Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:There are various stakeholders across sectors which the SUSHI Project aims to engage with and ultimately benefit throughout the life of this project and beyond. In Year 2 (Y2), the team has had interactions with many of our intended stakeholders. However, some stakeholders will be engaged in Y3 and beyond, and engagement will deepen with many of those engaged during Y1 & Y2. SUSHI Feeds Incorporating Safe Hemp (FISH) research team members continued to engage with fish feed manufacturers, feed regulatory bodies (AAFCO; FDA/CVM), hemp market stakeholders such as the Hemp Feed Coalition and the 2 major national hemp industry associations (producers, processors, and retailers) and individual hemp grain processors including Victory Hemp, IND Hemp, and Colorado Hemp Works. These interactions centered around obtaining guidance to a) ensure our hemp processing methods were appropriate, relevant, accessible, and affordable to current industry needs, and b) ensure that data collected in and reported from our feed trials would be appropriate for the regulatory agencies to rule. Several SUSHI team members are members of the Hemp Feed Coalition Aquaculture Task Force and individuals representing the hemp and aquaculture sectors were recruited in Y1 and currently serve on the SUSHI external advisory board (EAB). Engagement with the Tribal community served by College of Menominee Nation (CMN) and surrounding Indigenous communities and institutions (e.g., FALCON, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Menominee Tribal Elders) continued in Y2 to deepen relationships with potential collaborators, seek input and determine the desires of these stakeholders in relation to the SUSHI project, and gather pre-survey data for determining impact of Extension activities. Extension has engaged with at least 360 Tribal community members through Native chef demos, tours of high tunnels for Native HS students, being present at community events (Education round dance, Earth Day, Storytelling events, Seed Giveaway, Farmers Market). Continued involvement of the community of the Menominee Reservation and surrounding Indigenous communities is key to the success of the project, as CMN has built an aquaponics system on campus and is offering workshops for community members and has plans for food distributions for Tribal community members in Y3. Additionally, Menominee Reservation residents are the primary target consumer for fish and vegetables produced by new SUSHI-funded-and-trained aquaponics farmers beyond the life of the project. As education is an essential component of SUSHI, post-doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students served by all partner institutions are another key stakeholder for the SUSHI project. Post-doc, grad students, and undergraduate students were hired in Y2 to assist in research activities during the life of the project. Undergraduate students, those with 2-year degrees from CMN, and the broader community of FALCON member institutions and their students have been engaged in order to garner interest in pathways created between Tribal colleges and Central State university (CSU) for these students to complete 4-year degree in an Agri-STEM discipline at no cost. Education objectives in SUSHI are designed to benefit URM students specifically, especially Indigenous and African American students, in order to develop a highly diverse and skilled Agri-STEM workforce. Specific target audiences in Y2 include: Research: feed ingredient regulators (AAFCO and FDA CVM). The data from this work will also advance hemp research (academia) and product development (industry). Hemp cert- laypeople interested in hemp production, CMN students and Menominee community through CMN research line; environmental and bio-system engineers specializing on water as providers of one of the ecosystem services and sustainable food production. A hemp workshop was developed and delivered at the end of Y2to benefit new or interested hemp farmers, particularly those of the Menominee Nation. College of Menominee Nation will benefit from establishing a research program and having students obtain bachelor's degrees at CSU. Fish farmers, industrial hemp producers, feed companies, fish nutritionists, students in animal science, fisheries and/or aquaculture. Econ Research: Economic tasks will perform market research that oversamples URMs, to obtain enough statistical power to identify differences between the broad population and URM population. We also provide production economic assessments and a valuation of socio-environmental net benefits for suitability of the suggested aquaculture system. Knowledge gained will be relevant to several stakeholder groups, specifically: current and potential hemp producers, current and potential consumers of aquaculture, industry, and policymakers.; Researchers in economics, biology, and ecology; end-users in government institutions; agricultural and aquaculture producers; and general public interested in agroecosystem services. CMN: The target audience includes members of the Menominee Tribal community and surrounding indigenous communities as well as local youth programs and school groups. Changes/Problems:The lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continuesto cause supply chain issues resulting in equipment delays. Greatly extended lead timescaused significant delays in completing aquaculture systems at CSU and KSU, completing a digestibility trial in Y1, and completing a growth trial in Y2. Other contributing factors include difficulty filling key positions at CMN and CSU, and difficulty recruiting Native students for transfer to CSU during Y2; both have significantly impacted theexpenditure rate for SUSHI funds. Finally, extended deadlines for the construction of the CSU high tunnel and lab facilitiesprevented the installation of received equipment.SUSHI team members worked with suppliers, contractors,institutions, and stakeholders (including external advisory board)to reduce delays and find solutions to keep the project moving forward. Specific Changes/Problems include: Hydraulic press: Ordered in May (5/25) of 2022 (Y1); Team became concerned in September when the company (Henan Ocean Machinery Equipment) failed to provide tracking information for this item. Dozens of email exchanges produced no clear information from Sept '22-January '23 (Y2). The hydraulic press was never located and definitive proof that the item ordered was ever shipped was never provided; the crate was never was accepted at customs. CSU team requested a refund from this company in Feb '23 (2/16), correspondence was never returned. As the company is located in China and not beholden to US laws regarding commerce, we do not expect to be reimbursed. In Nov '22 FISH Team began discussing alternatives as the arrival of the press seemed unlikely. Because of the specifications needed finding the right item is challenging. Team recommendations included outsourcing oil extraction locally or constructing a hydraulic press with the proper specifications on-site at CSU. The latter was adopted in mid-November '23. CSU research faculty and students designeda press to suit project needsand itemizedsupplies and equipment needed for construction. Supply and equipment orders took place betweenJan '23 andMarch '23. CSU student worker presented a paper from this work at a research symposium in April '23.Parts for the press have been received (Y2Q4) and we will be hiring a moving company to place it in the final location for assembly (As a small institution, CSU does not have the appropriate equipment/staff for moving this type of equipment). Until then, PIs and students built a mock chamber for the rosin press which mimics the design for the hydraulic press to extract oil. Threepreliminary tests were conducted,using about 1000 PSI each time, with additional trialscompleted in Y2Q4.This allowed the team to produce ingredientsclosely resemblingwhat will be produced from the hydraulic press. A regional hemp processor has offered to press grain, producing ingredients to our specifications,which can be usedfor feed trials prior to CSU getting the press set up, allowing us to advancethe goals/objectives of the project in the absence of the equipment needed for the appropriate method of oil extraction. Delays in the start of the digestibility trials resulted in the KSU graduate student leaving the project near the end of Y2Q2. A new graduate student was brough on to assume the SUSHI projectduties later in Y2. Hiring Aquaculture Post-Doc CSU: A major delay in hiring the CSU postdoctoral researcher occurred at the end of Y1. A qualified international candidate had been selected, offered, and had accepted the position. However, at the end of the lengthy paperwork process and meetings with government officials, we learned that the candidate was unable to procure a visa. CSU re-posted this position in Sept '22, search committee began to review and score applicants in Oct '22, selections for most qualified candidates were made in Nov '22, and interview process for began again in Dec '22. Interviews were conducted until Jan '23. Candidate was selected in early Feb and internal admin processes to hire began. Conditional offer (with visa stipulation) was sent out and accepted on 5/16/23. Tanks for CSU Aquaculture: These tanks were originally ordered in Y1 (5/25/22). Due to a shortage of the materials used to make the tanks, there was a delay in the procurement of these items. Team became concerned in Sept '22 when the tanks had still not been received/shipped. CSU faculty and staff reached out to the manufacturer regularly beginning in Sept'22 to check on the status of this order. Initially, obtaining information was challenging for several months, despite repeated calls and emails. In Jan '23 team was informed that the manufacturer had run out of a key material required to manufacture the tanks with 15/20 tanks completed for our order. The material was received in mid-Feb '23 and the tanks were completed, shipped and received by CSU by the end of March '23. High-Tunnel Delay CSU: A special permit needed from the state to complete certain aspects of construction caused significant delays in the completion of the CSU high research high tunnel, with an adjusted target for completion of March '23. Additional, unanticipated costs to supply high tunnel with heat and power caused further delays, pushing back the target for completion to July '23. Aquaculture system cannot be built in this facility