Partnership to Study Sustainable Methods for Growing Figs in the North Central Region

View the project report

Commodities

• Fruits: figs

Practices

• Crop Production: crop improvement and selection
• Education and Training: farmer to farmer

There has been little research or study of sustainable fig (Ficus carica) orchards and production in the North Central region. While it is known that figs can be grown by hobbyists in Zones 5/6, there is no documented research for farmers interested in growing for local markets. Fresh figs are sought after for their fruity sweetness, fiber, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, and nutritional value. Local farm stops and co-ops in the Midwest are seeking a wider variety of locally grown fresh fruits, including figs (personal communication).  Most North Central residents do not have access to fresh figs and are relegated to only dried figs. Establishing conditions for growing figs locally will mitigate challenges of easily bruised, short-shelf life, and expenses associated with the rare transport from California.

This project compares cold climate production models in growing figs. Cold hearty variety selection, tactical placement and economical winter protection of in-ground and potted trees, attention to soil composition, and compatible living mulches will be applied. The early “breba” crop (developing on the old wood during spring after fig leaves emerge) and the main crop yields, soil moisture and temperatures, weed pressure, and signs of stress/disease, leaf discoloration, and premature fruit drop, will be measured.

1. On-farm research of Ficus carica (fig) viability and fruit. Three varieties will be selected for cold climate fruiting heartiness. Planted selections in-ground with southern sun exposure, protection from westerly cold winds, and sustainable insulation will be compared with the same varieties in pots moved indoors (sheltered) during winter.
2. These varieties will be planted, maintained, monitored, and results documented in a consistent method at the four farms to investigate sustainably and scalability in zones 5b and 6a.
3. Educate North Central farmers, including women, military veteran, and BIPOC farmers on strategies/techniques for growing of fresh figs in this region.