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Sustainable Small Fruit Production and Marketing
Project Leader: Sonia Schloemann
Project Year: 2009
Fruit farms and vineyards provide open space and scenic vistas that add significantly to the quality of life in Massachusetts. The lands surrounding agricultural production provide buffer zones for native species of plants and animals and corridors for their movement or expansion. To remain a vital part of the Massachusetts economy, both new and established growers must learn to produce crops sustainably and to adapt production systems to market opportunities. New varieties provide fruit farmers with opportunities for enhancing production, quality, sales and consumption UMass Extension provides berry and grape growers with access to current research information on new and alternative species and varieties, advanced horticultural management techniques, marketing and business management strategies, pest-ecology, and pest-management procedures. Research on pest ecology and management informs approaches that optimize control, reduce chemical use and increase fruit quality. The knowledge and resources provided by Extension forge successful partnerships with Massachusetts’s fruit producers that in turn foster a more secure, diverse and healthful food supply for the Commonwealth.
This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program
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Sustainable Freshwater Aquaculture
Project Leader: Craig Hollingsworth
Project Year: 2009
Commercial aquaculture is a valuable and growing industry globally and in the United States. Two major factors are driving the industry's expansion: increasing public demand for high quality fishery products and reduced yields from harvest of wild stocks. In Massachusetts, aquaculture can play an important role in the states ecology and economic development. Aquaculture can provide farmers with alternative source for generating income and opportunities for capital investment. Small farm freshwater aquaculture can serve a number of markets: home consumption, bait fish, providing sport fish for stocking, fee fishing, local restaurants and food markets, and ornamentals for hobbyists. Hatcheries are also an important management tool for use by state and federal fish and wildlife agencies to enhance and restore freshwater fisheries for public benefit. Cultured fish play a major role in providing and enhancing recreational fishing opportunities, augmenting existing fish stocks, and restoring fisheries. Growing fish for food is difficult however, as Massachusetts farmers must compete with international companies and growers from the southern United States who grow on a very large scale. Extension is seeking to support this industry across the state by training growers in the fundamentals of aquaculture. Potential new entrants into this market need accesses to the resources and technical assistance provided by Extension to fully realize the value of this emerging industry.
This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program
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Sustainable Cranberry Production
Project Leader: Hilary Sandler
Project Year: 2009
In the past ten years, cranberry growers have gone from receiving record high prices for their fruit to record low prices. While the industry has stabilized for now, the focus to remain economically competitive and environmentally sustainable has sharpened. As with all farmers, energy costs are rising and growers must contend with increasing urban pressure on the farm's margin, as many parties compete for finite resources. Given these economic and social pressures, it is increasingly difficult to keep land in production and safe from development. Growers must adopt innovative technology and understand the biology of cranberry pests to properly utilize new management tactics and remain competitive. The UMass Extension Sustainable Cranberry Project provides growers with pertinent and timely information to help sustain a vibrant cranberry industry in Southeastern Massachusetts. The Cranberry Team works closely with a broad coalition that includes growers, consultants, professional associations, private vendors, non-profits, state and federal agencies, legislators, local officials and citizens.
This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program
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Plant and Soil Diagnostic Services
Project Leader: Bess Dicklow
Report Year: 2009
UMass Extension Plant and Soil Diagnostic Services provide accurate identification of pest, disease, and weed problems. The program also provides analysis of soil and tissue nutrient levels which leads to precision fertilizer applications. Fertilizer applications based upon soil and tissue analysis prevent unnecessary applications of fertilizers which have the potential to negatively impact water resources. Diagnostic analyses also determine nutrient toxicities and deficiencies that can negatively impact plant growth and performance. In addition to providing these technical services, diagnostic staff also work educate the horticultural industry through presentations at grower meetings, invited presentations, participation in UMass Green School and Winter School for Turf Managers, and by contributing to an array of publications, newsletters and technical manuals.
This project is part of the Agriculture & Landscape program
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Pesticide Education Program
Project Leader: Natalia Clifton
Project Year: 2009
Pesticides are vital tools for controlling pests and maintaining an adequate food supply. If used improperly, pesticides can also threaten human health and the natural environment. Inexperienced applicators, accidents, inadequate protection and equipment continue to be areas of concern that increase the potential for negative personal and environmental impacts from pesticide exposure. The UMass Extension Pesticide Education Project works closely with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to educate pesticide users about safe application, state regulation and proper use of pesticides in Massachusetts. The Pesticide Education team is also part of a New England Pest Management Network that collaborates to gather information on pest management and pesticide use for important crops and sites throughout New England, identify pest management needs and inform state regulations. This project helps agricultural and green industry businesses stay competitive and relevant through education on new pests and pest management strategies, environmental issues that affect their industry, and continued notice of updates to local and federal laws and regulations.
This project is part of the Agriculture & Landscape program
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Sustainable Tree Fruit Production and Marketing
Project Leader: Jon Clements
Project Year: 2009
For orchards in Massachusetts to maintain their economic viability and environmental sustainability, farmers must continually strive to improve production efficiency, expand fruit varieties grown, explore new marketing opportunities, understand farm ecology, and evaluate profitability. The UMass Extension Sustainable Tree Fruit Production and Marketing Project provides ready access to current research information on new and alternative species and varieties, advanced horticultural management techniques, marketing and business management strategies, pest-ecology, and integrated pest management procedures. Applied research programs on the physiological management of vegetative growth, fruit growth, and post-harvest changes can give farmers important tools necessary to increase production efficiency while enhancing fruit quality. Studies of pest ecology and control techniques provide integrated approaches to pest management that optimize control, reduce chemical use and increase fruit quality. A successful partnership between Massachusetts tree fruit producers and UMass Extension will continue to, foster a more secure, diverse and healthful food supply for the Commonwealth.
This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program
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