Progress report for LNE23-459
Project Information
Widely cultivated in Northeast gardens since its introduction to the region in 1877, the kiwiberry is a high-value and nutrient dense perennial fruit strongly suited to the diverse agroecological systems and markets of the Northeast. Globally, commercial kiwiberry acreage has more than doubled since 2019; and interest in this underutilized crop is growing among regional farmers, consumers, and processors. Despite it many merits, however, commercial vineyard establishment remains hampered by kiwiberry being a relatively unfamiliar and unsupported crop with a 5-7 year return-on-investment. Through this NE SARE Research & Education project, a region-wide cohort of at least 35 farmers will acquire the knowledge and skills needed for successful kiwiberry production via guided, hands-on establishment and management of small pilot vineyards (12 vines each) on their own farms. Beyond educating interested farmers about kiwiberry production best practices, the project will result in the establishment of ~280 fruiting vines across the region, serving as demonstrations for further expansion, opportunities for consumer education, and a long-term revenue source for the participating farms (≥$65,000/year, in total).
The distributed network of pilot vineyards created through this project provides not only an effective educational framework but also an ideal research platform for participatory, multi-environment trialing of improved varieties for the region. Since its launch in 2013, the Kiwiberry Research and Breeding Program at the University of New Hampshire has been at the forefront of developing molecular characterization methods, improved varieties, and economically viable production practices for Northeast farmers. Using an innovative citizen science research design known as tricot (“triadic comparison of technologies”), advanced selections from the UNH program will be assigned in a partially-replicated manner across the pilot vineyards, augmented by the region’s current recommended variety (‘Geneva 3’). While learning hands-on about commercial kiwiberry cultivation, farmers will provide simple preference (best/worst) feedback about the advanced selections, thereby enabling identification of new superior varieties for the Northeast. Following the same augmented tricot approach, farmers will also evaluate fruit samples from the UNH research vineyard, further supporting variety selection while becoming familiar with kiwiberries from the perspective of the consumer.
Although increasingly recognized as a key strategy for food system resilience, farming system diversification via novel, underresourced crops is risky for farmers. By providing needed materials and compensating participating farmers for their time (60% of total direct costs), this project seeks to mitigate such financial risks and opportunity costs. Another important benefit lies in the establishment of a knowledgeable community of practice of regional kiwiberry producers. By convening this first cohort of pioneering farmers and connecting them via shared training, resources, and an online forum, the project lays the groundwork for ongoing farmer-to-farmer support and innovation, further removing barriers to experimentation and helping to jumpstart this promising industry.
Through this project, at least 35 Northeast specialty crop farmers will be trained in kiwiberry production best practices; will establish pilot vineyards of advanced kiwiberry selections on their farms; and will provide simple preference feedback to the UNH breeding program to inform downstream variety commercialization efforts. Returns on project investment include enhanced practical understanding of kiwiberry production among participating farmers, at least 20 farmers reporting a belief that kiwiberry production will be a valuable enterprise for their farm operation, and the first formalization of a farmer network in the region for this emerging crop.
Widely cultivated in Northeast gardens since its introduction to the region in 1877, the kiwiberry is a high-value and nutrient dense perennial fruit strongly suited to the diverse agroecological systems and markets of the Northeast. Globally, commercial kiwiberry acreage has more than doubled since 2019; and interest in this underutilized crop is growing among regional farmers, consumers, and processors. Despite it many merits, however, commercial vineyard establishment has been hampered by kiwiberry being a relatively unfamiliar and unsupported crop with a 5-7 year return-on-investment. Through this NE SARE Research & Education project, a region-wide cohort of farmers will acquire the knowledge and skills needed for successful kiwiberry production via guided, hands-on establishment and management of small pilot vineyards (12 vines each) on their own farms. Beyond educating interested farmers about kiwiberry production best practices, the project will result in the establishment of ~280 fruiting vines across the region, serving as demonstrations for further expansion, opportunities for consumer education, and a long-term revenue source for the participating farms (≥$65,000/year, in total).
