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Funded Project |
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Funding Program:
Enhancement Grants - Special Projects |
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Project Title:
Development of Southern Region IPM Organic Tree Fruit Working Group
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Project Directors (PDs):
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Lead State: AR Lead Organization: University of Arkansas |
| Undesignated Funding: $10,000 |
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Start Date: Jul-01-2004 End Date: Jun-30-2005 |
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Summary:
Organic agriculture is increasingly gaining importance in agricultural economies because of the many economic, environmental and social benefits associated with organic production as well as consumer awareness of these benefits. These benefits and consumer awareness have contributed to an annual 20% growth in the organic industry. Although there has been continuous increase, the South has only 14% of the certified organic production in the US, of which 82% was found in Texas. Most Universities in the Southern region have some research, Extension publications or workshops in organic weeds, nutrients or vegetable production but there is little information on organic fruit production, especially tree fruit production. Considering the lack of information on organic deciduous tree fruit production in the South, most organic practices have been developed in other regions of the country. Much of this information is not applicable to the South because of our hot and humid spring and summers that contributes to many fungal diseases and multiple generations of insect pests. Science and systems-based organic pest management information is necessary to overcome these pest challenges while maintaining environmental and economic viability. The Southern region has a growing organic tree fruit industry that consists of many small acreage fruit and vegetable farms, where many sell through a growing network of local farmers markets and organic produce retailers. The ultimate goal will be to organize a Southern Region Working Group for Organic Tree Fruit Production that would share insights and promote submission of grant proposals that address the prioritized needs for organic tree fruit research, extension and demonstration and information transfer system that are economically and environmentally viable. Our organic tree fruit industry would greatly benefit from such an organized planning group. Thus, our objectives are: 1) To organize and facilitate four in-state (AR, GA, NC, SC) Focus Group meetings that will identify interested people and support industries, available and needed publications on organic production, and research and extension demonstration projects that will enhance and promote organic deciduous tree fruit production so it is more sustainable in the southern region. 2) To organize and facilitate a meeting that will prioritize issues, research and extension needs from the four Focus Group meetings and use this information to implement a formal application to CSREES for creation of a Southern Region Organic Tree Fruit Working Group. One goal of that Working Group would be to submit a proposal to support a meeting to compose a Pest Management Strategic Plan for Southern Region Organic Deciduous Tree Fruit Production.
Objectives: To organize and facilitate four in-state (AR, GA, NC, SC) Focus Group meetings that will identify interested people and support industries, available and needed publications on organic production, and research and extension demonstration projects that will enhance and promote organic deciduous tree fruit production so it is more sustainable in the southern region. 2) To organize and facilitate a meeting that will prioritize issues, research and extension needs from the four Focus Group meetings and use this information to implement a formal application to CSREES for creation of a Southern Region Organic Tree Fruit Working Group. One goal of that Working Group would be to submit a proposal to support a meeting to compose a Pest Management Strategic Plan for Southern Region Organic Deciduous Tree Fruit Production. |
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