Facilitating Research in Organic Farming at Cornell

Goals / Objectives
1. Strengthen and expand Cornell's research, outreach and teaching activities in organic agriculture. 2. Provide short-cycle funding to encourage or complement research projects of direct benefit to organic producers and consumers. 3. Involve more undergraduate and graduate students in research related to organic farming. 4. Identify and investigate potential topics for future research.

Project Methods
Proposals are sought in the following areas: 1) Basic understanding and analysis of organic farm systems and processes; 2) Whole farm rotations and planning for transition to organic farming; 3) Organic systems for weed, insect and disease pest management; 4) Organic crop, soil fertility, compost, and livestock management; 5) Socio-economic or market analysis of organic food systems; 6) Making research-based information on organic methods available to home gardeners. The proposals must include measurable, quantitative objectives, provide a justification for the proposed work and describe the major risks and gains in achieving their objectives. A concise description of the research, and supporting evidence of previous related work and/or continuing research on the proposed topic are required. Proposals will be reviewed and prioritized for funding by a panel of Cornell faculty and students, Cooperative Extension staff, and organic farmers. At least 25% of the funds are reserved for research projects initiated by and with substantial involvement of undergraduate or graduate students.. Each project must involve a principal investigator with faculty, senior extension or research associate status at Cornell University. A written summary of research results will be required from each funded project upon completion of the work, no later than Feb. 1, 2001.

Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A restricted gift from the Toward Sustainability Foundation (TSF) in Marblehead, MA, has supported competitive grants awarded by the Dept. of Horticulture at Cornell University since 1999. These funds support research, teaching and outreach in organic agriculture and food systems, through a small grants program that involves New York organic farmers, researchers, extension staff, teachers and students. Requests for proposals are circulated and grant applications are reviewed each year. Nine projects were funded during 2009: 1) Development of an organic grape-growing and winemaking course at Cornell; 2) No-till grazing Brassicas in existing pastures; 3) Strategies to reduce tomato leaf disease in high tunnels; 4) Challenges to reduces-tillage vegetable crop systems; 5) Developing a student-run permaculture and agroforestry site; and 6) Sustaining tilth with cover crops; 7) Supporting Organic Seed Corn Production in New York--Year 5; 8) Organic vegetable education programs in New York; and 9) Orchard soil health protocols for sustainable soil management. Funding priorities for this program during 2009 involved energy efficiency, environmental impacts, economic development, and social equality in organic and sustainable food systems. Reports for the previous year (2008) TSF projects were published online. An additional small grants program provides funds for international field research by non-US citizen graduate students at Cornel. Five student scholarships were awarded for 2009, involving research in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. A request for grant applications was circulated during late 2009, and proposals will be reviewed for funding in 2010. PARTICIPANTS: Major participants in this project include Cornell University faculty, staff and students (both undergraduate and graduate), organic farmers, cooperative extension staff, Master Gardeners, and home gardeners around NY State. Many of the extension projects funded through TSF include educational programs for local farmers and home gardeners. The major parter organization is the Cornell Cooperative Extension system. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences are very broad, including students, home gardeners, commercial growers, dairy and livestock farmers, and other researchers working on organic farm and garden systems. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Research, teaching and extension programs strengthen the knowledge base and adoption of organic farming and gardening systems, especially for pest management, biological controls and soil fertility management without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This ongoing small-grants program supports initiatives at Cornell University and elsewhere around New York. The goal is to provide science-based recommendations and principles for organic systems, and encourage faculty and students to conduct research and develop teaching and extension programs supporting the USDA-Organic food sector. Intended impacts are improved energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability of food production, utilizing science-based information for organic farmers and gardeners, and increasing research, educational and outreach activities in Organic agriculture around New York and the Northeastern US.

