OLD SERA45: Crop diversification opportunities to enhance the viability of small farms

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[11/26/2019] [11/17/2020] [11/16/2021] [11/11/2022] [11/17/2023]

Date of Annual Report: 11/26/2019

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/27/2019 - 09/27/2019
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2018 - 09/30/2019

Participants

Cassady, Christy (cgcass0@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Dugger, Troy (pdugger2@utk.edu) - Center for Profitable Agriculture, Tennessee; Jacobsen, Krista (Chair) (krista.jacobsen@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Jett, Lewis (Lewis.Jett@mail.wvu.edu) - West Virginia University; Langenhoven, Petrus (plangenh@purdue.edu) - Purdue University; Oliver, Lesley (AA) (lesley.oliver@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Rogers, Mary (roge0168@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota; Rudolph, Rachel (rachel.rudolph@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Stock, Melanie (melanie.stock@usu.edu) - Utah State University; Velandia, Margarita (mvelandia@utk.edu) - University of Tennessee; Wolff, Brett (brett.wolff@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Woods, Tim (tim.woods@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky; Wright, Shawn (shawn.wright@uky.edu), University of Kentucky; Wszelaki, Annette (annettew@utk.edu) - University of Tennessee. Also attending: Knight, Joshua (joshua.knight@uky.edu)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Please see attached minutes.

Minutes Attachment:

2019_SERA45_Minutes_State_Reports.pdf

Accomplishments

The fourth year of an organic transition project was conducted by Iowa State University (Ajay Nair) in collaboration with the University of Kentucky (Mark Williams). The project investigated the effect of Protek net on winter squash and melon production. Protek nets are three to four times more expensive than typical row covers, but have extended shelf life and reduced temperature stress under low tunnels. Based on results so far, Protek net systems are performing well, providing insect protection and microclimate modification for enhanced growth, yield and quality in winter squash and muskmelon production systems. Iowa State has a website that includes this research at <a href="https://www.cucurbit.plantpath.iastate.edu/">https://www.cucurbit.plantpath.iastate.edu/</a>.  Multiple participants in SERA 45, Krista Jacobsen and Tim Woods (Kentucky) and Annette Wszelaki (Tennessee) were involved in a Southern SARE-funded project, Cover Crops Under Cover: Evaluating Costs, Benefits, and Ecosystem Services of Cover Crops in Year-Round High Tunnel Production, which ended on September 30, 2019. A progress report is available at <a href="https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/ls16-272/">https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/ls16-272/</a>, with a final report to come in November.  Matt Kleinhenz (OH) led a proposal that looked at integrating weather data for high tunnel management, but it was not funded. Jacobsen (KY), new SERA 45 participant Mary Rogers (MN) and Wszelaki (TN) were part of the proposal team. Kleinhenz is continuing to shop the idea in foundational programs for AFRI, which has a call for conference grants with no deadline, and Liz Maynard (IN), Nair (IA), Kleinhenz and Jacobsen are involved. It is a conference proposal for $50,000-$60,000. If this proposal is funded, Kleinhenz will be seeking others involved in SERA 45 to participate. In 2018, Extension Vegetable Specialist Rachel Rudolph (KY) participated in radish variety trials along with Wszelaki and other researchers from states in the South that are part of the Southeastern Vegetable Extension Workers. Seed companies donated radish seeds, and the trial involved South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama and North Carolina in addition to Kentucky and Tennessee. The trials included all types of radishes for spring production, and involved both high tunnel and field production. Data has been collected, and results varied significantly by state. A report is pending. Plans for the coming year: Participants Jacobsen, Rudolph and Woods (KY), Wszelaki and Margarita Velandia (TN) and Rogers (MN) are collaborating on an SCRI FY 2020 Research and Extension Planning Project Proposal entitled Reclaiming High Tunnel Soil Health for Sustained Specialty Crop Production. The participants are waiting to hear whether they will be invited for a full proposal. The group plans to work on a high tunnel IPM guide for the Southeast, given the importance of high tunnel production in the participating states. Velandia volunteered to collaborate on a grant proposal for 2020 with the Southern IPM Center. The CCD is working with Lewis Jett (WV) to publish co-branded UK-WVU extension fact sheets through the CCD’s publication system. The group is considering work on a project to look at winter squash and other storage vegetables as part of a squash hunger campaign to benefit communities in food deserts. A Southern SARE proposal for a project to evaluate mulch products is being submitted in November 2019. Jett will try to establish a price reporting system in West Virginia, and Velandia will try to get price reports from Tennessee’s produce auction. Velandia will also submit a Specialty Crop Block Grant proposal to seek funds to look at price trends. Additional suggestions for future work include looking at heavy metals on farms, including in high tunnels; biodegradable mulch and soil health, including what data we have and do not have; working on a publication about trellising in high tunnels; biodegradable netting; cut flower production; and invasive species in specialty crops.

