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Background |
Agro-Environmental Technology Program Projectsfor Fiscal Year 2003Dartmouth Grange No. 162 – Dartmouth Grange Community Shared-Use Kitchen, Operations & Management Plan – This project is designed to research and write an operational and management plan for a small-scale, community-shared use kitchen to be developed at the Dartmouth Grange Kitchen. The goal of the project is to provide an incubator for small, agriculturally related businesses, stimulate enterprise development and local economic growth. MA Ag in the Classroom, Inc. – Farm & School Weeks: A Closer Look at Open Space and Environmental
Education in the Classroom, at Farms, and at Public Events – This project proposes to conduct extensive promotion with a week-long “school to farm” program. Two new environmental based educational units, one for the elementary level and one for the middle school level (Grade 2 and Grade 7); and a technology based packet for High Schools will be developed. A versatile interactive exhibit board for display and promotion purposes will be designed and built. A certification for farms that participate in educational programs meeting the specific criterion will be developed. MA Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association–Cold Spring Orchard Research & Education Center – An Orchard System for Monitoring and Modeling Apple Scab, Disseminating Apple Scab Model Regionally, and Managing Orchard Fungicide Use – This project will develop a system for monitoring and modeling apple scab in orchards using on-site weather data collection equipment. The data collected will be used in a computer model to predict apple scab infection periods and spore maturity. In the long- this system could assist growers better manage fungicide use potentially resulting a decrease in use and cost savings. New England Fruit Consultants – 1-MCP: AN innovative Technology for Improved Fruit Quality Targeted for
the Massachusetts Apple Industry – This project will evaluate the feasibility of using 1-MCP as a post-harvest treatment to improve the fruit quality of apples kept in long-term storage. The project will target varieties that are commonly produced in the region and that are economically significant to the Massachusetts apple industry. In addition, we will modify the process by which fruit are currently treated with 1-MCP to better suit the size and scope of storage facilities in Massachusetts. Pioneer Valley Growers Association – Phase II of Selling Massachusetts Grown and Produced Products to Schools
Throughout the Commonwealth – In Phase II of this project the overall objective, in addition to selling more locally grown fruits and vegetables to schools, will be to see if it is possible to line up enough schools in close geographic clusters to be economically feasible. This project would also research which value-added items schools use that Massachusetts’s farmers can start producing to take advantage of increased profits. Educating parents, students and staff on the importance of buying local, agriculture in general and the importance of consuming more fruits and vegetables will be the final goal. University of Massachusetts – Use of Polyacrylamide to Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollutant Movement to Surface
Waters – This project will evaluate the effectiveness of using Polyacrylamide (PAM) in reducing phosphorus and nitrogen (organics) in runoff water. PAM has been used in furrow-irrigated agriculture for soil erosion control and to increase infiltration. Applying PAM is believed to remove phosphorus and other nutrients in water flowing over and through soil, thus reducing the potential for nonpoint source pollution. TOTAL FUNDING: $72,194.83 |
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