until it is completed (a SO for Y1), impacting the ability of team to conduct research. Certificate program: This program has changed from a microcredential to a multi-day hemp workshop. This pivot makes the program more accessible for community members, as it eliminates the requirement for them to complete college courses and instead offers a informal learning experience at no cost and with reduced barriers to access including decreased time commitment for participants. Loss of CMN Nutrition Outreach Coordinator: In Q2 of Y2, CMN lost Nutrition outreach coordinator. This position was re-filled by a qualified, culturally appropriate candidate in Q4 of Y2. Difficulty recruiting students from CMN to transfer to CSU: SUSHI Ed teammade repeated efforts to recruit students including: virtual fliers, email communication, physical fliers on campus and mailed to eligible students and recent graduates, a student visit to CSU in Y2Q1. Despite these efforts, only one student has been recruited for Fall '23. We are now also offering SUSHI funding forthe new CMN4-yr Sustainable Ag degree as an option to alleviate potential cultural barriers and parent/student apprehensionWe are engagingwith First Americans Land-grant Consortium (FALCON)to recruit eligible Native students at Tribal institutions outside of CMN. CSU loss of 20 hemp types planted in Y1 due to herbicide on research field:In Q4 of Y1, team seeded research field with 20 hemp types for variety trials. Herbicide carryover in soil prevented all germination. Replanting occurred in Q3 of Y2; 1st planting had sporadic germination, requiring a partial replant by hand. CMN Delays with High tunnels/ Aquaculture and aquaponics systems: Special permits needed to be obtained to break ground on high tunnels in Y1 which delayed the start of construction on these facilities. This delay caused the timeline aquaculture and aquaponic systems builds to be pushed back. CMN challenges hiring for Ext Coord: The Aquaponics Extension Coordinator position was posted for over eight months prior to being filled. This required other staff to try and move the tasks for the extension portion of the project forward. Tasks begun prior to the hiring of the Aquaponics Extension Coordinator included planning for the farmers market, guest Native chefs, and field days. CMN Native Chef Demonstrations: We have had difficulty scheduling these demos in Y2. Out of the 5-6 Chefs depended on by our Ext team, one is no longer available, and the others are in increasing demand during the summers. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Postdoctoral scientist hired by MSUin Dec '22, began literature review and study of models and methods of quantifying agroecosystem services. Graduate student was hired inAug '22 at UA; began reviewing literature to aid with the development of surveys, cont'd in to Y2. presented an abstract and poster about SUSHI worktitled: "THE ROLE OFAQUACULTUREIN ADVANCING INDIGENOUS FOOD SOVEREIGNTY" at World Aquaculture SocietyAquaculture America 2023. (2) CSU undergraduate student workers were funded by SUSHI in Y2 andworked on engineering drawing to assemble aquaponics systemsat CMN and CSU; assisted in design of the hemp grain press, prepping field layout and planting the hemp variety trial, and designing the hemp workshop; and presented a poster in a regional research symposium and competition.4 additional CSU undergraduate students learned about and provided feedback on SUSHI activities through collaborative lab meetings. A new graduate student at KSU onboarded the SUSHI project in Feb. Theyhave assumed all activities of the upcoming Digestibility Trial and have been reviewing literature andworking on their proposal. Aquaponics Extension Coordinator at CMN completed the Nelson and Pade Aquaponics Master Class in Aquaponics (Jan '23). Class is appx. 35 hours self-paced and includes the following courses: Aquaponics 101, Daily Operations, Science of Aquaponics, Greenhouses and Indoor Farming, Commercial Aquaponics Business Considerations, Planning and Economics. (2) CMN Student workers are completing Nelson and Pade Aquaponics Master Class in Aquaponics (Summer '23). Class is appx. 35 hours self-paced and includes the following courses: Aquaponics 101, Daily Operations, Science of Aquaponics, Greenhouses and Indoor Farming, Commercial Aquaponics Business Considerations, Planning and Economics. Aquaculture Research Associate attended a two-day training (Oct '22)at UW-Stevens Point on Reactive Fish Health. Species being highlighted included walleye and artic-char. This included a fish dissection demonstration and information on biosecurity. PIs attended numerous conferences and workshopscovering various areas of the SUSHI project - aquaculture, economics, hemp, nutrition, food sovereignty, engineering, etc. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Stakeholder report:PM worked with PD and team to produce a non-technical stakeholder report. This report was distributed in printed and virtual formats to the team and is posted on the publicly accessibleSUSHI website. CMN president shared the report with additional stakeholders; report was also shared with the USDA Undersecretary of REE, and other USDA staff, during their visit to CMN and with community stakeholders at other events. Quarterly Newsletters:PM compiled information about project progress/ key activities into a quarterly report format. These newsletters are posted to the website, andshared in print form at various events. CMN Annual Report:The SUSHI project was featured in the CMN annual report for 2021-22. The project was outlined broadly in the report, and CMN Lead PI Brian Kowalkowski was picture and quoted citing the historic nature of the partnership between CSU and CMN under this funding. Project equipment and activities at CMN were also pictured. Website:Early in Q2, PM began work on a SUSHI Project website. The website was shared with the team in April '23 in its initial phase. The website includes information on the project, features products including posters and recorded presentations, the stakeholder report, quarterly newsletters, information about PD and PIs. The website is a tool which will continue to be used to share information with stakeholders and the public as more work is completed. A QR codefor the website is shared on printed materials, during presentations, and at tables during various outreach and research events. USDA Undersecretary Visit to CMN (July '23):Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Under Secretary of REE and USDA Chief Scientist, as well as the NIFA's Science Programs Officer and Agency Scientific & Research Integrity Officer, Dr. Brent Elrod, and National Program Leader, Dr. Timothy Sullivan,visted CMN during Land Grant week. During this visit, they weregiven a tour of newly completed Extension aquaponics system and Research aquaculture system, and updated on SUSHI Project work and Dr. Jacobs-Young spoke at the Ribbon Cutting Event for the SUSHI CMN aquaponics facility attended by members from various stakeholder groups. Food Sovereignty Workshop (Oct' 22):Dr. Phipps served as the keynote speaker, focusing on the SUSHI project and the global issue of food sovereignty. She shared about her journey as a scientist, the story behind the project and why food sovereignty concepts played such an important role in her research design. Mr. Kowalkowski spoke about the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and analyzing community data to determine appropriate activities. He also shared about his work with different community agencies establishing cooperative working relationships. His presentation showed that university researchers made a "discovery" of forest agricultural practices only to find out that Menominee elders were already well aware of those practices and their history. Communitites of interest included academic researchers and administration, community leaders, and philanthropy organizations. Aquaculture America (February '23):Grad student Jillian Hyink presented a poster at the annual Aquaculture America conference titled:The Role of Aquaculture in Advancing Indigenous Food Sovereignty. Drs. Phipps and McFadden also attended this conference, which was well-attended by many peers in the field and current and potential SUSHI project stakeholders. Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities Day (April '23):Undergraduate Student Nibras Alshammari presented a paper on theDesign of a Manifold for a Hydraulic Press to Extract Oil from Hempseeds That Will Serve as a Novel Feed Additive for Rainbow Trout in a Sustainable Aquaculture Production Systemon April 21, 2023, at Central State University's Research and Scholarly Activities Day. CSU Land-Grant Open House:On April 28th, CSU Land Grant broke ground on new, 20k sq ft research facility to be located on the research farm. As a celebration of this, Land Grant held an Open House. Dr. Phipps tabled at this event, sharing SUSHI ASN posters, aquaponics and hemp nutritioninfographics, Q2 SUSHI newsletter and Y1 stakeholder report. About 100 people stopped by the table, despite very rainy weather, and included community members, academic faculty, students, researchers, and administration, and regional policy-makers. Secretary Romanski - Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)visit CMN small Aquaponic (Oct '22): Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski visited CMN and toured the construction site for the SUSHI project. Mr. Kowalkowski and CMN SUSHI staffwas able to provide overview of the project. The Secretary was particulary interested in discussingelder food boxes and transition from K-12 to CMN. Extension Activities:Aquaponics Extension Coordinator (AEC) has engaged with community members in a variety of settings over Y2. AEC attended 3 Story Telling events in microcommunites identified in proposal. A total of 76 people attended. Ext partnered with CMN Sustainable Development Institute for Native Chef demos throughout Y2; at least 56 people attended the first demo. HS students were given a tour of the Ext aquaponics facility in Q4. AEC tabled at Farmers Market, Education round dance, Earth Day event, and Seed giveaway. These activities resulted in engagement with at least 360 community members ranging in age from Intermediate school students to elderly. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Due to challenges described elsewhere, most of the work done in Y3 will be to accomplish delayed objectives from Y1 & 2. When possible, the team will then move into Y3 SOs. We will accomplish these specific objectives in the following ways: Y1; SO1: Research aquaculture systems will be completed in Y3. These systems have been delayed due to several factors explained in Problems/Changes. CSU high tunnel is expected to be completed late in Y2. Aquaculture system construction will follow. Most of the items needed to build this system have already been acquired. KSU high tunnel quotes have been obtained, will be built in Y3, aquaculture system to follow. Y1; SO3: Remaining feed equipment will be acquired late Y2/early in Y3. Hydraulic press at CSU has been the most difficult to obtain; on track to complete the build of a custom hydraulic press on-site at CSU by late Y2/early in Y3. Y1; SO5: Digestibility trial was delayed from Y1 due to delay procuring hydraulic press. Once the press is completed and the extracts are perfected to replace fish oil and fish meal protein, at CSU, the ingredients will be sent to KSU to begin digestibility trials in Y3. Y2; SO1: Growth trial 1 will begin in Y3 once digestibility trial is completed and results have been reviewed by the research team. Y2; SO5: Establishment of first Menominee aquaponics producer will be achieved by providing the proper assistance and supports to high-performing graduates of the CMN Extension aquaponics program, taking place late in Y2. The selected graduate(s) will be provided with aquaponics systems and start-up supplies including fish and feed. Kehtekaewak Farmers Market, local schools, restaurants, and convenience stores have indicated an interest in offering locally grown, sustainable food options, providing an initial market for new producers. Y3; SO1: This will be delayed due to delays impacting the analysis of hemp grain and feed, cannabinoid metabolism trials, and digestibility trials in Y1 and Y2. Y3; SO2: Fish and Crops will be grown in the Ext Aquaponics facility at CMN. When possible, the preferred vegetables identified in the Y1 community needs assessment will be grown. First distribution from this system will take place in Y3 as planned. Y3; SO3: Discussions regarding equipment needed began in Q4 of Y2. CMN team is working closely with SUSHI senior researchers and is on track to acquire all necessary equipment in Y3. Y3; SO4: One Native student is beginning Ag Ed Ext Program at CSU in Fall '23. Efforts are underway to recruit additional students for the 23-24 academic year. Ed Team members will evaluate student self-efficacy and satisfaction in student experience over Y3. Y3; SO5: Cannabinoid analysis will occur at CSU once Digestibility and first Growth trial is completed at KSU. These trials and subsequent analysis will determine growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient retention, overall health, and accumulation of cannabinoids and derivatives in tissues.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
To achieve SUSHI overall goals (G) and objectives (O), we detailed specific objectives (SO) for each year of the project. Y2 SO were: 1) Completion of Growth Trial 1, 2) Set-up of CMN aquaculture research system, 3) Enrollment of first CMN students at CSU, 4) Certificate programs complete and first certificate graduates, 5) Establishment of first Menominee aquaponics producer, 6) Initiation of economics research including: a. Consumer survey data collection; b. Examination of potential land-use changes as hemp grain increases acreage in the states of Kentucky and Ohio; c. Identification of data sources for water quality model. G1, O1, SO1: Explained in Problems/Changes, work towards this goal is delayed due to Y1 delays impacting analysis of hemp grain ingredients. Without the hydraulic press, team is unable to extract oil in a way that eliminates the majority of fiber content. Fiber content must be eliminated from the ingredients to be appropriate for feed. As the digestibility and growth trials must follow the hemp ingredient analyses, these delays impact the entire sequence of trials to follow. To circumvent this challenge until a hydraulic press can be built on-site a CSU, PIs along with student researchers, built a mock chamber for the rosin press which mimics the design for the hydraulic press to see how much oil he can produce. This process allows us to produce ingredients which closely resemble what the team will produce once the hydraulic press is acquired. We are then planning to reach out to an industry stakeholder to see if we can acquire from them an ingredient which matches what is produced in these experiments. These can be used for feed trials until our equipment is ready for use, allowing us to advance the goals and objectives of the project. Also at CSU, conditional offer for Aquaculture Post-doc Researcher has been accepted and candidate is working on completion of legal paperwork and approvals. At KSU, work to install the equipment needed for digestibility trials has continued. In Y2 the plumbing was connected to chiller and unit is operational. Test diet was analyzed, tests matched expected levels based on formulation. Diet was successfully extruded, and floatability tests showed 100% floatability in water. Progress on research aquaculture systems and lab equipment/facilities at KSU and CSU has continued into Y2 with progress made on CSU