The distributed network of pilot vineyards created through this project provided not only an effective educational framework but also an ideal research platform for participatory, multi-environment trialing of improved varieties for the region. Since its launch in 2013, the Kiwiberry Research and Breeding Program at the University of New Hampshire has been at the forefront of developing molecular characterization methods, improved varieties, and economically viable production practices for Northeast farmers. Using an innovative citizen science research design known as tricot (“triadic comparison of technologies”), 11 advanced selections from the UNH program were assigned in a partially-replicated manner across the originally recruited cohort of 40 farms, augmented by the region’s current recommended variety (‘Geneva 3’). While learning hands-on about commercial kiwiberry cultivation, farmers provide simple preference (best/worst) feedback about the advanced selections, thereby enabling identification of new superior varieties for the Northeast. Following the same augmented tricot approach, farmers also have the opportunity to evaluate fruit samples from the UNH research vineyard, further supporting variety selection while becoming familiar with kiwiberries from the perspective of the consumer.
Although increasingly recognized as a key strategy for food system resilience, farming system diversification via novel, underresourced crops is risky for farmers. By providing needed materials and compensating participating farmers for their time (60% of total direct costs), this project effectively mitigated such financial risks and opportunity costs. Another important impact of this project was the establishment of a knowledgeable community of practice of regional kiwiberry producers. By convening this first cohort of pioneering farmers and connecting them via shared training, resources, and an online forum, the project laid the groundwork for ongoing farmer-to-farmer support and innovation, further removing barriers to experimentation and helping to jumpstart this promising industry.
Research
Through this project, the research objective is to answer the following three questions:
1. Based on multi-environment, participatory, on-farm trials throughout the Northeast, which advanced kiwiberry selections from the UNH breeding program are the most promising for commercial production in the region?
2. Do any of these advanced lines compare favorably to the current standard cultivar ‘Geneva 3’?
3. By observing the challenges faced by farmers in establishing a kiwiberry vineyard under diverse conditions throughout the region, can we more clearly define the recommended range of environmental variables suitable for successful kiwiberry cultivation?
(Jan 2024, Jan 2025: These remain the three research objectives.)
Integral to the project’s educational plan is the opportunity provided to farmers to gain hands-on, relatively risk-free experience managing a small kiwiberry vineyard on their own farms while receiving comprehensive support through targeted webinars, workshops, and a community of peer farmers. The research objective seeks to leverage this network of coordinated but decentralized vineyards as a platform for the needed multi-environment testing of advanced selections from the UNH Kiwiberry Research and Breeding Program.
Treatments
The treatments are 11 advanced female selections (i.e. potential releasable fruiting varieties) and 1 advanced male selection (i.e. pollenizing variety) of kiwiberry developed by the UNH Kiwiberry Research and Breeding Program since 2013. These selections are considered “advanced” due to their having performed reliably well, both agronomically and in terms of fruit quality, over multiple seasons at the NH Agricultural Experiment Station in Durham, NH. Because we are interested not only in the relative performances of these selections with one another across a range of environments (Research Question 1) but with the region’s standard commercial cultivar as well (Research Question 2), cv. ‘Geneva 3’ is also included in the set of treatments, essentially acting as a control. Similarly, four standard male cultivars ('Meader Male', 'Opitz Male', '74-46', and '74-52') are included to ensure adequate pollen supply and to benchmark the advanced male selection. To address Research Question 3, participating farms were chosen at least in part by their representaion of hardiness zones 4b-7b within the region, a range which brackets the zones in which kiwiberry is known to do well (zones 5a-7a). Hardiness zone therefore functions as proxy environmental factor, with the farms themselves serving as independent samples/replications achieved via stratified sampling.
