$280,050 in Specialty Crop Grants Awarded

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The Utah Department of Agriculture & Food has approved 19 projects to receive a total of $280,050 from the USDA in Specialty Crop Block Grant Money. There were 36 applications requesting a total of $1,046,070. The selected projects demonstrated a measurable benefit for the specialty crop industry and are expected to assist more than just a single producer. Recipients were selected based on USDA requirements that projects enhance the competitiveness of other Utah specialty crop producers.

Project awarded are:

1. Utah State University, $46,021 – Expanding, improving weather stations from digital modems to other forms of communication including wireless internet using grower-provided, on-site service and line-of-sight radio communication between stations.
2. Utah State University, $6,565 – This project will evaluate commercially sustainable techniques for vegetative propagation of native Utah plants. Will determine the efficacy of mound layering as a sustainable method of clonally propagating plant materials.
3. Utah State University, $15,787 – Combining insect-attacking nematodes and resistant varieties to improve billbug management in turfgrass.
4. Utah State University, $10,755 – Research to evaluate different insecticide programs for their efficacy against both cherry insect pests, and develop revised recommendations for cherry pest management programs.
5. Utah State University, $17,462 – Evaluate the synergistic effects of fungicides and adjuvants on learning in the Blue Orchard Bee.
6. Utah State University, $25,727 – Survey to monitor 30 orchards using black pyramid traps and lures to determine if the invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is in Utah.
7. Bear Lake Raspberry Growers, $14,000 – For Bear Lake Raspberry Growers to purchase and build a commercial freezer for shared storage and refrigerated trailer to transport their berries.
8. Utah State University, $9,595 – New management methods to reduce the fire blight pathogen, Erwinia Amylovora.
9. Utah State University, $9,758 – Identification of powdery mildew species and inoculums sources for improved timing and reduction of fungicide applications in Utah fruit tree orchards.
10. Utah State University, $10,553 – Identification of onion pathogens, alternate hosts and vectors in Utah.
11. Utah State University, $9,500 – Developing reduced input conventional orchard floor management options for improved tree nutrition, pests, and efficient water use.
12. Utah State University, $8,313 – Evaluating High Density orchard systems for improving tart cherry production efficiency.
13. Utah State University, $19,950 – Improving cold-climate strawberry production to meet local demand.
14. Wasatch Community Gardens, $15,000 – To empower youth with the skills, awareness, and knowledge to grow, harvest food, taste and prepare new fruits and vegetables, in order to make healthy choices for themselves and the environment.
15. Brigham Young University, $6,000 – Genome sequencing of berry crops, raspberry and blackberry to improve disease resistance and molecular breeding.
16. Utah State University, $6,500 – To evaluate growth and yield of Jujube (Chinese date) as a new alternative crop to diversify commercial fruit production, homeowner production, and low water edible landscaping.
17. Brigham Young University, $14,500 – To enhance suburban landscapes of Utah with uncommon, stress-tolerant fruit trees with ornamental potential.
18. Brigham Young University, $13,747 – Development of Native Plants as drought tolerant ornamental landscape plants.
19. Utah State University, $20,317 – Evaluate high tunnel season-extension technology as a possible mechanism for plant survival and optimal production of Winter Greens.

For questions or comments contact:

Project coordinator
David Bailey
Specialty Crop Block Grant
Utah Dept. of Agriculture and Food
801-538-4931

 

 

 

 

 

Posted August 8, 2011