Progress 05/15/18 to 05/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences for the policy briefs include policymakers, state and federal agencies, rural and agricultural development professionals, and stakeholders in local food systems, as well as environmental groups. Research results have meaningful implications for food-system planning, natural resource management, and irrigation techniques in the Palouse and Inland Northwest. More specifically, the analysis conducted by the geospatial analysis team will benefit the ongoing food systemand land resource assessment in the Palouse region. The study has implications for farmland conservation and soil management in the Palouse. These results are helpful for resource managers, as well as local food advocates such as the Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition and Rural Roots, which have been looking for options with respect to accessing land and water when scaling up local food production. Additional efforts are intended to shed light on the distribution system which has imposed challenges for local food system development in the Inland Pacific Northwest region. The findings from the sociological team also provide suggestions for planners or resource managers such as thePalouse Basin Aquifer Committee (PBAC) which is currently looking for strategies that can help preserve groundwater in the Palouse, as local food production may be perceived as a new consumer of water in the region. The insights derived from interviews and other sociological research will shed further light on the issue of access to water and land and clarify the environmental impacts, and these findings will benefit producers, resource and land managers, and local food-related organizations in the Palouse region. Economic analysis helps producers and policymakers think through the trade-off between economic development and the environmental benefits or impacts of locally grown food in the area. In addition, the soil and water systems team's work prompts producers in the region to actively consider fruit and vegetable production. The research on irrigation technologies further provides important technical advice for growers who are facing challenging growing conditions in the Inland Pacific Northwest. Changes/Problems:Due to the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic, our project team has faced new challenges, including project activities related to stakeholder engagement, data collection, and interviews. We received a one-year no-cost extension in the fall of 2020 to complete, synthesize, and disseminate results and findings. The no-cost one-year extension was very helpful for the project team to wrap up final activities and support graduate students and staff to finalize the publications in the fourth year of the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Geospatial Analysis and Resource Capacity Assessment (Liao, Fan). The project provided great support for multiple graduate students. A former project assistant and doctoral student in Geography successfully secured a post-doctoral research associate position made available from the Idaho NSF EPSCoR and the University of Idaho. Another MS student in Geography has received training on the GIS analysis of the spatial distribution of local fruit and vegetable production and consumption in Inland Northwest. The Sociological Research (Saul, Newman, Peterson) We presented the results of our research to local stakeholders at the Palouse-Clearwater Food Summit. We have started a new AFRI-funded research and extension project that builds on this one that focuses on food system-based economic development with two Native American tribes in North Idaho. The Soil and Water System Research (Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) A graduate student has received training on assessing soil physical properties and presented preliminary results related to irrigation systems. The Extension and Outreach Team (DePhelps and Mayes) DePhelps engaged in professional development activities which have resulted in improved ESRI story mapping skills. DePhelps organized and co-taught an Outcome & Performance-Based Extension Education In-Service Workshop to evaluate and improve the content and format of the new and existing curriculum. The training was attended by 18 University of Idaho Extension Educators. DePhelps has engaged in professional development activities which have resulted in the development and offering of a virtual land access short course focused on skills necessary to prepare for land access via lease or purchase. DePhelps has engaged in professional development to become a certified farm succession coordinator with the intent to work with existing land owners for intergeneration and non-family farmland transfers. The Farm Manager and four graduate students from Washington State University Organic Farm attended the in-person irrigation system training at the University of Idaho Soil Stewards Organic Farm that was hosted by Mayes and DePhelps. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?1. TheGeospatial Analysis and Resource Capacity Assessment(Liao and Fan). We have published one journal article on scaling up local food production and presented our results to local stakeholders at the Cultivating the HarvestTM conference. Another manuscript on linking local food production to water conservation or water uses will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal in August 2022. 2. The Sociological and Economic Research Team (Saul, Newman, Peterson). We presented the results of our research to local stakeholders at the Palouse-Clearwater Food Summit. We have published the results of our research in two peer-reviewed journal articles and will submit a third manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal in July 2022. 3. TheWater and Soil Impact Assessments Team(Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) Developed the demonstration site and collect metrics to showcase water savings with the use of irrigation technology appropriate for small farms; presented research results at regional food summits and educational events. 4. The Extension and Outreach Team (DePhelps and Mayes). 4.1 Published the Taste of Home: Local Food Directory, an ESRI story map featuring direct and intermediated markets and farms and ranches selling through these markets in the study area, has continued to be updated and is available online athttps://www.idahofoodworks.org/local-food-directories 4.2 Launched a new Idaho Food Works program website, including pages for Resources like Farmers Market (https://www.idahofoodworks.org/farmers-market-assessments) and Community Food System Assessments (https://www.idahofoodworks.org/community-food-assessments). 4.3Expanded the Idaho Cultivating Success YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJpz0vXw5StYAF8O988PiA) to include topic-specific playlists and webinar, workshop, course, and presentation recordings. 