Methods
Materials Guided via the Education Plan and compensated for their labor by the project (based on 1.5x required hours per activity, as observed over the years at the UNH research farm), each participating farmer will establish and manage a small, pilot kiwiberry vineyard on their farm. Consisting of two parallel rows of a t-bar trellis system, the ~1,200 s.f. vineyard will be sized to accommodate 12 vines (8 female/fruiting vines and 4 male/pollenizing vines – see Example Vineyard Layout) and will follow recommended layout and construction practices, as detailed in our program’s production guide (Hastings and Hale 2019).
Updates on Methods - Jan 2025: In addition to the original 2-row layout, a 1-row design was also made available to participating farmers to provide more flexibility to meet site constraints. Due to a variety of factors beyond the control of this project (e.g. health issues of a participating farmer and/or their spouse, loss of land tenure/ownership, and death), the original cohort of farmers recruited for this project fell to 34 over the course of Year 2. The original cohort of farmers hailed from 11 northeast states; the remaining 34 represent 10 northeast states (minus MD).
Experimental Design A participatory variety evaluation methodology known as tricot ("triadic comparison of technologies") reduces the effort required by individual farmers while still allowing systematic comparisons among numerous selections (van Etten et al. 2020). In tricot, each participating farmer is tasked with evaluating only 3 different varieties; and the feedback provided is simple and categorical (best vs. worst), greatly easing the tasks of data collection and reporting. In sets of 3, the 11 advanced selections (2 vines of each) were distributed in a balanced fashion to the farmer participants. To allow comparisons to the control variety without impacting the power of the study, vines of ‘Geneva 3’ were also be planted at each farm, raising the total number of fruiting varieties to 4 in what is essentially an augmented tricot design (see Williams et al. 2011). Because the planted vines will not produce fruit for at least the first two seasons, fruit samples sourced from the UNH Research Vineyard have been and will continue to be mailed to all participating farmers each October, following a similar augmented tricot design (subject to fruit availability).
Data Collection and Analysis
Developed as an efficient methodology for citizen science research, tricot is designed to minimize the burden of data collection and reporting for participants by posing simple questions requiring no more than stating which treatments are best/worst for a given trait (see Example Feedback Form). Depending on the season, traits of interest include: Winter survivability, vine vigor, ease of trunk establishment, lateral renewal, flowering time, and flower density. Participating farmers will provide such feedback twice a year (May and September) following vine establishment, and the same approach to data collection will be followed for collecting preference data on the mailed fruit samples each Fall. Tricot data consist of rankings and its analysis is based largely on the Plackett-Luce model (van Etten et al. 2020). Following the established tricot analytical pipeline (e.g. see climmob.net), all data will be combined at the end of the project to identify the most promising selection(s) for downstream commercialization for the region.
Farmer Input
There is clear and growing interest in kiwiberries as a potential new enterprise among many farmers throughout the region (see Farmer Interest), and one of the most common questions received by our program is, “What varieties should I grow?” At its most basic level, the research proposed here is meant to answer that question while simultaneously seeking to translate the years of investment in developing promising new varieties for the region.
Regarding the contribution of farmers to the research objective, it is important to recognize that the tricot methodology relies completely upon the observations and preference data provided by participants (i.e. no farmers, no research). To make the act of field-based data collection and subsequent reporting as easy as possible, participating farmers will be provided clearly formatted hard-copy single page data collection forms when they are needed, along with postage prepaid envelopes for their easy return. This highly structured input will be complemented by onboarding survey data (e.g. to understand the environmental characteristics of each farm) as well as solicited conversational feedback during grower training events. Because such input is critical to the project’s success, the budget includes fair compensation for the time farmers spend collecting and reporting data throughout the project period.
Finally, just as the on-farm impacts of this project are expected to persist well beyond the project period in the form of a new profitable enterprise for farmers across the region and a community of practice for those farmers, it is worth noting that the research impacts are similarly expected to grow over time. Through this project, an information-sharing community of northeast farmers will be trained and a network of experimental vineyards will be established across the region. Through the relationships forged during this project, it is our hope that performance data will continue to be shared after Year 3 and that at least some of the participating growers will be interested in continuing to trial new genetics, using their established vineyards as platforms for future innovation.
Jan 2025: There are no research results to report yet.
