food is popular, and high fuel prices raise costs. Unfortunately, current varieties under eastern growing conditions too often make heads that are not good enough to sell.

Plant breeders at public institutions have recently developed broccoli strains that make top-quality broccoli despite warmer eastern weather. They will be the basis of varieties that make year-round eastern production possible. This project provides a complete solution to the problem by addressing each of the six barriers to success.  We will improve germplasm, test regional experimental varieties across the eastern region, release new varieties, produce hybrid seed for growers, inform broccoli growers of the best production and food safety methods, and establish robust distribution channels.  Our assembled team includes breeders, production specialists, and market developers. Team members come from industry, land grant colleges and the USDA.  We have the breeding stocks, expertise and market presence to develop a substantial eastern broccoli industry in 5-10 years. This project will benefit society in many ways. It will make more local food available, provide economic development in depressed areas, reduce energy needed for transportation and save Western irrigation water. Our vision is to create a regional food network for an important nutritious vegetable. That network may serve as a model for other specialty crops.

 

1. Project Title: Developing an Eastern Broccoli Industry

2. Funding Agency: USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Research initiatibve

3. Project Award Number: 2010-51181-21062

4a. Project Funding Dollar Value: $3,172,100

4b. Project Funding Matching Amount: $3,172,100

5. Effective Project Dates: 9/01/2010-8/31/2015

6. Institutions and Companies Involved: Cornell University, USDA-ARS, University of Maine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, North Carolina State University, Clemson University, University of Tennessee, Wegmans, Seminis Vegetable Seed, Syngenta, Johnnys Selected Seed, Bejo Seed USA, Cabbage Inc, Ocean Mist, L&M Companies, CY Farms, WP Rawl, Clayton Rawl Farms

7. Congressional Districts: A-14 CA-23 ME-01 ME-02 NC-11 NC-13 NY-22 NY-26 NY-29 OR-04 SC-01 SC-02 TN-02 VA-09

8. Stakeholder and Commodity Groups Affected: Vegetable growers in the eastern US, broccoli consumers, vegetable distributors, produce managers, seed companies

9. Project Website: View website

10. Project Director/Co-PD: Thomas Björkman

11. Project Director/Co-PD Email: tnb1@cornell.edu

12. Project Director/Co-PD Phone: 315-787-2218

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Nov
18

Increasing the Efficiency of Irrigation Water Applications with Smart Sensor Technology

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Sensor networks aid better irrigation management decisions by farmers, increasing the efficiency of water use.

More than 56.6 million acres of land were irrigated in the United States in 2007, of which 56% was irrigated by sprinkler and microirrigation systems. (1)  We are developing advanced sensor technology to precisely monitor plant water use, to allow for better control of irrigation water applications and increase the efficiency of water and nutrient use in nursery and greenhouse operations. By using cost-effective networks of soil and environmental sensors, we are providing growers with real-time information about soil moisture and plant water use on their computers and smart phones at any time. Through ongoing collaborations between plant scientists, engineers, and economists with commercial nursery and greenhouse growers in MD, GA, TN and OH, we have developed new sensor technology and software to automatically control irrigation based on plants’ needs.  Close cooperation among researchers and commercial growers is taking advantage of everyone’s expertise, to ensure rapid progress towards implementation of the science into practice.

During the first two years of this project, commercially-available sensor technology was deployed on these farms, which growers are using to make daily irrigation decisions.  We have already reduced water applications by more than 50%, by making smarter irrigation scheduling decisions.  Improving water management not only reduces nutrient leaching but also improves plant quality and reduces losses from plant diseases.  In the case of one nursery, improving their irrigation practices resulted in a $1 per square foot economic benefit for a specific crop.  These savings from just one small area of this nursery operation would have paid for the sensor network in less than two months.  Given that most nurseries have 10’s to 100’s of acres in production, the economic benefit for individual nurseries is likely to be many thousands of dollars each year.  However, better irrigation not only benefits growers.  By improving ornamental irrigation efficiency by 50%, we can save more than 42 gallons water per person for each of the 310 million people in the US each year (2) that will help conserve the nation’s water resources.  More detailed results from the project can be found at http://www.smart-farms.net

(1) Kenny et al., 2009.  Estimated use of water in the United States in 2005:  U.S. Geological Survey Circ. 1344, 52 p.

(2) U.S. Dept. Agric, 2009. 2008 Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey: Horticultural Operations Data. Nat. Agric. Stat. Serv., Washington, D.C.

 

1. Project Title: Precision Irrigation and Nutrient Management for Nursery, Greenhouse and Green Roof Systems: Wireless Sensor Networks for Feedback and Feed-forward Control.

2. Funding Agency: USDA-NIFA

3. Project Award Number: SCRI 2009-51181-05768

4a. Project Funding Dollar Value: $5,161,495

4b. Project Funding Matching Amount: $5,205,172

5. Effective Project Dates: 09/01/2009 – 8/31/2014

6. Institutions and Companies Involved: University of Maryland, Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute, University of Georgia, Colorado State University, Cornell University, Decagon Devices, Inc., Antir Software, LLC.

7. Congressional Districts: MD-05, MD-ALL, PA-14, GA-10, GA-2, GA-8, G-12, CO-4, OH-12, OH-13, TN-4, WA-5

8. Stakeholder and Commodity Groups Affected: Field-nursery, Container-nursery, Greenhouse, Green roofs

9. Project Website: View website

10. Project Director/Co-PD: John Lea-Cox

11. Project Director/Co-PD Email: JLC_at_umd.edu

12. Project Director/Co-PD Phone: 301-405-4323 (Email contact much preferred)

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