Energy-efficient short-term cold storage for vegetables and herbs

Project Overview

FNE06-583
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2006: $7,276.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: Northeast
State: Pennsylvania
Project Leader:
Linda Moist
Clan Stewart Farm

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Agronomic: sunflower
  • Vegetables: beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, cucurbits, eggplant, greens (leafy), onions, peas (culinary), peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes, turnips
  • Additional Plants: herbs

Practices

  • Education and Training: demonstration, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research
  • Farm Business Management: community-supported agriculture, marketing management, feasibility study
  • Production Systems: holistic management

    Proposal summary:

    Vegetable and herb farms need cold-storage facilities to maintain quality for sales to restaurants and other markets requiring superior products. This project will investigate the feasibility and profitability of modifying springhouses with high-efficiency insulation and solar-powered fans to create a high-humidity cold storage facility with consistent conditions. Outreach will be through field days and articles.
    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.