Publications

Hadad, R. and S. Reiners. 2009. Synchronized on-farm training for novice organic vegetable farmers. Ann. Rep. Toward Sustainability Foundation Grants Prog. 10:1-5.
Leinfelder, M.M., I. A. Merwin, D. Wolfe, G. Poe, 2009. Developing and implementing an orchard soil health protocol to enhance sustainable soil management, orchard productivity, and land value. Ann. Rep. Toward Sustainability Foundation Grants Prog. 10:5-31.
Eames-Sheavly, M., J. Mead, D. Wolfe, C. Hadekel, L. Bushway, and C. Cramer. 2009. One seed at a time: Alleviating climate change through youth community action in the garden. Ann. Rep. Toward Sustainability Foundation Grants Prog. 10:32-36.
Buckler, E.S., M.E. Smith, Al. Krill, P. Hepperly, L. Pollak, M. Ryan, R. Seidel, and N. Lepak. 2009. Improving organic maize germplasm through a systems-level evaluation of genetically diverse maize hybrids. Ann. Rep. Toward Sustainability Foundation Grants Prog. 10:37-49.
Bjorkman, T.N. 2009. Sustaining tilth with cover crops. Ann. Rep. Toward Sustainability Foundation Grants Prog. 10:50-53.
Smith, M.E., K. Martens, M-H. Martens, and R. Glenister. 2009. Supporting organic seed corn production in New York--Year 4. Ann. Rep. Toward Sustainability Foundation Grants Prog. 10:54-68.
Mudge, K.W. and M. Madden. 2009. Developing agroforestry options for agriculture and research: Alley cropping on marginal lands for farm diversification. Ann. Rep. Toward Sustainability Foundation Grants Prog. 10:69-79.

Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Restricted grants funded by the Toward Sustainability Foundation (TSF) in Marblehead, MA, have been administered by the Dept. of Horticulture at Cornell University since 1999. These funds are used to support research, teaching and outreach in organic agriculture and food systems, through a small grants program that involves New York organic farmers, researchers, extension staff, teachers and students. Requests for proposals are circulated and grant applications are reviewed each year. Eight projects were funded during 2008: 1) Synchronized on-farm training for novice organic farmers; 2) Developing and Implementing an Orchard Soil Health Protocol to Enhance Sustainable Soil Management, Orchard Productivity, and Land Value; 3) Alleviating Climate Change Through Youth Community Action in the Garden; 4) Improving organic maize germplasm through a systems-level evaluation of genetically diverse maize hybrids; 5) Education for Veterinarians, Extension Agents, and other Professionals in Complementary Treatments and Preventive Management for Organic Livestock Farms in Northern NY; and 6) Sustaining tilth with cover crops; 7) Supporting Organic Seed Corn Production in New York - Year 4; and 8) Developing Agroforestry Options for Agriculture and Research: Alley Cropping on Marginal Lands for Farm Diversification. Funding priorities during 2008 involved energy efficiency, environmental impact assessment, economic development, and social equality in organic and sustainable farm and food systems. An additional small grants program to fund international field research by non-US citizen graduate students at Cornell University was initiated recently with a TSF gift, and four student scholarships were awarded for the year 2008. A request for grant applications was circulated during late 2008, and 15 proposals were reviewed for funding during 2009. PARTICIPANTS: Participants include Cornell faculty, staff, and students, organic dairy, livestock and horticultural crop farmers, NY Master Gardeners, and cooperative extension staff around the state. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for these projects are commercial farmers, home gardeners, and professionals advising these growers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Research, teaching and extension programs are intended to strengthen the knowledge base for organic farming and gardening systems, especially for pest management, biological controls and soil fertility management without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This small-grants program supports initiatives at Cornell University and elsewhere around New York. It provides science-based recommendations and practices for organic growers, and encourages faculty and students to conduct research and develop curriculum and outreach programs in support of the Organic food sector. The intended impact is to improve the energy efficiency, environmental and economic impacts of food production, by providing science-based information for organic farmers and gardeners, and increasing research, educational and outreach activities oriented toward Organic agriculture in New York and the Northeastern US.

