Arizona 2018-2020 PDP project

Project Overview

WSP18-003
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2018: $28,636.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2021
Host Institution Award ID: G161-19-W7506
Grant Recipient: University of Arizona Extension
Region: Western
State: Arizona
State Coordinators:
Dr. Randy Norton
Email
The University of Arizona
Co-Coordinators:
Joshua Sherman
Email
University of Arizona

Information Products

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Animal Production: animal protection and health, grazing management
  • Crop Production: agroforestry, application rate management, forestry
  • Pest Management: biological control, chemical control, integrated pest management

    Proposal abstract:

    Organic, biodynamic, permaculture, and other producers of various scale apply sustainable agriculture principles to food and fiber production systems in Arizona. A variety of marketing philosophies are used to connect with consumers including farmers’ markets, consumer supported agriculture, field stands, local markets, and internet sales. Additionally, Native American authorities and community members desire to reconnect with their past agricultural heritage and seek assistance in learning and teaching concepts that interface and enhance traditional agricultural techniques.

    The overall natural arid environment of Arizona creates unique challenges for all producers and the current long-term drought in the Southwest adds a critical emphasis. These issues make it important for the current 25 Arizona Extension agents, their supporting specialists, other agricultural professionals, non-governmental entities, decision makers, producers, and consumers to work together in a synergistic manner. The key for these linkages is effective communication and partnership at all levels. For these reasons, it is important that all parties better understand the concepts of sustainable agriculture and the methodologies required to appropriately apply them in arid land conditions. Arizona programs facilitate the distribution of knowledge and experience to stakeholders statewide.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    1. Extension professionals taking the opportunity to participate in sustainable agriculture
    seminars, conferences and other professional development activities through travel grants
    will be better able to address local sustainable agriculture issues (short term)
    2. Extension professionals participating in local workshops will feel comfortable adopting
    or recommending adoption of sustainable agriculture techniques (medium term)
    3. Trained professionals will teach the concepts that they have learned to their clientele
    (medium term)
    4. Agricultural operations will become more sustainable (medium and long term)

    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.