Addressing Organic Sustainable Growers' Needs

Abstract

Organic production of vegetable and fruit crops in Kentucky is gaining ground. Acreage and grower numbers are increasing. Health concerns and certain economic advantages for the grower are the impetus for rise in organic production. There is a need to collate cultural practice information and present it in a usable form for Kentucky. Work is being done to consolidate information on cultural practices, current research, and marketing opportunities. To address these concerns, older extension horticultural publications are being amended and new bulletins are being written. To accomplish this, grower meetings, farm visits, scouting for problems in crops, conducting research, and sifting through literature are some of the steps being taken. The greater implementation of cultural practices such as rotations, cover crops, green manures, living mulches, and minimum tillage are helping to reduce dependence on chemical sprays, chemical fertilizers, and soil destroying practices. Through this liaison, we are bringing together a new group of agricultural producers with interdepartmental specialists within the university and new insights and partnerships are being forged.