Publications

Jentsch, P., D. Rosenberger, C. Mead, and P. Hurd. 2008. Investigating Kaolin Clay and Summer Oil for Commercial and Organic Pest Management in NY Pear Production. Ann. Rep. TSF grants program, Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 9:1-16.
T. Bjorkman, K. Martens, and M-H. Martens. 2008. Organic fertility recommendations - Effect of organic and soluble fertilizer application rate on crop response, pollution risk, and soil health. Ann. Rep. TSF grants program, Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 9:17-31.
M.P. Pritts, K. Colen-Peck, J.M. Campbell, J. Gardener, J. Grossman, A. Jack, H. Karsten, D. O,Connell, D. Parr, G. Peck, S. Perez, M. Pop, J. Ricotta, and M. Schipanski. 2008. The 2nd National Conference on Facilitating Post-Secondary, Sustainable Agriculture Education. Ann. Rep. TSF grants program, Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 9:32-38.
I. Merwin, G. Peck, J. Thies, A. Agnello, H. Reissig, C. Watkins, O. Padilla-Zakour, M. G. Brown, and H. Ink. 2008. Multi-level Comparisons of Organic and Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) Systems for cv. Liberty Apple in a New York Orchard. Ann. Rep. TSF grants program, Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 9:39-70.
M. Smith, K. Martens, M-H. Martens, and R. Glenister. 2008. Supporting Organic Seed Corn Production in New York: Year Three. Ann. Rep. TSF grants program, Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 9:71-86.

Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Restricted grants funded by annual gifts from the Toward Sustainability Foundation (TSF) in Marblehead, MA, have been administered by the Dept. of Horticulture at Cornell University since 1999. These funds are used to promote and support research, teaching and outreach in organic agriculture and food systems, through a small grants program that involves New York organic farmers, researchers, extension staff, and students. Requests for proposals are circulated in December and grant applications are reviewed in February each year. Seven projects were funded during 2007, in the following research areas: 1) Kaolin clay and summer oils for organic pest management of pears; 2) Fruit cultivars for organic gardeners: A web-based project; 3) Organic soil fertility recommendations based on crop responses, pollution risk, and soil health; 4) Support for the Second National Conference on Sustainable Agriculture Education; 5) Multi-level comparisons of organic and IFO systems for apple production in NY; 6) Organic seed corn breeding and selection; and 7) Molecular typing as a tool for mastitis control in organic dairy farms. A request for grant applications was circulated during late 2007, to solicit proposals for funding during the coming year. The main funding priorities during 2008 involve energy efficiency, environmental impact assessment, economic development, and social equality in organic and sustainable farm and food systems. An additional small grants program to help fund international field research by non-US citizen graduate students at Cornell University was initiated recently with a TSF gift, and proposals are being reviewed in that area for the year 2008. PARTICIPANTS: Numerous organic growers, Cornell staff and students, and home gardeners around New York State have been involved as participants, researchers, or consultants in this research. Four graduate students conducted some of the research as part of their graduate programs and professional training at Cornell University. Regional cooperative extension specialists and Master Gardeners have also been active participants in several of the projects. TARGET AUDIENCES: The intended beneficiaries and target audience of this grants program include home gardeners, farmers, and consumers who may benefit from the increasing production and availability of organically grown foods.

Impacts
Research, teaching and extension programs are needed to strengthen the knowledge base for organic farming and gardening systems, especially for pest management, biological controls and soil fertility management without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This small-grants program supports initiatives at Cornell University and around New York, providing science-based recommendations and practices for organic growers, and encouraging faculty and students to conduct research and develop curriculum and outreach programs in support of the rapidly expanding Organic food sector. The intended impact is to improve the energy efficiency, environmental and economic impacts of food production, by providing science-based support for organic farmers and gardeners, and increasing research, educational and outreach activities specifically oriented toward Organic agriculture in New York and the Northeastern US.

