Sustainable Greenhouse Management

Project Leader: Tina Smith

Project Year: 2008

In MA, nursery and greenhouse production has increased 46% since 1992 and is ranked first among the state’s agricultural commodities (MA Dept. of Ag Resources, NASS). Much of this increase is attributable to farmers transitioning to greenhouse crops in their businesses to increase income. Plant sales generate an estimated $763 million in Massachusetts. Floriculture production is also the basis for many associated horticultural industries such as plant and seed propagators, product suppliers and service industries. Combined, these companies provide a considerable economic impact to the economy of Massachusetts. The industry also effect our quality of life and the environment.
 

This project is part of the Agriculture & Landscape program

Sustainable Small Fruit Production and Marketing

Project Leader: Sonia Schloemann

Project Year: 2008

Fruit farms and vineyards add significantly to the quality of life in Massachusetts and New England. The most obvious contribution is to open space through their scenic and historic vistas, but it is also well known that regular consumption of fruits leads to better human health. In addition, lands surrounding agricultural production provide buffer zones for ecosystem management, often providing important open space for native species of plants and animals and corridors for their movement or expansion.

This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program

Sustainable Cranberry Production

Project Leader: Hilary Sandler

Project Year: 2008

This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program

Sustainable Turf Management

Project Leader: Mary Owen

Project Year: 2008

This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program

Sustainable Vegetable Production and Marketing

Project Leader: Ruth Hazzard

Project Year: 2009

Sustainable vegetable production requires new technical solutions to problems of crop nutrition, soil, water, energy  and pest management. As Massachusetts undergoes cultural and economic changes, both new and established growers must learn to produce crops sustainably and to adapt cropping systems to new market opportunities in Massachusetts. This plan will undertake research and extension to address key problems and opportunities facing the industry and the public.

This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program

Plant and Soil Diagnostic Services

Project Leader: Bess Dicklow

Project Year: 2009

Maintaining a healthy local economy is a major concern for many communities in Massachusetts.  The success of the Environmental Horticulture industry - also known as the “Green Industry” is important to the health of many local economies across the state. Reliable information is the backbone of best management practices in the Green Industries. Landscapers, turf managers, the floriculture industry and vegetable growers rely on diagnostic tools to remain competitive and prevent unnecessary risks.

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

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 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 UMass Extension 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 and to identify pest management needs and inform state regulations. This project helps natural resource-based businesses stay competitive and relevant through education on new pests and new 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

Sustainable Tree Fruit Production and Marketing

Project Leader: Jon Clements

Project Year: 2009

Fruit farms and orchards add significantly to the quality of life in Massachusetts and New England. The most obvious contribution is to open space through their scenic and historic vistas, while regular consumption of fruits leads to better human health. In addition, lands surrounding agricultural production provide buffer zones for ecosystem management, often providing important open space for native species of plants and animals and corridors for their movement or expansion.

For fruit farms in Massachusetts to maintain their economic viability and environmental sustainability, farmers must continually strive to improve production efficiency, expand species diversity, explore 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 pest-management procedures. Research programs in 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. Important studies of pest ecology and control techniques provide approaches to pest management that optimize pest control, reduce chemical use and increase fruit quality. A successful partnership between Massachusetts fruit producers and UMass Extension will foster a more secure, diverse and healthful food supply for the Commonwealth.

This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program

Sustainable Landscape Management and Nursery Production

Project Leader: Kathleen Carroll

Project Year: 2009

According to a 2005 economic study by the University of Florida and the University of Tennessee, the nationwide boom in housing and other construction associated with urban development is driving one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture. The $147 billion environmental horticulture industry - also known as the “Green Industry" - is not only one of the nation's fastest-growing businesses, but according to University of Florida economist Dr. Alan Hodges, continues to expand even during recessionary periods.

Locally, the Green Industry is a major sector of agriculture in Massachusetts.  According to a 2006 survey conducted by the New England Nursery Association, in Massachusetts, there are more than 4,520 firms involved in production (nurseries, greenhouses, herbs, cut flowers, turfgrass) retail, (garden center florists), and landscape services (landscape design, installation, maintenance, lawn care, tree care) with an estimated value of $2.2 billion in gross income for 2004.  At least 58,800 people are employees in these industries in Massachusetts and an additional 13,000 are needed. This industry is helping to keep more than 79,000 acres in agriculture, of which 58 percent is open space and 29 percent is in land preservation programs. The majority of income (85 percent) comes from in-state sales and services. Businesses in this industry paid almost $190 million in taxes in 2004. 

To foster and prolong the growth of the industry in Massachusetts, the Sustainable Landscape Management and Nursery Production project teaches integrated pest management practices and environmental stewardship strategies to municipal and private landscape professionals, nursery growers and home gardeners.  Participants learn to be responsive to client horticultural problems and to collaboratively find workable short and long term solutions to pressing problems. Participants will also understand their role as environmental stewards focused on reducing negative environmental impact by using best management practices. 

This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program