4.4 Offered 2 bi-weekly email newsletters: The Pulse (community of interest: public, non-profit staff, business owners interested in strengthening local food systems) and Idaho Cultivating Success (community of interest: small farmers and ranchers). 4.5 Hosted one-day virtual food summit sharing project results. Presentations were recorded and are posted on the Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfA0ZJupgFUXp6i2dD72x6QdlVsjLkA8B and summit proceedings are available on the event webpage at https://www.pcfoodcoalition.org/food-summit. 4.6 Backyard Water Conservation, Farmland Preservation and Moscow Commercial Kitchen presentations are available on the Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6iY0UBUuJJlQFlN0eSk3aA. 4.7 Shared ongoing and final research results at each of the Extension education events mentioned above. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Geospatial Analysis and Resource Capacity Assessment (Liao, Fan).: In collaboration with the other 2 research teams and extension faculty, a peer-reviewed journal article has been published, in which we evaluated how scaling up local food production in Northern Idaho could have an impact on land resources considering increased soil erosion. By integrating GIS spatial analysis and environmental data, the study finds that existing local food production is located near the urban fringe and on productive cropland. The existing farmland is sufficient to feed the whole population within an average distance of 49 km or 31 miles in Northern Idaho including the Palouse. An alternative land use scenario was proposed which may improve the ecological benefits of local food production concerning the risk of soil erosion on the Palouse. Liao, F. H., Gordon, B., DePhelps, C., Saul, D., Fan, C., & Feng, W. (2019). A land-based and spatial assessment of local food capacity in Northern Idaho, USA. Land, 8(8), 121. https://doi.org/10.3390/land8080121 Finished a study that applies a robust-optimization technique to quantify how scaling up local food production and its subsequent food loss and waste reduction would have an impact on water scarcity in the focal region of the Palouse (i.e., Whitman County of WA and Latah County of Idaho); and results suggest that scaling up local food production may result in an additional 6.5%-36.8% of current estimated water use on the Palouse. However, food waste reduction particularly in fruit and vegetable production and processing will alleviate water stress by up to 18.5%-30.5%. Liao, F.H. F. et al. (2022). A robust-optimization assessment of the blue water footprint of a localized food system and food waste reduction: The case of Palouse Region of Inland Northwest, USA. (In preparation for submission to Environmental Monitoring and Assessment) The Sociological Research (Saul, Newman, Peterson) We have published two articles: Saul, D., S. Newman, C. DePhelps, and F. Liao. 2022. "Exploration of values and agency in place-based food systems." Journal of Rural Studies 89(1): 337-347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.12.010 Saul, D., S. Newman, and C. Dearien. 2021. "Capital in context: Funding US Inland Northwest food hub development before and during COVID-19." Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 11(1), 153-169. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2021.111.016 We are preparing to submit the third article to a peer-reviewed journal in July 2022 that explores opportunities for scaling up place-based food systems from a social-ecological system perspective. We presented our research to over a hundred stakeholders at the Palouse-Clearwater Food Summit: Newman, S. and D. Saul. 2022. Palouse Landowner Perspectives and Interest in Local Food Production. Paper presented at the 2022 Palouse-Clearwater Food Summit, Moscow, Idaho. The Soil and Water System Research (Heinse and Johnson-Maynard) Developed and taught courses on irrigation system design in collaboration with the Extension and Outreach team. Designed and built an irrigation system at the student-run organic farm at the University of Idaho. Documented, through videos and extension notes, the steps of building an efficient irrigation system. The graduate student assessed soil physical properties concerning water infiltration and storage capacity. The Extension and Outreach Team (DePhelps and Mayes) We held frequent webinars to cover marketing, production, and food safety topics pertinent to small fruit and vegetable producers on the Palouse and coordinated regular advisory committee meetings for the project team. We held a Farmland for the Next Generation Train the Trainer workshop, a land access curriculum developed with leadership from American Farmland Trust, that emphasized the importance of implementing a performance-based learning approach to adult education. We hosted the Idaho Cultivating Success Small Farm & Ranch Webinar Series and additional educational events regarding irrigation and water use, including both online and in-person events. We hosted a series of sustainable Ag Speakers' presentations on agricultural water rights and adjudication to increase knowledge of water rights and access on the Palouse for local stakeholders. We produced videos on the irrigation system installed at the University of Idaho Soil Stewards Student Farm that demonstrates how to use weather data and soil moisture data to maximize water use efficiency. We coordinated the Palouse-Clearwater Food Summits on an annual basis during the project period. We hosted a virtual presentation and community conversation on Backyard Water Conservation for very small market gardeners and home gardeners. We hosted a virtual presentation and community conversation on Farmland Preservation for landowners and community members interested in land use planning and farmland preservation. We hosted a virtual presentation and community conversation on Moscow Commercial Kitchens for value-added food processing. We assisted in completing a survey of landowners on the Palouse and presented the results to local stakeholders at the Palouse-Clearwater food summit.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Liao, F. H., Gordon, B., DePhelps, C., Saul, D., Fan, C., & Feng, W. (2019). A land-based and spatial assessment of local food capacity in Northern Idaho, USA. Land, 8(8), 121. https://doi.org/10.3390/land8080121
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Saul, D., S. Newman, and C. Dearien. 2021. Capital in context: Funding US Inland Northwest food hub development before and during COVID-19. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 11(1), 153169. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2021.111.016
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Saul, D., S. Newman, C. DePhelps, and F. Liao. 2022. Exploration of values and agency in place-based food systems. Journal of Rural Studies 89(1): 337-347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.12.010
