Expanding Jute Leaf Production to Support Food Access for the Haitian Community in Delaware

Commodities

• Vegetables: greens (leafy)

Practices

• Crop Production: crop improvement and selection, fertilizers, irrigation, organic fertilizers
• Education and Training: decision support system, demonstration, display, extension, farmer to farmer, focus group, mentoring, networking, on-farm/ranch research, participatory research, study circle, technical assistance, workshop, youth education
• Farm Business Management: agricultural finance, farm-to-institution, financial management, new enterprise development, whole farm planning
• Pest Management: field monitoring/scouting, row covers (for pests)
• Production Systems: dryland farming, organic agriculture
• Soil Management: composting, earthworms, organic matter, soil analysis, soil chemistry, soil microbiology, soil physics, soil quality/health
• Sustainable Communities: community development, employment opportunities, leadership development, new business opportunities, quality of life, urban agriculture

This project aims to establish a sustainable jute leaf production system in Delaware to meet the rising demand among the Haitian community, approximately 15,000 people, who rely on this culturally significant ingredient in their cuisine. Due to the lack of local jute cultivation, Haitian families often depend on costly, imported jute leaves that lose freshness and nutritional value during transit. Addressing this gap, our proposal involves cultivation trials of two jute varieties, focusing on high yield and pest resilience to ensure a consistent local supply. Our methodology includes rigorous trials on DSU’s Incubator Farm, utilizing 10 raised beds to test growth, yield, and pest control effectiveness. Organic pest management strategies, including insecticidal soap and neem oil applications, will be adapted to control leaf-chewing pests and ensure crop health. Regular yield measurements and economic analyses will determine profitability, with results guiding farmers on adopting this crop for local markets. Beyond meeting community needs, this project will introduce jute as a profitable crop option for small-scale farmers, diversifying Delaware’s agricultural offerings. Through field demonstrations and extension workshops, farmers will receive training in jute cultivation and pest management, enabling them to produce high-quality jute leaves sustainably. Expected outcomes include establishing best practices for jute production, improved food sovereignty for Delaware’s Haitian community, and enhanced economic opportunities for local farmers. This project sets the groundwork for expanding jute production across Maryland and Virginia, promoting resilience and cultural food access.

Objective: 

To evaluate and compare the yield and economic potential of jute leaves on dedicated acreage, while simultaneously developing effective, organic pest management practices to enhance crop productivity and profitability for small-scale farmers. Through this project, we aim to measure and analyze the yield of jute leaves under local conditions, providing a basis for determining their scalability within Delaware’s agricultural landscape. Additionally, we will conduct a profit analysis to assess the financial feasibility of these crops, guiding future efforts to expand their cultivation. A key aspect of this objective is to experiment with organic pest management strategies tailored for these crops, focusing on affordability and effectiveness. The results will not only inform best practices for jute cultivation but also deliver practical, actionable recommendations for local farmers seeking sustainable and profitable crop options. This information will ultimately support farmers in making informed decisions on adopting these crops, potentially enhancing crop diversity and profitability in their operations.