Publications

Bjorkman, T., K. Martens, and M-H. Martens. 2007. Organic fertility recommendations: Effect of organic and soluble fertilizer application rate on crop response, pollution risk, and soil health. Ann. Rep. TSF Grants Program, Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 8:1-12.
Welser, R., L. Bushway, P. Paine-Golly, J. Spence, D. Thorp, P. Hyman, B. Claypoole. 2007. Finger Lakes Regional Organic Gardening Conference for Home Gardeners. Ann. Rep. TSF Grants Program, Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 8:13-20.
Merwin, I., G. Peck, J. Thies, A. Agnello, H. Reissig, C. Watkins, O. Padilla-Zakour, M. G. Brown, and H. Ink. 2007. Multi-level Comparisons of Organic and Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) Systems for Liberty Apple in a New York Orchard-Year Three. Ann. Rep. TSF Grants Program, Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 8:21-46.
Brainard, D. R.R. Bellinder, A. Leed, L. White, L. Drinkwater, M. Schipanski, V. Kumar, and C. Mohler. 2007. Integrated weed and soil management using soybean and cowpea cover crops: Effects of mixtures with non-legumes and seeding rates. Ann. Rep. TSF Grants Program, Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 8: 47-59. M. Smith, K. Martens, and M-H Martens. 2007. Supporting Organic Seed Corn Production in New York. Ann. Rep. TSF Grants Program, Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 8:60-75.
Rangarajan, A. M. McGrath, H. van Es, J. Idowu, B. Ingall, M. Wells, C. Mohler, C. Bornt, E. Nordell, A. Nordell, J-P. Courtens,, J. Bolluyt, P. Arnold, S. Arnold, L. Lego, and T. Potenza. 2007. A Systems Approach to Reducing Tillage for Organic Vegetables. Ann. Rep. TSF Grants Program, Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY. Vol. 8:76-86.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Restricted grants from the Toward Sustainability Foundation in Essex, MA have been received by the Dept. of Horticulture at Cornell annually since 1999. We have used these funds to promote and support research, teaching and outreach in organic agriculture. This small grants program involves New York organic farmers, researchers, extension staff, and Cornell students. Requests for proposals are circulated in November and grant applications reviewed in February each year. Six projects were funded during 2006: 1) Organic fertility recommendation: Effect of organic and soluble fertilizer application rates on crop response, pollution risk, and soil health; 2) Finger Lakes Regional Organic Gardening Conference for Home Gardeners; 3) Multi-Level Comparisons of Organic and Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) Systems for Liberty Apple in a New York Orchard; 4) Integrated weed and soil management using soybean and cowpea cover crops: Effects of mixtures with non-legumes and seeding rates; 5) Supporting Organic Seed Corn Production in New York; and 6) A Systems Approach to Reducing Tillage for Organic Vegetables. A request for grant applications was circulated during late 2006, to solicit proposals for funding during the coming year (2007).

Impacts
Research, teaching and extension programs are needed to advance the knowledge base for effective organic farming and gardening systems, pest management, biological controls and soil fertility management without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This small-grants program is supporting initiatives at Cornell and around New York to provide science-based recommendations and practices for organic growers, and to encourage faculty and students to conduct research in support of this rapidly expanding agricultural sector. The intended impact is to provide science based support for organic farmers and gardeners, and to increase research, educational and outreach activities oriented toward organic agriculture in New York State and the Northeast.