Publications

Research Presentations: Bergefurd, Brad, Tim Woods and Alex Butler. “A Produce Price Analysis of Regional Ohio Valley Produce Auctions.” Paper presented at the 22nd International Farm Management Association Congress, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, March 3-8, 2019. Abstract: <a href="http://www.ifma22.org/2103">http://www.ifma22.org/2103</a>. Presentation: <a href="http://www.ifma22.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Brad-Bergefurd-105.pdf">http://www.ifma22.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Brad-Bergefurd-105.pdf</a>.   Extension Publications: Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide 2019-2020 <a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/Hort/Documents/ID-465.pdf">https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/Hort/Documents/ID-465.pdf</a>  Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers 2019 (ID-56) <a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/midwest-vegetable-guide/Pages/default.aspx">https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/midwest-vegetable-guide/Pages/default.aspx</a>  Midwest Vegetable Trial Report for 2018. Published March 2019. <a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/fruitveg/Pages/mvtr2018.aspx">https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/fruitveg/Pages/mvtr2018.aspx</a>  2019 Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook <a href="https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-vegetable-crop-handbook">https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-vegetable-crop-handbook</a>

Impact Statements

Objective 4: conducting research in the participating states on consumer preferences and marketing channels that are most effective and profitable for small farms Accomplishments: Kentucky and Tennessee are involved in a Southern SARE-funded project, Extending Roots of Fresh Stop Markets across the Southeast Region. The project is looking at the economics of Fresh Stop Markets, which have had success in Kentucky, and the goal is to expand that success throughout the Southeast. Fresh Stop Markets allow higher income families to subsidize lower income families buying fresh food. Work still needs to be done to make the program successful from an economic perspective. A progress report is available at https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/ls18-300/. Potential outcomes and impacts: Research on consumer preferences and marketing channels will help farmers in the region determine the most appropriate channels for selling their products.

Date of Annual Report: 11/17/2020

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/18/2020 - 09/18/2020
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2019 - 09/30/2020

Participants

Oliver, Lesley (AA-University of Kentucky), Nair, Ajay (Chair, Iowa State University), Stock, Melanie (Vice-Chair, Utah State University), Wszelaki, Annette (University of Tennessee), Dugger, Troy (Center for Profitable Agriculture, Tennessee), Holland, Rob (Center for Profitable Agriculture, Tennessee), Cassady, Christy (University of Kentucky), Wolff, Brett (University of Kentucky), Woods, Tim (University of Kentucky), Rudolph, Rachel (University of Kentucky), Wright, Shawn (University of Kentucky), Maynard, Liz (Purdue University), Guan, Wenjing (Purdue University), Jett, Lewis (West Virginia University)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Please see attached minutes and individual state reports.

Minutes Attachment:

2020SERA45_MinutesStateReports.pdf

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Develop research-based production information about crops, systems, and production practices that have the potential to be profitable for small farms Several participants have collaborated on a project involving winter squash variety trials. Annette Wszelaki (Tennessee) proposed this project at the 2019 SERA 45 annual meeting. Wszelaki, Wenjing Guan (Indiana), Rachel Rudolph (Kentucky), Melanie Stock (Utah) and Lewis Jett (West Virginia) have participated in variety trials of kabocha squash. Researchers indicated there was a great deal of disease and pest pressure. Several researchers encountered seed borne Fusarium in their trials. The project is looking not just at yield but also at storage ability of winter squash. Researchers will be storing fruit from each variety and each repetition for up to six months. One challenge has been determining when the squash is ready to harvest, as some of the researchers had not worked with kabocha squash before. Jett indicated there was a strong market for kabocha and other types of winter squash in West Virginia. The project is part of a squash hunger campaign that could benefit communities in food deserts through food pantries.   Tennessee (Wszelaki) was part of a Southern SARE-funded project with Kentucky (SERA 45 participants Krista Jacobsen, Rudolph and Tim Woods) and Georgia, Cover Crops Under Cover: Evaluating Costs, Benefits, and Ecosystem Services of Cover Crops in Year-Round High Tunnel Production Systems. Since our 2019 meeting, a final report on this project was posted at <a href="https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/ls16-272/">https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/ls16-272/</a>.   SERA 45 participants from Kentucky (Jacobsen, Rudolph, Woods) and Tennessee (Wszelaki, Margarita Velandia) received a Specialty Crop Research Initiative planning grant for the project Reclaiming High Tunnel Soil Health for Sustained Specialty Crop Production (08/2020 – 08/2022).   Tennessee (Wszelaki) and Kentucky (Rudolph) participated in multi-state spring and fall beet variety trials.   Ajay Nair (Iowa) has been working on an Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) organic transition project in collaboration with the University of Kentucky, working with mesotunnels using Protek netting for season extension and microclimate modification. Acorn squash is among the crops being tested. Iowa State has developed a short video on installing the nets; it is available at <a href="https://www.cucurbit.plantpath.iastate.edu/virtual-field-day">https://www.cucurbit.plantpath.iastate.edu/virtual-field-day</a>.   Objective 2: Coordinate research and extension activities among participants The Cover Crops Under Cover: Evaluating Costs, Benefits, and Ecosystem Services of Cover Crops in Year-Round High Tunnel Production Systems project has led to development of several publications. The first of these publications, Covers Under Cover: Managing Cover Crops in High Tunnels (CCD-SP-16), was published in July, 2020 and is available on the University of Kentucky’s Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) website at <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/CoversUnderCover1.pdf">https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/CoversUnderCover1.pdf</a>. Jacobsen, Rudolph and Wszelaki are among the authors of this publication, while SERA 45 participants Shawn Wright (Kentucky) and Jett (West Virginia) reviewed the publication.   Growers using high tunnels were surveyed in 2019 to identify high tunnel practices and use on farms in Kentucky and surrounding states as part of the Southern SARE project. Nearly three-fourths of 106 responding producers operated high tunnels in Kentucky. Illinois accounted for 10 percent of respondents and other states (Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama) accounted for 17 percent. The survey showed that growers in the region have used high tunnels to lengthen their season and expand farm production for established markets, while also entering smaller-volume wholesale markets with high tunnel products. The resulting publication, High Tunnel Production and Marketing Survey: Data Summary has undergone review, and will be posted on the Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) website soon. The authors are currently getting updated high tunnel numbers from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). SERA 45 participants Woods, Brett Wolff and Jacobsen are among the authors of this publication, while Tennessee’s Wszelaki contributed significantly to the survey design and implementation. SERA 45 participants Wright and Rudolph reviewed the publication. Two additional publications resulting from this project are undergoing final edits by the authors and will be published on the CCD website after undergoing review.   A co-branded publication, Extended Season Lettuce Production (CCD-WVU-FS-1, ANR-HORT-20-001), written by Jett (West Virginia), was published by the CCD (<a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/WVextendedseasonlettuce.pdf">https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/WVextendedseasonlettuce.pdf</a>) in February 2020. SERA 45 participant Wright (Kentucky) was one of the reviewers of this publication. Jett and Christy Cassady (Kentucky) worked with their respective Ag Communications personnel to develop a co-branded fact sheet that includes Cooperative Extension Service logos from both universities, and publication numbers unique to both.   The CCD has been developing six “crop profiles” for Tennessee’s Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA) as part of a Tennessee Specialty Crop Block Grant. Two profiles, Culinary Herb Production in Tennessee (CCD-CPA-CP-1), and Garden Mum Production in Tennessee (CCD-CPA-CP-2) have been completed, reviewed and designed. The CPA is developing a website that will house these co-branded profiles. SERA 45 participants Jeanine Davis (North Carolina) and Wszelaki (Tennessee) reviewed the culinary herb publication, which Cassady (Kentucky) designed. Faculty at the University of Tennessee and the University of Kentucky reviewed the garden mums profile, which Cassady designed. SERA 45 participant Troy Dugger worked with UT’s Ag Communications personnel to develop a header design that features logos from UT and the University of Kentucky. Dugger and Woods participated in an agent in-service training November 19-20, 2019, “Sustaining Tennessee Farms with Value-Added Agriculture and Alternative Crops,” attended by 30 extension agents.   The CCD at the University of Kentucky has promoted activities in the participating states through its monthly newsletter, website and Facebook page. These include research projects, webinars, conferences, field days and workshops. SERA 45 participants from the University of Kentucky, the University of Tennessee and West Virginia University have reviewed specialty crop and marketing fact sheets for the CCD during the past year.   Objective 3: Develop farm market, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), on-farm retailing and other direct market information and decision aids that can be shared regionally Participants from Purdue continued partnering with the CCD at the University of Kentucky to provide price reports from farmers markets in Indiana. The CCD continued coordinating price reporting from farmers markets and produce auctions around Kentucky. The Indiana Farmers Market Price Report is available online at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/hortbusiness/price-reports/">https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/hortbusiness/price-reports/</a>. Price reports from Kentucky, as well as a link to the Indiana price report, and a link to an Ohio produce auction price report, are available on the CCD website at <a href="http://www.uky.edu/ccd/pricereports">http://www.uky.edu/ccd/pricereports</a>. Challenges resulting from COVID-19 prevented other states from participating in price reporting in 2020. Kentucky developed a Farmers Market Price Reporting Tool in 2019 to streamline the process for aggregating and analyzing farmers market prices with the goal of expanding participation without adding additional labor to the aggregation process. The tool is a mobile responsive and intuitive website using Qualtrics survey software to collect basic geographic and economic data from program participants. The tool underwent beta testing in Kentucky in 2020, although participation was limited.   Objective 4: Continue market research in the participating states on consumer preferences and marketing channels that are most effective and profitable for small farms Kentucky and Tennessee are involved in a Southern SARE-funded project, Extending Roots of Fresh Stop Markets across the Southeast Region. The project is looking at the economics of Fresh Stop Markets, which have had success in Kentucky, and the goal is to expand that success throughout the Southeast. Fresh Stop Markets allow higher income families to subsidize lower income families buying fresh food. Work still needs to be done to make the program successful from an economic perspective. A progress report including 2020 activities is available at <a href="https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/ls18-300/">https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/ls18-300/</a>.   A large farm to restaurant marketing study was sidetracked by COVID-19, but is still considered to have a lot of potential. Woods and Wolff (Kentucky) have been involved in 2020 in a national Local Food Systems Response to COVID project (<a href="https://lfscovid.localfoodeconomics.com/">https://lfscovid.localfoodeconomics.com/</a>) that includes 17 communities of practice. Woods and Wolff have been working with produce auctions, and the study also involves Farm to School, the National Farmers Market Coalition, National Co-op Grocers, National Grocers Association, the James Beard Foundation (restaurants) and the Wallace Center (food hubs), as well as other partners. Plans for the coming year: The winter squash project will continue, with additional SERA 45 participants (Nair, Iowa and Maynard, Indiana) conducting variety trials. The group will work on a high tunnel marketing guide, either as part of a high tunnel production guide, or as a separate guide, as well as a one- to two-page checklist for high tunnel growers regarding marketing. The group will explore developing a high tunnel production guide, possibly building on an existing guide developed at Iowa State a few years ago. The group will explore possible funding options for such a guide, including multi-state Specialty Crop Block Grants, the North Central IPM Program and other regional IPM programs, the Risk Management Agency, and NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants. Participants Jacobsen, Rudolph and Woods (KY), and Wszelaki and Velandia (TN) will be involved in the Reclaiming High Tunnel Soil Health for Sustained Specialty Crop Production SCRI planning grant work. This grant will allow researchers to map out survey work, focus groups and case studies to help growers market their high tunnel crops, looking at ways to integrate high tunnels into small farm businesses. Work will continue on the Local Food Systems Response to COVID project. The CCD will complete its work for Tennessee’s CPA on additional crop profiles (Cut Flower Production in Tennessee, Mushroom Production Systems, High Tunnel Overview, and Cider Apple Production). The group plans to start an e-newsletter with articles on crop diversification topics that can be distributed to growers in each of the participating states.

