Using high tunnels to produce blackberries organically in West Virginia

Project Overview

FNE08-638
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2008: $6,318.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2011
Region: Northeast
State: West Virginia
Project Leader:
Co-Leaders:
Dr. Lewis Jett
West Virginia University

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Fruits: berries (brambles)

Practices

  • Crop Production: fertigation, nutrient cycling, relay cropping
  • Education and Training: on-farm/ranch research
  • Farm Business Management: budgets/cost and returns
  • Pest Management: biological control, cultural control, integrated pest management, row covers (for pests)
  • Production Systems: holistic management, organic agriculture, transitioning to organic
  • Soil Management: soil analysis
  • Sustainable Communities: local and regional food systems

    Proposal summary:

    High-tunnel use is not widespread in this part of the region, and the farmer will use one to demonstrate how to grow organic blackberries, a high-value and popular small fruit. Because blackberries are perennials, they will be container-grown to allow them to be moved in and out of the high tunnel as the seasons change. Eight varieties of thorn-free blackberries will be evaluated, and a budget developed for organic high tunnel blackberries. Outreach will be through an extension tour, a field day, and a project summary that will be made available through extension.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.