Publications

Smith, M., F. Kutka, A. Guzman, K. Martens, and M-H Martens. 2006. Supporting organic seed corn production in New York. Dept. Hort. Misc. Publ., Cornell Univ. Rep. NY Res. Proj. Organic Agri. p. 1-13
Reiners, S., M. Shaw, A. Leed, L. White and E. Dyck. 2006. Organic carrot variety trial. Dept. Hort. Misc. Publ., Cornell Univ. Rep. NY Res. Proj. Organic Agri. p. 14-26.
Brainard, D., R.R. Bellinder, A. Leed, L. White, L. Drinkwater and M. Cocke. 2006. Integrated weed and soil management using soybean and cowpea cover crops: Evaluation of varieties and performance in mixtures with non-legumes. Dept. Hort. Misc. Publ., Cornell Univ. Rep. NY Res. Proj. Organic Agri. p. 27-41.
Mudge, K.W., L. Drinkwater, M. Wells and H. C. Wien. 2006. Integration of Organic Farming and Agroforestry for Experiential Learning at the Dilmun-MacDaniels Nut Grove Agroecology Learning Center. Dept. Hort. Misc. Publ., Cornell Univ. Rep. NY Res. Proj. Organic Agri. p. 42-72.
Merwin, I.A., G. Peck, J.E. Thies, A. Agnello, H. Reissig, C. Watkins, O. Padilla-Zakour, W.-F. Uva, M.G. Brown, and H. Ink. 2006. Multi-level comparisons of organic and integrated fruit production (IFP) systems for Liberty apple in a New York orchard. Dept. Hort. Misc. Publ., Cornell Univ. Rep. NY Res. Proj. Organic Agri. p. 73-95.
Landers, A. 2006. Pesticide spray drift measurements. Dept. Hort. Misc. Publ., Cornell Univ. Rep. NY Res. Proj. Organic Agri. p. 96-126.
McGrath, M., D. Moyer, A. Senesac, D. Gilrein, F. Lee, M. Kuszynski, and C. Walbrecht. 2006. Improving Disease Management and Production of Organically-Grown Tomatoes. Dept. Hort. Misc. Publ., Cornell Univ. Rep. NY Res. Proj. Organic Agri. p. 127-140.
Thies, J.E. and A. Rangarajan. 2006. Evaluating impacts of organic transplant media on plant growth and root-sphere bacterial communities--Year 2. Dept. Hort. Misc. Publ., Cornell Univ. Rep. NY Res. Proj. Organic Agri. p. 141-163.
Bjorkman, T., K. Martens, and M-H. Martens. 2006. Organic fertility recommendations--Effect of organic and soluble fertilizer application rate on crop response, pollution risk, and soil health. Dept. Hort. Misc. Publ., Cornell Univ. Rep. NY Res. Proj. Organic Agri. p. 164-176.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Restricted grants from the Towards Sustainability Foundation in Essex, MA have been received by the Dept. of Horticulture at Cornell annually since 1999. We have used these funds to promote and support research, teaching and outreach in organic agriculture. Our small grants program involves New York organic farmers, researchers, extension staff, and Cornell students. Requests for proposals are circulated in November and grant applications reviewed in January each year. Nine projects were funded in 2005: 1) Supporting Organic Seed Corn Production in New York; 2) Organic Carrot Variety Trial; 3) Integrated weed and soil management using soybean and cowpea cover crops: Evaluation of varieties and performance in mixtures with non-legumes; 4) Integration of Organic Farming and Agroforestry for Experiential Learning at the Dilmun-MacDaniels Nut Grove Agroecology Learning Center; 5) Multi-Level Comparisons of Organic and Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) Systems for Liberty Apple in a New York Orchard--Year 2; 6) Pesticide Spray Drift Measurements; 7) Improving Disease Management and production of Organically-Grown Tomatoes; 8) Evaluating Impacts of Organic Transplant Media on Plant Growth and Root Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities--Year 2; and 9) Organic fertility recommendation: Effect of organic and soluble fertilizer application rates on crop response, pollution risk, and soil health--Year 2. An RFP was circulated and a new round of proposals will be funded for 2006.

Impacts
Educational and research programs are needed to advance the knowledge base for effective organic production systems, pest management, biological controls and soil fertility management without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This grants program is providing science-based recommendations and practices for organic growers, and encouraging faculty and students at Cornell to conduct research in this expanding agricultural sector.