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Liao, F.H. F. et al. (2022). A robust-optimization assessment of the blue water footprint of a localized food system and food waste reduction: The case of Palouse Region of Inland Northwest, USA. (In preparation for submission to Environmental Monitoring and Assessment)
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Progress 05/15/20 to 05/14/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Some preliminary results were shared with resource managers, policymakers, and local food advocates such as the Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition and WSU dining and were presented in the Spring Advisory Committee Meeting held in January of 2021. The findings from the geospatial analysis and environmental impact assessment provided suggestions for planners or resource managers because local food production may be perceived as a new consumer of water in the region. In addition, works done by the sociological team and the soil and water systems team have fostered farmers' new interests inscaling up fruit and vegetable production in the Palouse region of the Inland Pacific Northwest. Changes/Problems:Due to the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic, our project team has been faced new challenges, including for project activities related to stakeholder engagement, data collection, and interviews. Wereceived a one-year no-cost extension in the fall of 2020 to complete, synthesize, and disseminate results and findings. The no-cost one-year extension has been very helpful for the project team to wrap up final activities and support graduate students and staff to finalize the publications in the fourth year of the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Geospatial Analysis Team (Liao, Fan). Liao trained other team members to use modeling software or tools for life cycle analysis (LCA) to estimate the environmental impact of scaling up local food production in the focal study region of two counties. The Sociological and Economic Research Team (Saul, Newman, Peterson, Dearien). Our team has focused on drafting and submitting peer-reviewed research publications this last year. Conference and other in-person opportunities were limited by the pandemic. The Water and Soil Impact Assessments Team (Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) A graduate student has received training on assessing soil physical properties and presented preliminary results related to irrigation systems. The Extension and OutreachTeam (DePhelps, Mayes, and Lawrence) DePhelps organized and co-taught an Outcome & Performance-Based Extension Education In-Service Workshop to evaluate and improve the content and format of the new and existing curriculum. The training was attended by 18 University of Idaho Extension Educators. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Liao and others presented and shared the results during the advisory committee meeting held in January of 2021. We have submitted two publications to two peer-reviewed journals, and we are in the process of writing two more journal articles to further disseminate results. Another irrigation workshop was held to increase basic knowledge of irrigation system design and efficiency to stakeholders. Published the Taste of Home: Local Food Directory, an ESRI story map featuring direct and intermediated markets and farms and ranches selling through these markets in the study area, has continued to be updated and is available online at https://www.idahofoodworks.org/local-food-directories. Launched a new Idaho Food Works program website, including pages for Resources like Farmers Market (https://www.idahofoodworks.org/farmers-market-assessments) and Community Food System Assessments (https://www.idahofoodworks.org/community-food-assessments). Expanded the Idaho Cultivating Success YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJpz0vXw5StYAF8O988PiA) to include topic-specific playlists and webinar, workshop, course, and presentation recordings. Offered 2 bi-weekly email newsletters: The Pulse (community of interest: public, non-profit staff, business owners interested in strengthening local food systems) and Idaho Cultivating Success (community of interest: small farmers and ranchers). Ongoing research results were also shared at each of the Extension education events outline above. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The Geospatial Analysis Team (Liao, Fan) The team will write up a research article on the resource and environmental impact of scaling up local food production in the Palouse. Results will also be disseminated through other means (e.g., at the regional food summit). The team will also assist other sub-project teams' tasks for the project. The Sociological and Economic Research Team (Saul, Newman, Peterson, Dearien). Complete the articles we have in process and publish them in peer-reviewed journals. Present research results at the regional food summit and a professional conference. The Water and Soil Impact Assessments Team (Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) Continue to develop the demonstration site and collect metrics to showcase water savings with the use of irrigation technology appropriate for small farms Present research results at regional food summit and/or a professional conference. The Outreach and Education Team (DePhelps, Mayes, Lawrence). Offering another session of Finding Land to Farm in Fall 2021 Coordinating a Cultivating the Harvest two-day conference that will host one day of landowner and real estate workshops that will include sharing research outcomes from the project and one day of producer workshops Continue hosting regular webinars and presentations throughout winter 2021 - 2022 to facilitate farmer networking, increase producer knowledge of sustainable production practices, and communicate research outcomes Develop the Best Practices for Small-Scale Irrigation Extension Bulletin Post research results to program websites and share in bi-weekly newsletters, through email networks and social media channels.