Research, Education, and Network Development to Support Western Organic Flower Seed Production

Project Overview

SW24-007
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2024: $349,235.00
Projected End Date: 03/31/2027
Host Institution Award ID: G116-25-WA506
Grant Recipient: Organic Seed Alliance
Region: Western
State: Washington
Principal Investigator:
Kayla Ierlan
Organic Seed Alliance

Commodities

No commodities identified

Practices

  • Crop Production: crop improvement and selection, organic fertilizers, pollination, pollinator habitat, varieties and cultivars
  • Education and Training: farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research, participatory research, workshop
  • Farm Business Management: budgets/cost and returns, risk management
  • Natural Resources/Environment: habitat enhancement
  • Production Systems: dryland farming, organic agriculture

    Proposal abstract:

    The project addresses the significant environmental and health challenges posed by conventional flower production, including its substantial carbon footprint due to refrigeration and express shipping, high pesticide use, and intensive water demands. Organic, regional flower production stands as a sustainable alternative, yet its success hinges on producers' access to high-quality, regionally adapted seed varieties. Through the following five research objectives and five educational objectives, we aim to evaluate flower seed crop yield and quality, assess management practices, analyze weather conditions, determine suitable varieties, and disseminate findings:

    Research Objective 1: Evaluate the yield and quality of key flower seed crops

    Research Objective 2: Analyze the influence of weather conditions on flower seed production

    Research Objective 3: Determine the suitability of different varieties for flower seed production

    Research Objective 4: Determine isolation distances for flower seed crops.

    Research Objective 5: Disseminate research findings and reports

    Educational Objective 1: Create flower seed online community for social networking, education, and research coordination on the Organic Seed Commons

    Educational Objective 2: Develop crop profiles for key flower seed crops

    Educational Objective 3: Develop enterprise budget case studies for seed crops

    Educational Objective 4: Host flower seed field days at each farm site

    Educational Objective 5: Communicate project findings to producers and the general public

    Significance for Agricultural Sustainability: The project is poised to create incremental and transformative changes in agricultural sustainability in the floral industry by providing access to regionally adapted seed varieties, enhancing economic viability, promoting environmental stewardship, and increasing resilience against climatic and market fluctuations.

    Dissemination and Follow-up: Our dissemination strategy encompasses building communities of learners through online learning circles, publishing comprehensive reports, articles, presenting findings at conferences, and engaging historically underserved communities. Online platforms will serve as additional avenues for distributing guides and fact sheets. Collaborative efforts with stakeholders are designed to ensure the transfer of knowledge and increase the lasting impact of the project.

    Expected Outcomes:

    The project is expected to yield several significant outcomes, including the expansion of markets for organic flowers, job creation for cut flower and seed producers, and the strengthening of rural businesses. Through this initiative, we aim to support a new paradigm for flower production that aligns with the principles of sustainability and community well-being.

    Our project's innovative approach, collaborative team structure, and focus on research, education, and dissemination will contribute to sustainable agriculture. By addressing the need for regionally adapted seed varieties, we empower producers to thrive in an environmentally sound and economically viable manner.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    Research Objective 1: Evaluate the yield and quality of key flower seed crops

    Research Objective 2: Analyze the influence of weather conditions on flower seed production

    Research Objective 3: Determine the suitability of different varieties for flower seed production

    Research Objective 4: Determine isolation distances for flower seed crops.

    Research Objective 5: Disseminate research findings and reports

    Educational Objective 1: Create flower seed online community for social networking, education, and research coordination on the Organic Seed Commons

    Educational Objective 2: Develop crop profiles for key flower seed crops

    Educational Objective 3: Develop enterprise budget case studies for seed crops

    Educational Objective 4: Host flower seed field days at each farm site

    Educational Objective 5: Communicate project findings to producers and the general public

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.