Publications

Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers 2020 (ID-56). <a href="https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID-56-W%202020.pdf">https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID-56-W 2020.pdf</a>   Midwest Vegetable Trial Report for 2019. <a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/fruitveg/Pages/MVVTRB.aspx">https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/fruitveg/Pages/MVVTRB.aspx</a>   2020 Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook. <a href="https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-vegetable-crop-handbook">https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-vegetable-crop-handbook</a>   Coolong et al. (2020). Covers Under Cover: Managing Cover Crops in High Tunnels. CCD-SP-16. Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Available: <a href="http://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/CoversUnderCover1.pdf">http://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/CoversUnderCover1.pdf</a>   Ernst, M. (2020). Culinary Herb Production in Tennessee. CCD-CPA-CP-1. Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.   Ernst, M. (2020). Garden Mum Production in Tennessee. CCD-CPA-CP-2. Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.   Jett, L. (2020). Extended Season Lettuce Production. CCD-WVU-FS-1, ANR-HORT-20-001. Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Available: <a href="http://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/WVextendedseasonlettuce.pdf">http://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/WVextendedseasonlettuce.pdf</a>

Impact Statements

Objective 4: Research on consumer preferences and marketing channels will help farmers in the region determine the most appropriate channels for selling their products.

Date of Annual Report: 11/16/2021

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/17/2021 - 09/17/2021
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2020 - 09/30/2021

Participants

Lesley Oliver (AA-University of Kentucky), J. Mike Phillips (AA-Auburn University), Melanie Stock (Chair, Utah State University), Rachel Rudolph (Vice-Chair, University of Kentucky), Ajay Nair (Iowa State University), Annette Wszelaki (University of Tennessee), Margarita Velandia (University of Tennessee), Troy Dugger (Center for Profitable Agriculture, Tennessee), Rob Holland (Center for Profitable Agriculture, Tennessee), Christy Cassady (University of Kentucky), Brett Wolff (University of Kentucky), Shawn Wright (University of Kentucky), Petrus Langenhoven (Purdue University), Wenjing Guan (Purdue University), Lewis Jett (West Virginia University), Matt Kleinhenz (Ohio State University), Daniel Becker (University of Kentucky), Savannah Columbia (University of Kentucky), Mathieu Ngouajio (National Institute of Food and Agriculture), John Erickson (National Institute of Food and Agriculture), and Ryan Burnette (Kentucky Department of Agriculture)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Melanie Stock (Utah) facilitated the meeting, which opened with introductions. Participants briefly discussed how activities are being conducted in their states in response to COVID-19. Participants noted that although in-person events were taking place, attendance was down significantly. Participants were given an update by representatives of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and heard from a representative of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) regarding a potential multi-state Specialty Crop Block Grant proposal. Participants discussed progress made toward the project objectives, crop diversification activities going on in the participating states, and opportunities for future collaboration.
Written state reports were shared with the entire group by email prior to the meeting.

Complete meeting minutes and state reports are attached.

Minutes Attachment:

2021_SERA45_MinutesStateReports.pdf

Accomplishments

A website for this project is available at <a href="http://www.uky.edu/ccd/sera45">http://www.uky.edu/ccd/sera45</a>.   Objective 1: Develop research-based production information about crops, systems, and production practices that have the potential to be profitable for small farms   Accomplishments: Several participants have been collaborating on a squash hunger trials project. The goal of the project is to evaluate crops that offer a long storage life, and which could supply people without access to fresh fruits and vegetables during the fall and winter more access to nutrient dense foods for a longer time throughout the year. Annette Wszelaki (Tennessee) proposed this project at the 2019 SERA 45 annual meeting, and work began in 2020, with participants from SERA 45 and the Southeastern Vegetable Extension Workers Group (SEVEW). Eight states participated in 2020 (Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia), when 10 varieties of kabocha squash were evaluated. Researchers are in the process of analyzing data for a journal article and an extension publication. A multistate extension publication published through the University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) is a possibility. The project continued in 2021, with expanded participation from SERA 45 and SEVEW. Eleven states (with 12 locations) participated, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia. Ten varieties of Cucurbita maxima squash (flat stackers types) were evaluated (Blue Delight, Fairytale, Flat White Boer, Jarrahdale, Marina Di Chioggia, Mint Prince, Porcelain Doll, Royal Blue, Speckled Hound and Triamble).   SERA 45 participants from Kentucky (Krista Jacobsen, Rachel Rudolph, Tim Woods) and Tennessee (Wszelaki, Margarita Velandia) are among the principal investigators on a Specialty Crop Research Initiative planning grant for the project Reclaiming High Tunnel Soil Health for Sustained Specialty Crop Production (08/2020 – 08/2022).   Ajay Nair (Iowa) has been working on an Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) organic transition project in collaboration with the University of Kentucky, working with mesotunnels using Protek netting for season extension and microclimate modification. Research results are posted at <a href="https://www.cucurbit.plantpath.iastate.edu/blog">https://www.cucurbit.plantpath.iastate.edu/blog</a>. Objective 2: Coordinate research and extension activities among participants   Accomplishments: A Southern SARE Cover Crops Under Cover: Evaluating Costs, Benefits, and Ecosystem Services of Cover Crops in Year-Round High Tunnel Production Systems project involving SERA 45 participants from Kentucky and Tennessee has led to development of several publications. Two publications, <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/cool-season_covercrops.pdf">Cool-season Cover Crops for High Tunnels in the Southeast (CCD-SP-18)</a>, and <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/warm-season_covercrops.pdf">Warm-season Cover Crops for High Tunnels in the Southeast (CCD-SP-19)</a> were published in 2021 by the CCD. Jacobsen, Rudolph and Wszelaki are among the authors of these publications, while SERA 45 participants Shawn Wright (Kentucky) and Lewis Jett (West Virginia) reviewed both publications.  Growers using high tunnels were surveyed in 2019 to identify high tunnel practices and use on farms in Kentucky and surrounding states as part of the Southern SARE project. Nearly three-fourths of 106 responding producers operated high tunnels in Kentucky. Illinois accounted for 10 percent of respondents and other states (Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama) accounted for 17 percent. The survey showed that growers in the region have used high tunnels to lengthen their season and expand farm production for established markets, while also entering smaller-volume wholesale markets with high tunnel products. The resulting publication, <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/HTsurvey.pdf">High Tunnel Production and Marketing Survey: Data Summary (CCD-SP-17)</a> was published in November 2020 and posted on the CCD website. SERA 45 participants Woods, Brett Wolff and Jacobsen are among the authors of this publication, while Tennessee’s Wszelaki contributed significantly to the survey design and implementation. SERA 45 participants Wright and Rudolph reviewed the publication.  A co-branded publication, <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/appalachian_heirloom_beans.pdf">Growing, Harvesting, Preserving Appalachian Heirloom Beans (CCD-WVU-FS-2, ANR-HORT-21-001)</a>, written by Jett (West Virginia), was published by the CCD in 2021. SERA 45 participant Wright (Kentucky) was one of the reviewers of this publication. The CCD developed four additional “crop profiles” for Tennessee’s Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA) as part of a Tennessee Specialty Crop Block Grant in 2021. The CPA has developed a website at <a href="https://cpa.tennessee.edu/specialty-crop-profiles/">https://cpa.tennessee.edu/specialty-crop-profiles/</a> to house these co-branded profiles. Since our 2020 annual meeting, the following profiles have been completed and posted on the CPA website: <a href="https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/07/TNcutflowers_Final.pdf">Cut Flower Production in Tennessee (CCD-CPA-CP-3)</a>, <a href="https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/08/HToverview.pdf">High Tunnel Overview (CCD-SP-2, CCD-CPA-SP-1)</a>, and <a href="https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/10/TNciderapples.pdf">Cider Apples in Tennessee: Basic Considerations (CCD-CPA-CP-4)</a>. Another profile, Growing and Marketing Mushrooms in Tennessee: Basic Considerations, is under review. This work led to multiple extension agent in-service trainings and a presentation. Christy Cassady (Kentucky) and Wolff (Kentucky) participated in an Introduction to Crop Profiles: Value-Added Agriculture Insights in-service training for Tennessee extension agents in January 2021. SERA 45 participant Troy Dugger (Tennessee) participated in online trainings for agents and growers based on the CCD-CPA profiles, including Growing Cut Flowers in Tennessee and Growing Garden Mums in Tennessee, and gave a presentation, Crop Profiles for Specialty Crop Growers, at the Tennessee State University Virtual Small Farms Expo, all in 2021.  Wszelaki and Rudolph collaborated on a Getting Ready for Market webinar series in March of 2021. Topics were: Organic Certification and Production Basics; Season Extension Basics; Post-harvest and Handling Basics; Soil Fertility in High Tunnels; and Food Safety/GAP. Wszelaki and Rudolph participated in an Organic Production agent in-service training in March 2021, with over 150 attendees from 11 states across the Southeast.  The CCD has promoted activities in the participating states through its monthly newsletter, website and Facebook page. These include research projects, webinars, conferences, field days and workshops. SERA 45 participants from the University of Kentucky, North Carolina State University, the University of Tennessee and West Virginia University have reviewed specialty crop fact sheets for the CCD during the past year.   Objective 3: Develop farm market, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), on-farm retailing and other direct market information and decision aids that can be shared regionally  Accomplishments: The CCD continued coordinating price reporting from farmers markets and produce auctions around Kentucky. The CCD website links to the Indiana Farmers Market Price Report at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/hortbusiness/price-reports/">https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/hortbusiness/price-reports/</a>. Price reports from Kentucky, as well as the link to the Indiana price report, and a link to an Ohio produce auction price report, are available on the CCD website at <a href="http://www.uky.edu/ccd/pricereports">http://www.uky.edu/ccd/pricereports</a>. Challenges resulting from COVID-19 prevented other states from participating in price reporting in 2021. SERA 45 chair Melanie Stock (Utah) collaborated with Savannah Columbia (Kentucky) to develop the publication <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/CutFlowerCSA.pdf">Cut Flowers for Community Supported Agriculture Production (CCD-MR-2)</a> in 2021, while Woods (Kentucky) was among the reviewers of this publication. Objective 4: Continue market research in the participating states on consumer preferences and marketing channels that are most effective and profitable for small farms  Accomplishments: Kentucky and Tennessee were involved in a Southern SARE-funded project, Extending Roots of Fresh Stop Markets across the Southeast Region through September 2021. The project looked at the economics of Fresh Stop Markets, which have had success in Kentucky, and the goal is to expand that success throughout the Southeast. Fresh Stop Markets allow higher income families to subsidize lower income families buying fresh food. Details are available at <a href="https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/ls18-300/">https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/ls18-300/</a>. Woods and Wolff (Kentucky) were involved in 2021 in a national Local Food Systems Response to COVID project (<a href="https://lfscovid.localfoodeconomics.com/">https://lfscovid.localfoodeconomics.com/</a>), which includes 17 communities of practice. Woods and Wolff have been working with produce auctions, and the study also involves Farm to School, the National Farmers Market Coalition, National Co-op Grocers, National Grocers Association, the James Beard Foundation (restaurants) and the Wallace Center (food hubs), as well as other partners. Plans for the coming year: The squash hunger trials will continue. SERA 45 participants interested in joining the project in 2022 were invited to contact Wszelaki at <a href="mailto:annettew@utk.edu?subject=Squash%20hunger%20trials">annettew@utk.edu</a>. The group is considering branching out into sweet potato trials, and any crop that offers long storage will be considered. Winter melons, Chinese cabbage, daikon radish, dry beans and Irish potato are also possibilities. Participants Jacobsen, Rudolph and Woods (Kentucky), and Wszelaki and Velandia (Tennessee) will be involved in the Reclaiming High Tunnel Soil Health for Sustained Specialty Crop Production SCRI grant work through August of 2022. This grant will allow researchers to map out survey work, focus groups and case studies to help growers market their high tunnel crops, looking at ways to integrate high tunnels into small farm businesses. Stock (Utah) will collaborate with extension personnel from Kentucky and the Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) on development of a cut flower marketing school as part of a  Kentucky Specialty Crop Block Grant. The final crop profile developed for Tennessee’s Center for Profitable Agriculture, Marketing Mushrooms in Tennessee: Basic Considerations, will be completed and posted on the CPA website. Work will continue on the Local Food Systems Response to COVID project.