Jan 2025: There are no research conclusion to report yet.
Education
Members of the Project Advisory Committee (PAC)
Dave Jackson, Kiwi Berry Organics, Co; Danville, PA
Owner-operator of the largest single commercial kiwiberry farm in the US (>20 acres), Dave is internationally known as a pioneer in the cultivation of this historically underserved crop. Dave brings >35 years of experience in successfully cultivating and marketing kiwiberries and is excited by the opportunity this project provides to support a diverse group of new farmers.
Lars Demander, Clover Nook Farm; Bethany, CT
Having just completed his second successful season of harvesting and marketing, Lars represents a newer and smaller scale (1 acre) kiwiberry operation within a more diversified farming system (fruits and vegetables). Bringing first-hand experience and a grower perspective that promises to speak to the circumstances of most of the project’s participants, Lars is excited to share his knowledge and facilitate the formation of a network of like-minded growers.
Rebecca Sideman, Extension Professor; University of New Hampshire
Becky’s nearly 20-year career at UNH is known for its impactful integration of research and extension activities focused on high-value specialty crop production by regional farmers. With expertise in small fruit and berry production and a long history of interest and work in the identification and development of new crops with economic potential in the region, Becky is enthusiastic about serving as an advisor on this project.
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The PL shared the preproposal and all reviewer comments with the above individuals, both to invite their participation in the project as PAC members and to facilitate their feedback, especially regarding weaknesses flagged by the reviewers. Through those conversations, the modifications described in “Response to Preproposal Comments” came about, namely: 1) Identifying key individuals, including the need for a part-time Project Manager; 2) Developing a project website; 3) Promoting farmer interactions via an online forum; and 4) Including farmers in Year 3 project outreach activities. In March of each year, the PAC will convene remotely to review and provide high-level input on completed and upcoming project activities. Where appropriate, PAC members will also attend and assist with annual grower training events and provide solicited input.
Milestones
Members of the Project Advisory Committee (PAC)
Dave Jackson, Kiwi Berry Organics, Co; Danville, PA
Owner-operator of the largest single commercial kiwiberry farm in the US (>20 acres), Dave is internationally known as a pioneer in the cultivation of this historically underserved crop. Dave brings >35 years of experience in successfully cultivating and marketing kiwiberries and is excited by the opportunity this project provides to support a diverse group of new farmers.
Lars Demander, Clover Nook Farm; Bethany, CT
Having just completed his second successful season of harvesting and marketing, Lars represents a newer and smaller scale (1 acre) kiwiberry operation within a more diversified farming system (fruits and vegetables). Bringing first-hand experience and a grower perspective that promises to speak to the circumstances of most of the project’s participants, Lars is excited to share his knowledge and facilitate the formation of a network of like-minded growers.
Rebecca Sideman, Extension Professor; University of New Hampshire
Becky’s nearly 20-year career at UNH is known for its impactful integration of research and extension activities focused on high-value specialty crop production by regional farmers. With expertise in small fruit and berry production and a long history of interest and work in the identification and development of new crops with economic potential in the region, Becky is enthusiastic about serving as an advisor on this project.
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The PL shared the preproposal and all reviewer comments with the above individuals, both to invite their participation in the project as PAC members and to facilitate their feedback, especially regarding weaknesses flagged by the reviewers. Through those conversations, the modifications described in “Response to Preproposal Comments” came about, namely: 1) Identifying key individuals, including the need for a part-time Project Manager; 2) Developing a project website; 3) Promoting farmer interactions via an online forum; and 4) Including farmers in Year 3 project outreach activities. In March of each year, the PAC will convene remotely to review and provide high-level input on completed and upcoming project activities. Where appropriate, PAC members will also attend and assist with annual grower training events and provide solicited input.
Milestone Activities and Participation Summary
Educational activities:
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Performance Target Outcomes
Target #1
35
35 Northeast specialty crop farmers will be trained in kiwiberry production best practices; will establish pilot vineyards of advanced kiwiberry selections on their farms; and will provide simple preference feedback to the UNH breeding program to inform downstream variety commercialization efforts.