Publications

Merwin, I.A., A. Agnello, H. Reissig, R.H. Lui, W.F. Uva, E. Vollmer, K. Averill, and M.G. Brown. 2005. Multi-level Comparisons ofOrganic and Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) Systems for Liberty Apple in a New York Orchard. Misc. Publ. Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. p. 1-17.
Bjorkman, T., K. Martens, and M-H. Martens. 2005. Organic fertility recommendations: Effect of organic and soluble fertilizer application on crop response, pollution risk, and soil health. Misc. Publ. Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. p. 18-27.
Horner, A., A. Rangarajan, and J. Thies. 2005. Evaluating consistency and long-term growth impacts of organic transplant media. Misc. Publ. Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. p. 28-44.
Tikofsky, L. and R. Zadoks. 2005. An alternative treatment regimen for bovine mastitis due to Staphylococcus aureus. Misc. Publ. Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. Ithaca. NY. p. 45-66.
Bokaer-Smith, J. and J., and C. Wien. 2005. Farm-grown organic greenhouse tomatoes--Preliminary report. Misc. Publ. Dept. Hort., Cornell Univ. Ithaca. NY. p. 67-77.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Restricted grants from the Towards Sustainability Foundation in Essex, MA have been received by the Dept. of Horticulture at Cornell annually since 1999. We have used these funds to promote and support research, teaching and outreach in organic agriculture. Our small grants program involves New York organic farmers, researchers, extension staff, and Cornell students. Requests for proposals are circulated in November and grant applications reviewed in January each year. Five new projects were funded in 2004: 1) Multilevel comparisons of organic and integrated fruit production (IFP) systems for Liberty apple in a NY orchard. 2) Organic fertility recommendations--effect of organic and soluble fertilizer applications rates on crop response, pollution risk, and soil health. 3) Evaluating consistency and long-term growth impacts of organic transplant media. 4) Alternative treatment trials for Staphylococcus aureus mastitis. 5) A systems comparison of farm-grown organic and conventional greenhouse tomatoes. Final reports for projects funded in 2004 are pending at this time, and will be published during 2005 in a Cornell University miscellaneous publication. An RFP was circulated for 2005, and another round of projects will be funded this coming year.

Impacts
Educational and research programs are needed to advance the knowledge base for effective organic production systems, pest management, biological controls and soil fertility management without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This grants program is providing science-based recommendations and practices for organic growers, and encouraging faculty and students at Cornell to conduct research in this expanding agricultural sector.

Publications

No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Restricted grants from the Towards Sustainability Foundation in Essex, MA have been received by the Dept. of Horticulture at Cornell annually since 1999. We have used these funds to promote and support research in organic agriculture. An ongoing small grants program has evolved through consultations with New York organic farmers, researchers, extension staff, and Cornell students. Requests for proposals are circulated and grant applications reviewed in January each year. New projects funded during 2003 included developing and teaching an intensive organic gardening course during the summer session at Cornell; development of an interactive web-based course in organic gardening; completion of a mint collection planting at the Cornell Dilmun Hill Student farm; infrastructure development at the Cornell Freeville vegetable crops organic research facility; and five on-farm research projects in organic dairy and livestock systems. Fifteen new projects for the 2004 year are currently being reviewed for funding. The publications listed below describe results from projects completed during the past year.

Impacts
Educational and research programs are needed to provide the knowledge base for effective organic production systems, pest management and biological controls without synthetic pesticides, and soil fertility management without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. This grants program is providing science-based recommendations and practices for organic growers, and encouraging faculty and students at Cornell to conduct research in this expanding agricultural sector.

