2003 Annual Report for OS03-013
Growing Organic Fruits and Vegetables for Local Farmer's Markets
Summary
Field days and workshops will be held for farmers and extension agents. Fact sheet on “How to Grow and Market Organic Vegetables and Fruits” will be presented during these activities and events. Display board will be presented at agriculture conferences and events.
Objectives/Performance Targets
Farmers in Beaufort County, South Carolina are growing growing organic fruits and vegetables. Farmers and extension agents will test the applied research data from North Carolina State University in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Qualitative and quantitative data will be ascertained for comparison to conventional methodology. In all situations, conventional production and marketing will be the standard for comparison. Eighty percent of the produces grown will be sold at local farmers markets starting in May of 2004.
Soils were analyzed for nutrition levels. Poultry manure was applied as the primary source of fertilizer. All amenities were applied based on soil analysis.
As the project continues, various nitrogen testing will be done to measure and maintain adequate levels. Nitrogen will be applied only when needed. Tissue analysis will be done throughout the growing season to measure and maintain sufficient levels of nutrition. All testing will be done in laboratories at Clemson University and North Carolina State University and will be analyzed by extension agents and specialists.
Accomplishments/Milestones
- There are two vegetable farmers and three fruit growers in the project. Plans are to recruit two more farmers.
A grant was received to incorporate using compost tea in the project.
A 2003 consumer market survey indicated that a small organic niche market exists in the county.
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
- It is too early in the project to provide impacts and contributions, bu we should have facts and numbers after the 2004 growing season.