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Geospatial Analysis Team (Liao, Fan) The team compiled a new dataset regarding yield uncertainties of fruits and vegetables in the Palouse region of the inland Pacific Northwest and water footprints of agricultural production. Fan completed the classification of remotely sensed data for the two-county region of Whitman and Latah using the NAIP image from the USDA geospatial portal. In collaboration with the Extension and Outreach team and other team members, Liao and other members of the team presented preliminary results in the meeting with the advisory committee in January of 2021. Results indicate that to meet the USDA recommendation, residents in the Palouse or the two-county study region would eat 1.83 times more vegetables and 2.41 times more fruits in the future. Based on the forecast of population growth in the Palouse, water demand derived from scaling up production of fruits and vegetables locally would be as high as 400 million gallons a year. The estimated amount of water consumption is equivalent to the usage of 4-5 18-hole golf courses. The team has been completing a research article that will address the water-scarcity footprint of scaling up fruits and vegetable production compared to other agricultural sectors and water uses (e.g., residential) in the Palouse. The Sociological and Economic Research Team (Saul, Newman, Peterson, Dearien). We have two manuscripts in review at two journals: Saul, D., Newman, S., DePhelps, C., and Liao, F. "Navigating differences between local and regional food systems: an exploration of hybrid values-based food chain development in the rural Inland Northwest, USA." In review at Journal of Rural Studies. Saul, D., Newman, S., and Dearien, C. "Capital in context: Funding US Inland Northwest food hub development before and during COVID-19." In review at Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development. We are currently drafting manuscripts focused on the socioeconomic, water, and land resource factors affecting small and mid-sized producers' interest and capacity in scaling up fruit and vegetable production. The Water and Soil Impact Assessments Team (Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) Developed and taught courses on irrigation system design in collaboration with the Extension and Outreach team. Designed and built an irrigation system at the student-run organic farm. Documented, through video and extensive notes, the initial steps of building an efficient irrigation system. The graduate student assessed soil physical properties concerning water infiltration and storage capacity. The Extension and Outreach Team (DePhelps, Mayes, Lawrence) Reviewing Palouse Landowner Survey responses and collaborating with the Sociological Research Team to develop and implement a data analysis plan for the mixed-mode survey. Hosted the Idaho Cultivating Success Small Farm & Ranch Webinar Series Hosted an additional soil education event We held three additional education events regarding irrigation, two online and one in-person, on-farm event. We produced a video on the irrigation system installed at the University of Idaho Soil Stewards Student Farm that demonstrates how to use weather data and soil moisture data to maximize water use efficiency. Presented a project overview and report to the small farm community online.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Saul, D., Newman, S., DePhelps, C., and Liao, F. Navigating differences between local and regional food systems: an exploration of hybrid values-based food chain development in the rural Inland Northwest, USA. In review at Journal of Rural Studies.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Saul, D., Newman, S., and Dearien, C. Capital in context: Funding US Inland Northwest food hub development before and during COVID-19. In review at Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Liao, F.H.F., 2021, Urban Planning and Resilience during the Global Pandemic, Virtual Panel Session in the Annual Meeting of American Association of Geographers. April 9, 2021; Seattle, WA.
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Progress 05/15/19 to 05/14/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Some preliminary results were shared with resource managers, policymakers, and local food advocates such as the Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition and Rural Roots. The findings regarding water usage are particularly relevant for planners or resource managers such as the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee (PBAC) which is currently looking for strategies that can help preserve groundwater in the Palouse, as local food production may be perceived as a new consumer of water in the region. In addition, the soil and water systems team's work shared their expertise with local farmers who are interested in fruit and vegetable production in the Palouse region of Inland Pacific Northwest. To ensure stakeholder support and valuable project guidance and feedback, wecontinued to share results or preliminary findings with our project advisors on the stakeholder advisory committee. The committee members include: Alison Detjens, Instructor, Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho Brad Jaeckel, Manager and Instructor, Organic Farm of Washington State University Adam Koerner, Assistant Director, Culinary Operations, Dining Services, Washington State University Michelle Fuson, Director of Planning and Building at Latah County, Moscow, Idaho Melinda Schab, General Manager at Moscow Food Co-op, Moscow, Idaho Changes/Problems:Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our project team has been faced with new challenges, including for project activities related to stakeholder engagement, data collection, and interviews. Although our team has tried its best to communicate, plan, and collaborate amid this uncertain time, some of the data collection and analyses took longer than expected in the original proposal. We plan to apply for a one-year no-cost extension in the Fall of 2020. This no-cost one-year extension, if granted, would be very helpful in assisting the project team to complete, synthesize, and disseminate results and findings, to wrap up final activities, and to support graduate students and staff in finalizing the publications. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Liao trained other team members on using environmental-modeling software, namely, EnVision and SWOT, to analyze spatial and environmental datasets in the focal study region of two counties (i.e., a training activity for Huang Li). Newman continued to work with Dearien and Saul on using Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software to analyze interview data (i.e., a training activity for Newman and a professional development activity for Dearien and Saul). A graduate student has received training on assessing soil physical properties and irrigation systems. DePhelps has engaged in professional development activities which have resulted in improved ESRI story mapping skills. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research Liao and others in geography carried out a logistic regression analysis of local food producers' locational decisions and shared results with the UI Extension and the findings were well received. We have shared the interview and survey results from data collected in the first year of the project with the extension and water and soil impacts teams for integration into the extension program. We are in the process of writing two journal articles to further disseminate results. Saul and De Phelps presented initial project findings at the Food Distribution Research Society annual conference in October in Seattle. An irrigation workshop was held to increase basic knowledge of irrigation system design and efficiency to stakeholders. Further outreach will include more in-depth sessions on design and components. The Extension and Outreach The ESRI story map featuring direct and intermediated markets and farms and ranches selling through these markets in the study area is available online at https://idahofoodworks.org/ Recorded small farms educational webinars are available at https://www.cultivatingsuccess.org/recordedwebinars and on the Cultivating Success YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJpz0vXw5StYAF8O988PiA What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The Geospatial Analysis Team (Liao, Fan, Li, Gordon) The team will research the resource aspect of scaling up fruit and vegetable production by addressing 1) whether being closer to cities remains a key driver of local food production based on the preliminary modeling results; 2) the effect of assigning land in proximity to rivers and streams due to the concern of groundwater extraction; 3) whether extra-urban development will provide new opportunities for local food production, especially gardening; and 4) as soil erosion and land conservation (e.g., cover crops) are key environmental concerns in the Palouse region, whether local food production has the potential to contribute to land and water sustainability. Fan plans to complete the classification of remotely sensed data for the two-county region of Whitman and Latah using the NAIP image from the USDA geospatial portal. The Sociological and Economic Research Team (Saul, Newman, Peterson, Dearien). Complete the articles we have in process and to publish them in peer-reviewed journals. Support analysis and dissemination of the landowner survey data. Conduct landowner follow-up interviews, if necessary, to complement the landowner survey data. Present research results at the regional food summit and a professional conference. The Water and Soil Impact Assessments Team (Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) Continue to develop the demonstration site and collect metrics to showcase potential water savings with the use of irrigation technology appropriate for small farms Create video tutorials for irrigation design and practical installation The Extension and Outreach Team (DePhelps, Mayes, Mackenzie) Supporting and providing content for the Palouse Basin Water Summit in October 2020 Offering another session of Finding Land to Farm in Fall 2020 Coordinating a Cultivating the Harvest two-day conference that will host one day of landowner and real estate workshops that will include sharing research outcomes from the project and one day of producer workshops Continue hosting Sustainable Ag Speaker Series presentations throughout winter 2020 - 2021 to facilitate farmer networking, increase producer knowledge of sustainable production practices, and communicate research outcomes
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Geospatial Analysis Team (Liao, Fan, Li, Gordon) The geospatial team, in collaboration with other team members, published a research article titled "A land-based and spatial assessment of local food capacity in Northern Idaho, USA" A pilot study was done to apply a landscape model or logistic regression technique to the spatial distribution of local food producers in the Palouse region or the two focal counties of Whitman, WA, and Latah, ID. The results highlight that both biophysical conditions such as soil quality, and socioeconomic conditions like distance to cities, are the most significant drivers for local food producers' location decisions in the two-county study region. In collaboration with the Extension and Outreach team and other team members, Liao also assisted landowner surveys by collecting the cadastral data of landowners in the Palouse. Liao also assisted the sampling of landowners who will receive the surveys. The Sociological and Economic Research Team (Saul, Newman, Peterson, Dearien). Using Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software, we have completed the analysis of qualitative data collected in the previous project year (i.e., 46 in-depth interviews involving 51 participants, including 20 farmers, 10 policymakers, and other key informants, 2 distributors, 6 food hubs, 4 intermediated market-type food buyers, 3 producers who also have distribution businesses, and 1commercial kitchen). We are in the process of writing two articles to present the survey and interview results from the analyses. We collaborated with the extension and geospatial analysis teams to write and implement a mixed-mode survey of people who own land that is currently farmland or could potentially be converted to farmland in the Palouse region. We have started building a list of prospective landowner interviewees. The Water and Soil Impact Assessments Team (Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) Developed and taught a one-day session on irrigation system design and scheduling in collaboration with the Extension and Outreach team. Designed and built an irrigation system at the student-run organic farm, which will be available for further teaching and Extension programming. Documented, through video and extensive notes, the initial steps of building an efficient irrigation system. Recruited a graduate student who is assessing soil physical properties concerning water infiltration and storage capacity. Started the process, in collaboration with the Extension and Outreach team, of planning a second irrigation-related workshop based on the feedback of stakeholders attending the first workshop. The Extension and Outreach Team (DePhelps, Mayes, Mackenzie) Collaborated with the Sociological and Economic and Geospatial teams to write and implement a mixed-mode survey of landowners' perspectives on leasing and selling land for fruit and vegetable production in Latah and Whitman counties. This survey followed the Mail Survey Method by Dillman and included an initial survey mailing, a reminder postcard, a replacement survey mailing, and a final postcard with a link to an online version of the survey. The survey was sent to 509 landowners and we received approximately 325 responses. We are in the process of entering the survey responses we received from participants. Hosted a Sustainable Ag Speaker Series presentation on Agricultural Water Rights & Adjudication to increase knowledge of water rights and access to the Palouse. Presenters Michelle Fuson, Director of Planning & Building for Latah County, ID and Alan Thomson, County Planner for Whitman County, WA provided an overview of water availability and use of water for agricultural purposes on the Palouse and responded to audience questions. There were 18 attendees, including producers, landowners, elected officials, educators, and non-profit directors. Held a Farmland for the Next Generation Train-the-Trainer workshop, a land access curriculum