Publications

Bittner, K. and I. Merwin. 2003. Development and testing of a shrouded flamed weeder for non-chemical weed control. New York State Fruit Quarterly 11(1):23-25.
Arnold, K., K.J. Boor, L. Garrison-Tikofsky, L.P. Saunders, and R.N. Zadoks. 2004. Souorces of environmental Streptococci in organic dairy farms. Misc. Publ., Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ. 135 p.
Brown, D.L. 2004. Ecological efficacy of an herbal antihelminthic: Whole farms as experimental units. Misc. Publ., Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ. 135 p.
Smith, R.D., and B. Caldwell. 2004. Regional workshops for organic dairy farmers. Misc. Publ., Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ. 135 p.
Garrison-Tikofsky, L. R.D. Smith., F.L. Welcom, V. Sherman, S. Brown, and F. Benson. 2004. Milk quality education and intervention program for organic dairy farmers. Misc. Publ., Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ. 135 p.
Deming, A. S. Hendren, M. Stephenson, and C. Nicholson. 2004. Small-scale organic value-added dairy processing in New York: Business performance review and case study. Misc. Publ., Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ. 115 p.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Restricted grants from the Towards Sustainability Foundation have been received by the Dept. of Horticulture at Cornell annually since 1999 and used to promote and support research in organic agriculture. An ongoing small grants program has evolved through consultations with New York organic farmers, researchers, and extension workers. Requests for proposals were circulated and grant applications were reviewed in late 2001; 6 projects were funded for the year 2002. Funded projects for 2002 included web-based programs for identification and ecological management of weeds; curriculum development for an intensive organic gardening course at Cornell; an elementary and secondary teachers curriculum for establishing and managing organic gardens in public schools; development of an interactive web-based course in organic gardening; design and establishment of a mint garden at the Cornell Dilmun Hill Student farm; and infrastructure development at the Freeville vegetable crops organic research facility. A summer-session course in organic gardening will be offered by Cornell during the summer of 2003, as a direct outcome of two projects funded during 2002. Final research reports for projects in the year 2001 funding cycle were published in February 2002, as listed below.

Impacts
With new USDA standards for organic certification, rapid growth of the organic foods sector is continuing. Educational programs are needed to provide the knowledge base for effective organic production systems, pest management and biological controls without synthetic pesticides, and soil fertility management without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. This grants program is providing scientifically based recommendations and practices for organic growers, and encouraging faculty and students at Cornell to conduct research in this expanding agricultural sector.

Publications

Stephens, E. and J. Losey. 2002. Incorporating bats into an organic program to manage the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. Pp. 71-77 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. A. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Moyer, D., A. Senesac, M. T. McGrath, and D. Gilrein. 2002. Establishment of an organic research block at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center. Pp. 77-82 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. A. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Vanek, S. and H. C. Wien. 2002. Weed suppression and competitive effects of Lana vetch/winter rye living mulches in New York State organic pumpkin growing. Pp. 83-95 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. A. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Winkler, D. 2002. Assessment of the potential of bats and swallows as biological control agents for agricultural insect pests in New York State. Pp. 166-171 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. A. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Daum, J. 2002. Groundcover management helps biological pest control. Pp. 96-104 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. A. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Robinson, T., J. Schupp, I. Merwin, H. Reissig, A. Agnello, R. Straub, and D. Rosenberger. 2002. A commercial organic apple production system for New York: Continued progress. Pp. 1-13 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Wright, M., M. Hoffmann, S. Pitcher and J. Gardner. 2002. Selection of vegetables for intercropping as a pest management strategy. Pp. 14-18 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Hoffman, M. and J. Gardner. 2002. Exploring some engineered approaches to pest management. Pp. 19-26 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Richards, S., S. Bulkey, C. Alexander, J. Degni, W. Knoblauch and D. Demaine. 2002. The organic decision: Transitioning to organic dairy production. Pp. 26-69 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Drinkwater, L., A. Rangarajan, and B. Caldwell. 2002. Nutrient budgets in organic vegetable production. Pp. 69-70 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. A. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Duren, O. 2002. Soil fertility analyses at the Cornell Dilmun Hill Student Farm. Pp. 105-120 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. A. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Howard, M., M. Gluckman, S. King, E. Hoffman, K. Smith, K. Teplitz and K. Goldman. 2002. Wetland design considerations for bioremediation of water efflux at the Dilmun Hill Student Farm. Pp. 121-145 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. A. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.
Troidl, J., C. Benedek, J. Chan, R. Manabe, D. MacLean, T. Hatami, and S. Meltzer. 2002. A wetlands design proposal for water bioremediation at the Dilmun Hill Farm. Pp. 146-165 in: Summary reports for New York research projects in Organic Agriculture (I. A. Merwin, ed.) Misc. Publ. of Dept. Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 171 p.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Restricted grants from the Towards Sustainability Foundation were received by the Dept. of Horticulture at Cornell, and used to promote and support research in "organic" agriculture. A small grants program was established after consultation with New York organic farmers, researchers, and extension workers. Requests for proposals were received and reviewed, and 11 projects were funded for the year 2001. Funded projects included commercial organic apple production systems; mechanical control of flea beetles in small scale organic farming; organic woods-grown ginseng production; compost treatments for soil-borne vegetable disease control; use of cover crops and composts for enhancing soil nutrient supply; a decision model and planning guide for dairy farmers considering conversion to organic milk production; and ecological studies of the roles played by bats and insectivorous birds in sweet corn pest control. All funded work was completed during the year 2001, and several projects have been expanded into longer-term research or extension programs.