Publications

Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers 2021 (ID-56) <a href="https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=ID-56">https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=ID-56</a>   Midwest Vegetable Trial Reports for 2021 <a href="https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/mwvtr/">https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/mwvtr/</a>   2021 Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook <a href="https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-vegetable-crop-handbook">https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-vegetable-crop-handbook</a>   Columbia, S., and M. Stock. (2021). Cut Flowers for Community Supported Agriculture Production (CCD-MR-2). Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. <a href="http://www.uky.edu/ccd/marketready/CutFlowerCSA">http://www.uky.edu/ccd/marketready/CutFlowerCSA</a>   Coolong et al. (2021). Cool-season Cover Crops for High Tunnels in the Southeast (CCD-SP-18). Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/cool-season_covercrops.pdf">https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/cool-season_covercrops.pdf</a>   Coolong et al. (2021). Warm-season Cover Crops for High Tunnels in the Southeast (CCD-SP-19). Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/warm-season_covercrops.pdf">https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/warm-season_covercrops.pdf</a>   Ernst, M. (2021). Cut Flower Production in Tennessee. CCD-CPA-CP-3. Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. <a href="https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/07/TNcutflowers_Final.pdf">https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/07/TNcutflowers_Final.pdf</a> Ernst et al. (2020). High Tunnel Crop Production and Marketing Survey: Data Summary. (CCD-SP-17). Lexington, KY: Center for Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/HTsurvey.pdf">https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/HTsurvey.pdf</a> Ernst, M., and C. Cassady. (2021). High Tunnel Overview. CCD-SP-2, CCD-CPA-SP-1. Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. <a href="https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/08/HToverview.pdf">https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/08/HToverview.pdf</a> Jett, L. (2021). <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/appalachian_heirloom_beans.pdf">Growing, Harvesting, Preserving Appalachian Heirloom Beans (CCD-WVU-FS-2, ANR-HORT-21-001)</a>. Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/appalachian_heirloom_beans.pdf">https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/appalachian_heirloom_beans.pdf</a> Wolff, B. (2021). Cider Apples in Tennessee: Basic Considerations (CCD-CPA-CP-4). Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. <a href="https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/10/TNciderapples.pdf">https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2021/10/TNciderapples.pdf</a>

Impact Statements

Objective 4: Research on consumer preferences and marketing channels will help farmers in the states involved in this project determine the most appropriate channels for selling their products.

