CNMI State Program Plan 2020-2021

Project Overview

WSP19-028
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2019: $31,250.00
Projected End Date: 05/31/2022
Host Institution Award ID: G255-20-W7905
Grant Recipient: Northern Marianas College
Region: Western
State: Northern Mariana Islands
State Coordinator:
Patricia Coleman
Northern Marianas College

Commodities

  • Fruits: bananas, citrus, melons, papaya, pineapples
  • Vegetables: eggplant, greens (leafy), okra, onions, peppers, radishes (culinary), sweet corn, sweet potatoes, taro, tomatoes
  • Additional Plants: coffee, trees

Practices

  • Crop Production: application rate management, cover crops, crop improvement and selection, crop rotation, fertilizers, multiple cropping, nutrient management, organic fertilizers, plant breeding and genetics, pollination, postharvest treatment, varieties and cultivars, water management
  • Education and Training: demonstration, display, extension, on-farm/ranch research, technical assistance, workshop
  • Pest Management: botanical pesticides, chemical control, field monitoring/scouting, mulching - plastic, prevention, soil solarization
  • Soil Management: composting, green manures, organic matter
  • Sustainable Communities: quality of life

    Proposal abstract:

    The CNMI WSARE program will work collaboratively with stakeholders and advisors to develop an educational campaign aimed and promoting sustainable agricultural technologies and programs, as well as, promoting the SARE program.   The program will work with members of all local communities to engage stakeholders and encourage participation in program activities, in order that they may be inspired to adopt or integrate sustainable technologies and practices into their local production systems.  Overall, greater productive capacity for local produce and livestock should be achieved, strengthening local food systems and further promoting concepts of sustainability and environmental stewardship, while contributing to improved public health. 

    Project objectives from proposal:

    • Develop a multi-year collaborative educational program
    • Form a CNMI WSARE Advisory committee
    • Identify, evaluate, and promote appropriate sustainable agricultural technologies for the NMI.
    • Develop educational materials and programs
    • Engage the CNMI WSARE advisory committee in conducting an ag professional needs assessment.

    During the first quarter of 2020, potential candidates for the advisory committee will be invited to participate on the committee, with the goal of having the committee functional and active by the end of March, 2020.   Also during this quarter, a series of workshops will be held on all three islands, to promote the sustainable agricultural program and provide trainings, listening sessions, and advise for producers and others, in regards to sustainable technologies and practices, and the SARE grants program.  A number of publication and outreach materials related to SARE programs will be developed and disseminated.  

    During the second and third quarter of 2020, the program will continue to work with the advisory committee, the growing network of collaborators and others, with the goal of identifying appropriate technologies to be evaluated and demonstrated in the CNMI.   Furthermore, the program will document and organize a working strategic plan for sustainable agriculture technology transfer that will inform the program and guide the development of future extension and outreach activities. 

    During the last quarter of 2020, second series of workshops will be held on all three islands, to encourage participation in the SARE grants program and promote sustainable agriculture technology evaluation and adoption. 

    At the beginning of 2021, a similar set of educational workshops will be held well-ahead of grant deadlines, to promote the SARE grants program and sustainable agricultural technologies and practices.   The strategic plan for the year will be updated. 

    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.