35 pilot vineyards will be established
Returns on project investment include enhanced practical understanding of kiwiberry production among participating farmers, at least 20 farmers reporting a belief that kiwiberry production will be a valuable enterprise for their farm operation, and the first formalization of a farmer network in the region for this emerging crop.
34
All 42 farmers initially recruited to the project selected a site on their farms for a pilot kiwiberry vineyard and planted the kiwiberry vines provided to them, according to the directions provided by the PMT. Currently, 34 farmers remain in the project, all of whom have have completed the infrastructure establishment required for such a vineyard and have received compensation for that work.
In aggregate, the 34 pilot kiwiberry vineyards established through this project occupy nearly 22,000 s.f. (approx 0.5 acres).
The vines in this project are still in the estabishment stage, so no measurable benefits have been observed yet.
Below please find a short narrative in regard to each of the following aspects of the project's Performance Target:
"Through this project, at least 35 Northeast specialty crop farmers will be trained in kiwiberry production best practices; will establish pilot vineyards of advanced kiwiberry selections on their farms; and will provide simple preference feedback to the UNH breeding program to inform downstream variety commercialization efforts."
The response to the project's call for interest was far greater than originally anticipated, allowing the PMT to recruit not 35 but 42 farmers to the project. All 42 farmers selected a site for the pilot vineyard on their farms and are planted the vines that were allocated to them (Year 1). All farmers provided detailed information on vine survival over the first winter and were supplied with needed replacement vines, which all farmers planted in Year 2. Over the course of Year 2, various factors beyond the project led to 8 farmers leaving the project. Unfortunately, both historically underserved farmers exited the project in Year 2, due to loss of land ownership/tenure. The remaining 34 farmers completed the extensive infrastructure investments required for their vineyards. All 42 farmers participated in the Year 1 pre-season training webinar and joined the project's online website and community forum. The 34 remaining farmers continue to participate through that platform.
"Returns on project investment include enhanced practical understanding of kiwiberry production among participating farmers, at least 20 farmers reporting a belief that kiwiberry production will be a valuable enterprise for their farm operation, and the first formalization of a farmer network in the region for this emerging crop."
An in-depth assessment of current farmer knowledge vis-a-vis kiwiberry production was conducted, providing a baseline for comparison at the end of this project. At that point, all 42 farmers viewed kiwiberry as a potential viable new enterprise on their farms, which is the main reason why they chose to participate in the project. Over the course of this project, in which they are guided through vineyard establishment management and have a chance to assess the "fit" of kiwiberry to their site and operations, we believe at least 20 will invest further in this new crop. In terms of building the first farmer network in the region for this emerging crop, this is well underway through the convening of this group of interested growers in this project, their P2P interactions facilitated by the project's online forum.
Year 1 Update to Target Outcomes
“Beyond the small pilot vineyards established through this project as proofs of concept and sites of hands-on learning for the project’s participating farmers, the long-term objective of this project is to have at least 20 northeast farmers recognize kiwiberry production as a viable enterprise for their farm operation and pursue acre-scale vineyard establishment.
For the farmers directly involved in this project, the objective is to see at least 20 acres of commercial kiwiberry production coming online in the northeast within a year or two of project completion, based on cv. 'Geneva 3', new UNH varieties evaluated in this project, or a combination of both. This first generation of kiwiberry adopters will serve as the vanguard for this new agricultural enterprise in the region, leading to further production increases long-term.
The measurable benefits that will result from the long-term integration of kiwiberry into the region's diverse farming systems include: 1) Increased farmer income resulting from at least 20 farms integrating a profitable new perennial cropping system into their operations; 2) Increased availability of an in-demand, regionally competitive, delicious, and nutrient-dense fruit for northeast consumers.”
The successful establishment of 34 pilot vineyards and the sustained enthusiasm of the farmers who continue to participate in the project are encouraging signs regarding this long-term target.