developed with leadership from American Farmland Trust, that emphasized the importance of implementing a performance-based learning approach to adult education. The training was attended by 26 extension educators, non-profit staff, and technical assistance providers from Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. All participants received American Farmland Trust certification as Land Access trainers and obtained complete access to the Farmland for the Next Generation curricula.? Presented at the Spokane Food & Farm Expo on Finding Land to Farm, including an emphasis on assessing financial readiness, financial planning, and the pros and cons of leasing vs. owning land. The presentation was attended by 23 land seekers and owners, producers, extension educators, and technical assistance providers. Collaborated with the Water & Soil Impact Assessments team to offer Water & Weather: Sustainable Irrigation Systems for Small Farms & Market Gardens, a one-day workshop that discussion basic soil and plant characteristics for determining irrigation, scheduling software, irrigation technology, and how to collect and integrate weather data in irrigation systems. The workshop was attended by 24 landowners and growers. Piloted Finding Land to Farm in Idaho short course, an online version of the core Farmland for the Next Generation curriculum developed by American Farmland Trust. The course was 4 class sessions covering the following topics: introduction to land tenure options, assessing your financial position, finding and assessing farmland, and the ins and outs of leasing and buying land. The course was attended by 11 perspective landowners. Three Idaho farmers/ranchers and one Idaho farm credit specialist were guest speakers in the course. Presented about fruit and vegetable production capacity on the Palouse at a Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition meeting. Hosted a Sustainable Ag Speaker Series presentation on Food Connections on the Palouse, a look at historical fruit and vegetable production and discussion about implications of increasing production in the region. The presentation was attended by 10 farmers, non-profit leaders, researchers, and community members. Coordinated the Palouse-Clearwater 2020 Food Summit on Growing Community Self-Reliance, a community discussion about optimal land management and production systems in the Palouse region and the potential for increasing food resilience and ability to meet consumer demand. The summit featured presentations from university faculty, community organizations, small acreage, and value-added producers. There were over 100 summit attendees, including producers, technical assistance providers, realtors, non-profit organizations, and elected officials.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Liao, Felix H.; Gordon, Brendan; DePhelps, Colette; Saul, Darin; Fan, Chao; Feng, Wenlong. 2019. "A Land-Based and Spatial Assessment of Local Food Capacity in Northern Idaho, USA." Land 8 (8), 121
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Liao et al., 2020. A Land-Based and Spatial Assessment of Local Food Capacity in Northern Idaho, USA at the Annual Meeting of American Association of Geographers held in Denver, CO during April 6-10 in the session titled Equitable, Resilient, and Sustainable Land and Resource Management (cancelled due to COVID19)
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Progress 05/15/18 to 05/14/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences for the policy briefs will include policymakers, state and federal agencies, rural and agricultural development professionals, and stakeholders in local food systems, as well as environmental groups. Research results have meaningful implications for food-system planning, natural resource management, and irrigation techniques in the Palouse and Inland Northwest. More specifically, the analysis conducted by the geospatial analysis team will benefit the ongoing food-system and land resource assessment in the Palouse region. The study may also have implications for farmland conservation and the soil management in the Palouse. These results will also be helpful for resource managers, as well as local food advocates such as the Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition and Rural Roots, which have been looking for options with respect to accessing land and water when scaling up local food production. Additional efforts are intended to shed light on the distribution system which has imposed challenges for local food system development in the Inland Pacific Northwest region. The findings from the sociological team may also provide suggestions for planners or resource managers such as the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee (PBAC) which is currently looking for strategies that can help preserve groundwater in the Palouse, as local food production may be perceived as a new consumer of water in the region. The insights derived from interviews and other sociological research will shed further light on the issue of access to water and land and clarify the environmental impacts, and these findings will benefit producers, resource and land managers, and local food related organization in the Palouse region. Economic analysis will also help producers and policymakers think through the trade-off between economic development and the environmental benefits or impacts of locally-grown food in the area. In addition, the soil and water systems team's work is intended for producers interested in considering fruit and vegetable production. The research on irrigation technologies would provide important technical advising for growers who are facing the challenging growing conditions in the Inland Pacific Northwest. Changes/Problems:The team decided to gather some additional sociological data and policy related materials through interviews instead of focus groups as originally planned. We have found the interviews and transcripts can provide more insightful information that will be more meaningful as compared to those derived from focus group.The team also found the story mapping is an excellent outreach tool. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?RESEARCH The Geospatial Analysis Team (Liao and Fan). The team provides technical advice for the story mapping (through ESRI) being developed by the extension and outreach team. Liao also trained other team members on using LINDO optimization software to analyze spatial datasets (i.e., a training activity for Liao and a professional development activity for Fan and the GRA/project assistant). The Sociological and Economic Research Team (Saul, Newman, Peterson, Dearien). Newman trained Dearien and Saul on using Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software to analyze interview data (i.e., a training activity for Newman and a professional development activity for Dearien and Saul). The Water and Soil Impact Assessments Team (Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) The team had no activities to report for the time period EXTENSION The Extension and OutreachTeam (DePhelps and Mayes) DePhelps has engaged in professional development activities which have resulted in improved ESRI story mapping skills. CAPACITY BUILDING The team had no activities to report for the time period How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?RESEARCH TheGeospatial Analysis Team(Liao and Fan). Based on past and ongoing research, Liao worked with the project assistant (Gordon) and prepared a presentation and presented results related to the spatial and land-based assessment of local food capacity at the 2019 Cultivating the Harvest Conference, Moscow, Idaho. Liao presented some preliminary results from the current projects to geographers and researchers (in the format of a poster presentation) at the Annual Meeting of American Association of Geographers, Washington D.C. in April of 2019. Liao, based on past and ongoing research in the current project, prepared a manuscript titled "A Land-based and Spatial Assessment of Local Food Capacity in Northern Idaho, USA" that will be submitted to an interdisciplinary journal of LAND, which is an international and crossdisciplinary peer-reviewed open access journal of land use/land change, land management, land system science and landscape, etc and is a journal affiliated to International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE). TheSociological and Economic Research Team(Saul, Newman, Peterson, Dearien). Saul, Newman, and Dearien prepared a presentation (Saul presented) based on past and ongoing research, including preliminary findings from the current project for farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders at the Cultivating the Harvest conference held in Moscow, Idaho, in March 2019. The Water and Soil Impact Assessments Team (Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) The team had no activities to report for the time period EXTENSION The Extension and Outreach Team (DePhelps and Mayes). DePhelps and the outreach assistant developed a 4-page outreach handout detailing the goals and anticipated outcomes of the Scaling-Up Fruit and Vegetable project. This handout has been distributed to over 100 small acreage producers and technical assistance providers in the study area. The ESRI story map featuring direct and intermediated markets in the study area is available online at http://www.pcfoodcoalition.org Recorded small farms educational webinars are available at https://www.cultivatingsuccess.org/2019webinarseries. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?RESEARCH The Geospatial Analysis Team (Liao and Fan). We will gather additional data focusing on production of fresh vegetables and fruits from a larger region of the Inland Northwest. The data will be used to research the food hub and distributional-system constraint of scaling up in the context of the Inland Pacific Northwest. The team has identified and hired a Ph.D. student from the Geography department in the next report period. The student will assist extending the research effort to consider water-resource constraint and agricultural development in the Palouse based on the work conducted in the last period. The results will help us understand the environmental impact of diversifying cropping systems while scaling up of fruit and vegetable production. The findings will be disseminated through journal articles. The Sociological and Economic Research Team (Saul, Newman, Peterson, Dearien). We will complete large-scale landowner interviews and a landowner survey as well as interviews with food buyers, primarily representing institutions. We will finish analyzing the survey and interview data we collected in year one and will collect in the coming year. We will begin drafting journal manuscripts to share our results. The Water and Soil Impact Assessments Team (Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) The team plans to hire a Master-level graduate student who has a background in social science research in relation to food systems, who will join the project team in the next report period. The Outreach and Education Team (DePhelps and Mayes). We will continue our regular project team meetings to maintain our interdisciplinary team strengths and successes. We will also continue our stakeholder advisory committee meetings. The project team will develop synthesis findings and recommendations by working more closely with stakeholders and advisory board; the whole team will also present findings and engage the advisory board in discussing and interpreting results and recommendations in the fall of 2019.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
RESEARCH(Goal:To identify and prioritize suitable new land for vegetable and fruit production, and to identify producer constraints and opportunities for scaling up production, and to research economic and environmental impacts) TheGeospatial Analysis Team(Liao, Fan, Gordon) addressed objectives #1, #2, and #3. Liao et al. worked with the project assistant (Gordon) and the incoming graduate research assistant (GRA) to analyze data related to land use, cropping patterns, soil (CPI and erodibility) and water (water rights and wells, aquifers, etc.). The team further estimated the food demand using USDA diet guidelines and crop-level yield data from various sources. The team researched available land resources in the Palouse and surrounding areas. The team also gathered data regarding water-resource constraints especially in the context of water scarcity or groundwater depletion in the Palouse and have made all primary data collected to date available to all co-PIs to support their respective analyses and activities. They found that land resources are able to feed the whole population in the Palouse region and its surrounding region of northern Idaho. When taking into account the issue of soil erosion, per-unit of food in the Palouse region of Idaho does need to travel a longer distance (e.g., 7.69km vs. 78.69km). The finding implies the potential trade-off between the efficiency of the food system and the environmental benefits (e.g., soil erosion) derived from utilizing local food. TheSociological and Economic Research Team(Saul, Newman, Peterson, Dearien). We have completed a total of 46 interviews involving 51 interviewees, including 20 in-depth producer case study interviews and surveys. Specifically, we have completed interviews with 20 farmers, 10 policy makers and other key informants, 2 distributors, 6 food hubs, 4 intermediated market-type food buyers, 3 producers who also have distribution businesses, and 1 commercial kitchen. We have begun the process of analyzing these interviews using qualitative data analysis software. We also collected farm-level enterprise budgets and irrigation water-use, harvest/yield, farm sales by crop, and buyer demand data. We have made all