Impacts
With new USDA standards for "organic" certification, continued growth of the organic foods sector is anticipated. The knowledge base for organic production systems is not well developed, especially regarding pest management and biological control without synthetic pesticides, and managing soil fertility without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. This grants program is providing scientifically based recommendations and practices for organic growers, and encouraging faculty and students at a land-grant university to redirect efforts in support of the increasingly important organic agricultural sector.

Publications

Hoffmann, M., and J. Gardner. 2001. Mechanical control of flea beetles in small scale organic farming. Pp. 79-86 in Summary Reports for New York Research Projects in Organic Agriculture, Misc. Publ. Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 124 p.
Mazza, C.P., S.J. Cunningham, and K. Hennigan. 2001. New York State Master Gardener Education in organic gardening. Pp. 15-18 in Summary Reports for New York Research Projects in Organic Agriculture. Misc. Publ. Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 124 p. Also available in CD format with extensive color illustrations.
Mohler, C., A. DiTommaso, and K. Joslin. 2001. The effect of soil tilth on weed control by cultivation. Pp. 19-34 in Summary Reports for New York Research Projects in Organic Agriculture, Misc. Publ. Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 124 p.
Rangarajan, A., and K. Aram. 2001. Impact of composts on soil borne disease incidence in organic cropping systems. Pp. 104-124 in Summary Reports for New York Research Projects in Organic Agriculture, Misc. Publ. Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 124 p.
Robinson, T. L, et al. 2001. A commercial organic apple production system for New York. Pp. 35-50 in Summary Reports for New York Research Projects in Organic Agriculture, Misc. Publ. Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, 124 p.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
Restricted grants from the Towards Sustainability Foundation were received by the Dept. of Horticulture at Cornell, with the stipulation that funds be used to support research on 'organic' agriculture. With these funds, in November 1999 we established a small grants program, circulated a request for proposals, and received 23 proposals for funding. We were able to fully or partially fund 11 projects during calendar year 2000, on the following topics: 1) Methods for selecting vegetables for intercropping as a pest management strategy; 2) An investigation of weed & insect pest suppression by spring-planted rye-legume living mulches for use in organic pumpkin culture; 3) Mechanical control of flea beetles in small scale organic farming; 4) Testing the effects of soil tilth on control of weeds by mechanical cultivation; 5) Sharing and communicating about organic agriculture: The Dilmun Hill exploration garden; 6) Organic woods-grown ginseng for NY forest land owners; 7) Propagation and planting of straight growing locust (Robinia pseudoacacia var. rectissima `Shipmast'; 8) Weed control and fruit thinning in organic apple orchards in NY; 9) A community Master Gardener education curriculum in organic gardening; 10) Impact of composts on soilborne disease incidence in organic cropping systems; and 11) Use of reflective silver mulches for thrips repellency in organic onion production. Ten of these projects were completed, the results were presented at several meetings of NY organic farmers, and a bound miscellaneous publication of the resulting reports will soon be published. The source grant was renewed for 2001, and we are in the process of reviewing new proposals for funding this year.

Impacts
With new USDA standards for organic certification, continued growth of the organic foods sector is anticipated. The knowledge base for organic production systems is not well developed, especially regarding pest management and biological control without synthetic pesticides. This grants program will help to provide scientifically based recommendations and practices for organic growers, and to encourage faculty and students at a land-grant university to redirect attention toward research in support of this increasingly important agricultural sector.

Publications

No publications reported this period