Date of Annual Report: 11/11/2022

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/16/2022 - 09/16/2022
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2021 - 09/30/2022

Participants

Rachel Rudolph (Chair, University of Kentucky), Shawn Wright (Vice-Chair, University of Kentucky), Melanie Stock (Utah State University), Ajay Nair (Iowa State University), Annette Wszelaki (University of Tennessee), Margarita Velandia (University of Tennessee), Troy Dugger (Center for Profitable Agriculture, Tennessee), Rob Holland (Center for Profitable Agriculture, Tennessee), Christy Cassady (University of Kentucky), Brett Wolff (University of Kentucky), Wenjing Guan (Purdue University), Liz Maynard (Purdue University), Miranda Purcell (Purdue University), Lewis Jett (West Virginia University), Mathieu Ngouajio (National Institute of Food and Agriculture)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting minutes and more detailed reports of state-specific activities are attached and can be found at https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/2022_SERA45_Minutes.pdf.

Minutes Attachment:

2022_SERA45_Minutes_and_State_Reports.pdf

Accomplishments

Publications

Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers 2022 (ID-56) <a href="https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=ID-56">https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=ID-56</a>   Midwest Vegetable Trial Report for 2022 <a href="https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/mwvtr/">https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/mwvtr/</a>   2022 Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook <a href="https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-vegetable-crop-handbook">https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-vegetable-crop-handbook</a>

Impact Statements

Obj. 4: Research on consumer preferences and marketing channels will help farmers in the states involved in this project determine the most appropriate channels for selling their products

Date of Annual Report: 11/17/2023

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/22/2023 - 09/22/2023
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2022 - 09/30/2023

Participants

In-person: Lesley Oliver (AA-University of Kentucky), J. Mike Phillips (AA-Auburn University), Wenjing Guan (Vice-Chair, Purdue University), Christy Cassady (University of Kentucky), Ajay Nair (Iowa State University), Mary Rogers (University of Minnesota), Emily Spencer (University of Kentucky), Melanie Stock (Utah State University), Brett Wolff (University of Kentucky), Tim Woods (University of Kentucky), Shawn Wright (University of Kentucky); Virtual: Lewis Jett (Chair, West Virginia University), Matt Kleinhenz (The Ohio State University), Petrus Langenhoven (Purdue University), Rachel Painter (Center for Profitable Agriculture, Tennessee), Rachel Rudolph (University of Kentucky), Margarita Velandia (University of Tennessee), Annette Wszelaki (University of Tennessee).

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes and individual state reports are attached and available online at https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/2023_SERA45_Minutes.pdf

Minutes Attachment:

2023_SERA45_Minutes.pdf

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Develop research-based production information about crops, systems, and production practices that have the potential to be profitable for small farms  Accomplishments: Multiple participants have been collaborating on a squash hunger trials project. The goal of the project is to evaluate crops that offer a long storage life, and which could supply people without access to fresh fruits and vegetables during the fall and winter more access to nutrient dense foods for a longer time throughout the year. Annette Wszelaki (Tennessee) proposed this project at the 2019 SERA 45 annual meeting, and work began in 2020, with participants from SERA 45 and the Southeastern Vegetable Extension Workers Group (SEVEW). In 2023, the group conducted research on spaghetti squash. The spaghetti squash crop was lost after a month in storage. Wszelaki has a new assistant who is going through a backlog of data on the project. Ajay Nair (Iowa) has been working on an Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) mesotunnel project using Protek netting conducted by Iowa State, the University of Kentucky, and Cornell University. Research has shown Protek netting to be a viable option for season extension and protection from pests, although the economics need to be worked out. Growers are finding multiple uses for Protek netting, including using it on high tunnels rather than poly covers.   Objective 2: Coordinate research and extension activities among participants  Accomplishments: Melanie Stock (Utah) and Tim Woods (Kentucky) have collaborated on a Kentucky Specialty Crop Block Grant (Woods, PI) “Integrating Post-Covid Cut Flower Demand into Market Education.” A cut flower short course was held at the Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Bowling Green, KY in January 2023, featuring speakers from the University of Kentucky, Stock, and farmers. The short course included nine presentations, which were recorded and made available on the UK Center for Crop Diversification’s (CCD’s) YouTube channel; links to the recordings are available on the CCD website’s Cut Flowers resources page (<a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/production/crop-resources/nursery-ornamental/cut-flowers">https://www.uky.edu/ccd/production/crop-resources/nursery-ornamental/cut-flowers</a>).  Wenjing Guan (Indiana) and Rachel Rudolph (Kentucky) are among the collaborators on an SCRI planning grant looking at root-knot nematode in melon production. Guan and Rudolph are building a team and writing a proposal. Christy Cassady (Kentucky), Rachel Painter (Tennessee), and Lewis Jett (West Virginia) developed a regional <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/elderberry.pdf">Commercial Production of Elderberry</a> (CCD-CPA-CP-6, CCD-WVU-CP-1, ANR-Hort-23-001) crop profile in the spring of 2023. The Ohio State University and the University of Missouri contributed photos for the publication. A co-branded publication developed by the CCD’s Brett Wolff (Kentucky) and Matt Ernst (CCD contractor) for the Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA) in Tennessee, <a href="https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2022/12/CCD_CPA_Mushrooms.pdf">Growing and Marketing Mushrooms in Tennessee: Basic Considerations</a> (CCD-CPA-CP-5) was published in December 2022.  SERA 45 participants have given presentations at conferences in other participating states in 2023, including Rudolph (Kentucky) at the Indiana Hort Congress (three presentations) and the PickTN Conference (one presentation). Jett (West Virginia) gave a presentation at the 2023 Mid-Ohio Growers Meeting.  Rudolph (PI, Kentucky), Wszelaki (Co-PI, Tennessee), and Margarita Velandia (Co-PI, Tennessee) are among a group collaborating on a Southern SARE project “<a href="https://projects.sare.org/sare_project/ls23-384/">Evaluation of Soil Solarization as a Sustainable Management Method for Pests, Pathogens, and Weeds in Southeastern High Tunnels</a>.” The group received $383,000 in funding for the project, which will run from 04/2023-03/2026.  The CCD has promoted activities in the participating states through its monthly <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/newsletter">newsletter</a>, <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/">website</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ccduky/">Facebook page</a>, including research projects, webinars, conferences, field days, and workshops.   Objective 3: Develop farm market, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), on-farm retailing, and other direct market information and decision aids that can be shared regionally  Accomplishments: The CCD continued coordinating price reporting from farmers markets and produce auctions around Kentucky. Margarita Velandia (Tennessee) continued the <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/pricereports/TNFM">Tennessee Farmers Market Price Report</a> in 2023. The CCD website links to the Indiana Farmers Market Price Report at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/hortbusiness/price-reports/">https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/hortbusiness/price-reports/</a>. Price reports from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois, as well as the link to the Indiana price report, and a link to an Ohio produce auction price report, are available on the CCD website at <a href="http://www.uky.edu/ccd/pricereports">http://www.uky.edu/ccd/pricereports</a>. Wolff and Woods recently had an article published in Southern Ag Today, <a href="https://southernagtoday.org/2023/08/25/farmers-markets-and-the-south/">Farmers Markets and the South</a>.   Objective 4: Continue market research in the participating states on consumer preferences and marketing channels that are most effective and profitable for small farms  Accomplishments: Woods and Wolff (Kentucky) were involved in 2021 through 2023 in an Agricultural Marketing Service Local and Regional Food Systems Response to Covid project. Part of that project was a consumer food survey that offers interesting insights. Information is available at <a href="https://lfscovid.localfoodeconomics.com/consumer-food-insights/">https://lfscovid.localfoodeconomics.com/consumer-food-insights/</a>. Woods conducted a 2023 Kentucky Local Food Consumer Survey, with results still to be published.   Plans for the coming year: Participants are considering onions, potatoes, and carrots for future multistate research trials. Next steps in the collaboration on cut flowers include creating a survey for cut flower workshop participants to identify consumer behaviors such as willingness to recommend, cross purchasing, etc., to help growers identify the impact a workshop could have on their business model. The cut flower grant will also involve working with a stem-pricing tool and looking for ways to integrate a pricing tool like this in the grower education series. Those at UK involved in the grant might visit Utah in 2024. Participants from Kentucky and Tennessee will partner with extension personnel in North Carolina and Delaware to develop a regional, co-branded fact sheet on garlic, to be published through the CCD. Participants from Kentucky and Tennessee will continue work on the Southern SARE soil solarization project, to determine the effectiveness of solarization against pathogens, pests, and weed seeds, if solarization is sustainable, and if it is economically feasible. Extension materials including publications and videos will be developed, and results will be presented by researchers and grower cooperators at conferences in the participating states, including the Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference and the PickTN Conference.

Publications

Denton, R., M. Velandia, J. N. Yenerall, K. L. DeLong, C. Trejo-Pech, X. Chen, K. Tanaka, K. Rignall, and S. M. Schexnayder.  2023.  Evaluating Factors Influencing Tennessee and Kentucky Farmers’ Willingness to Sell Produce Through Fresh Stop Markets.  Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.  (accepted).   Extension Publications: 2023 Midwest Vegetable Production Guide <a href="https://mwveguide.org/guide">https://mwveguide.org/guide</a>   Midwest Vegetable Trial Report <a href="https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/mwvtr/">https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/mwvtr/</a>   2023 Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook <a href="https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-vegetable-crop-handbook">https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/southeastern-us-vegetable-crop-handbook</a>   Ernst, M., and R. Painter (2023). Commercial Production of Elderberry (CCD-CPA-CP-6, CCD-WVU-CP-1, ANR-Hort-23-001). Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. <a href="https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/elderberry.pdf">https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/elderberry.pdf</a>   Wolff, B., and M. Ernst (2022). Growing and Marketing Mushrooms in Tennessee: Basic Considerations (CCD-CPA-CP-5). Lexington, KY: Center for Crop Diversification, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. <a href="https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2022/12/CCD_CPA_Mushrooms.pdf">https://cpa.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2022/12/CCD_CPA_Mushrooms.pdf</a>   Woods, T., and B. Wolff. “Farmers Markets and the South.” Southern Ag Today, August 25th, 2023, <a href="https://southernagtoday.org/2023/08/25/farmers-markets-and-the-south/">https://southernagtoday.org/2023/08/25/farmers-markets-and-the-south/</a>.

Impact Statements

Obj. 4-Research on consumer preferences and marketing channels will help farmers in the states involved in this project determine the most appropriate channels for selling their products.