primary data collected to date available to all co-PIs to support their respective analyses and activities. TheWater and Soil Impact Assessments Team(Johnson-Maynard and Heinse) The team assisted the analysis of land resources being conducted by the geospatial team. The team also researched the technical details with respect to soil erosion and crop productivity as well as groundwater depletion and use in the Palouse. The team has started the assessment of soil properties at the student-run farm at the University of Idaho to design and build the demonstration irrigation site. TheExtension and Outreach Team(DePhelps and Mayes). Assisted the Sociological and Economic Research team with identification of producer and key informant interviewees, contacting and confirming producer interview participants and processing interview stipends. The Extension team has also facilitated project team communications and organized a meeting of the project stakeholder advisory committee. Extension and Outreach(Goal: to increase producer skills, knowledge, and success in addressing constraints for scaling up vegetable and fruit production) (DePhelps and Mayes). The Extension and Outreach Team held a two-day educational conference for small scale producers and technical assistance providers in the Palouse region of north Idaho and southeast Washington. Attended by 95 producers and technical assistance providers, the conference included educational sessions by research and extension faculty and experienced small farmers focused on topics pertinent to the scaling up and operation of successful fruit and vegetable operations. Other educational activities included a workshop on farmland transfer, insects and bee lab tours, and a poster session featuring information on pest management, marketing, on-farm food safety, and soil management practices. Thirty-five percent of the conference participants completed the post-conference evaluation. Of those participants who completed the evaluation, 97% indicated they were likely or very likely to incorporate one or more things that they learned into their farming or work programs; 89% indicated they would explore opportunities to be involved in on-farm research, and 88% indicated they intended to follow-up with one or more of the people they met or heard present at the conference. Specific practices participants intended to start or continue as a result of participating in the conference included: no till vegetable production, new irrigation technologies, new soils research and management, farmer co-op development and new market opportunities. Ninety-four percent (94%) indicated the conference increased their opportunities to network with others and 91% indicated they had made a beneficial connection during the conference. DePhelps coordinated the delivery of 16 webinars covering marketing, production and food safety topics pertinent to small fruit and vegetable producers in the study area. All webinars were recorded and are available for viewing from the Cultivating SuccessTMsustainable small farms education website managed by DePhelps. DePhelps has led the development of an ESRI Story Map that includes information on direct and intermediated markets throughout the study region that is being made available through a website hosted by the Palouse-Clearwater Food Coalition. The Full Team We hold project team meetings every month to share updates, progress, and results. We also created a group email list to facilitate internal communication and created a dedicated repository network folder housed within the University of Idaho's internal database. The folder has been of great help for sharing data, while maintaining a high level of security and privacy for data sharing. During our monthly meetings, we share the progress, challenges and feedback and timelines. We also discussed the interrelationship between research efforts and extension/outreach outcomes. To ensure stakeholder support and valuable project guidance and feedback, we recruited project advisors to form the project's stakeholder advisory committee, which meets twice yearly. Members include: Alison Detjens, Instructor, Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho; Brad Jaeckel, Manager and Instructor, Organic Farm of Washington State University;Adam Koerner, Assistant Director, Culinary Operations, Dinning Services, Washington State University;Michelle Fuson, Director of Planning and Building at Latah County, Moscow, Idaho; Melinda Schab, General Manager at Moscow Food Co-op, Moscow, Idaho CAPACITY BUILDING (Goal: To Increase collaboration between UI Extension programs around the state and UI researchers in Soil and Water Systems, Business & Economics, and Geography) The sociological research team has made new connections and strengthened relationships that are increasing University of Idaho capacity to support the goals of this project and future efforts. The geospatial analysis research team has made new connection with local environmental groups such as the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee, and the team also made contact with the USDA NRCS's Field Office to support the goals of the project and future efforts. The extension and outreach team made new connections with researchers in the region working on issues related to scaling up fruit and vegetable productions on small farms and strengthened their relationships with new and established small-scale crop producers in the Palouse region.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Liao, F.H.F. Scenarios of fruit and vegetable demand vs. agricultural production capacity in Idaho, USA: The links between community well-being and small farming.Annual Meeting of American Association of Geographers. Washington D.C. April. 2019
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Liao, F.H.F., Gordon, B. Identifying and Characterizing Local Food Production Opportunities in the Inland Northwest: The Case of North Idaho. Poster Presentation at the 2019 Cultivating the HarvestTM Conference in Moscow, Idaho. March 2019
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Liao, Felix H.; Gordon, Brendan; DePhelps, Colette; Saul, Darin; Fan, Chao; Feng, Wenlong. in preparation for submission to LAND. "A Land-Based and Spatial Assessment of Local Food Capacity in Northern Idaho, USA."
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
DePhelps, C.; Ussery, C.J.; Liang, B. Taste of Home: Local Food in the Palouse-Clearwater Region. 2019. Available online: https://uidaho.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=60e504889402405f9df00bdecbd766e9 (accessed on 30 July 2019).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Saul, D., S. Newman, and C. Dearien. 2019. Buyer, Distributor, and Food Hub Perspectives on Local and Regional Food Systems in the Inland Northwest. Paper presented at the 2019 Cultivating the Harvest Conference, Moscow, Idaho.
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