high tunnel and acquisition of components needed to construct system. Potential suppliers for fish for these systems have been identified. At KSU, quotes are being obtained for high tunnel construction. Ext Aquaponics (a Y1 SO): This objective was delayed in Y1, however in Y2 high tunnels were completed late in Q1 and work continued throughout the year with the system being completed in Q3. Aquaculture Research Associate reviewed literature on raising and feeding walleye to understand essential amino acids or fatty acid requirements and determine whether walleye is a viable option for CMN research. Fingerling walleye fish were added and the first crop planted on July 7th. G3, O4, SO2: Res Aquaculture: FISH team and CMN have been working closely to complete the design for research aquaponics system at CMN. Team has met regularly and reviewed, discussed, and revised designs with FISH Team providing technical expertise and feedback to CMN to optimize system design. While the major equipment has been acquired, inventory for remaining parts needed and tools required to assemble the system has been completed and acquisitions are underway in Q4. G3, O7, SO3: There have been challenges recruiting eligible students from CMN for enrollment at CSU. However, because of outreach and engagement efforts of the team and collaboration between CMN and CSU, one student was recruited in Y2 and will begin classes in Fall '23 at CSU in Ag Ed Ext Program. SUSHI Ed team arranged a visit to CSU campus for CMN students and staff in Q1. This visit included presentations from all sectors of the student experience including financial aid & cash management, admissions & enrollment, residence life, the dean of students, and faculty from each program available to CMN students attending CSU on the SUSHI scholarship. Students participated in campus tours. SUSHI team created and disseminated informational materials related to scholarship and academic programs through a variety of channels. SUSHI Ed team has established a partnership with FALCON as of Q4, and is now recruiting students from FALCON partner institutions in order to achieve SUSHI objective of increasing number of Native people with 4-year Agri-STEM degrees. G3, O5, SO4; Hemp workshops took place in Q4 so that locally grown hemp could be used for workshop. Workshops included information and hands-on learning on cannabis, legal considerations & compliance, cultivation, processing &products. G3, O5, SO5: Aquaponics workshopswere finalized in Q4, with the first workshop planned for Y3Q1. Criteria have been created for identifying strong candidates for start-up funding out of workshop participants. First Menominee aquaponics producer will be established in Y3. In addition to the above, G2, O3, SO4 from Y1 was completed. Data from Y1 Community Needs Assessments were used to develop the pre-post survey. Final draft of survey instrument completed in Sept '22, request submitted to IRB to exempt the tool from IRB review Federal IRB exemption 2 which states if a study "uses educational tests, surveys, interviews, or observations of public behavior" that they study may be exempted from IRB review or qualify for limited IRB review. Exemption granted in Nov '22. Extension administered surveys through Story telling events in micro-communities; Tabling atFarmers Market, seed giveaway, chef demo, Education round dance; Engagement with students, faculty, and staff on CMN campus during classes and leisure time from January '23 through June '23, with special attention to micro-communities on the Menominee Reservation as identified in the proposal. 206 surveys were completed, data were entered, and will be analyzed in Y3Q1. G2, O3, SO6a: UA Grad student is reviewing academic literature on measuring food insecurity, access, and sovereignty and communicating with leading experts on hunger and poverty and drafting a literature review paper which will be submitted in Y3Q1. Student is also developing first consumer survey to be tested and launched in Y3Q1. G2, O2, SO6b: Collection of land-use data for OH and KY began in Y2. OH and KY data were separated from the National Model. Team completed the R-coding for soil data processing and PIs are reviewing it. Once the validity check is done, county-level soil data generation will be performed. Hemp production data used in the previous production in OH and KY by Econ team are under discussion. This data will be merged into land use and crop mix data. G2, O2, SO5c: Team has been reviewing the literature studying the models and methods in quantifying agroecosystem services. Particularly, the literature adopting Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) has been reviewed intensively. Ecosystem services from InVEST will be a part of the research outputs planned in this project. MSU Post doc began reviewing water quality relevant to agricultural production. Team has been processing water quality data including the major water quality variables to calculate the water quality index. Secchi disk depth and the major water quality variables to calculate 100 water quality index is currently under processing.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Ediger, T. (June 2023) Energy Sovereignty: Sustainably Heating the College of Menominee Nations Aquaponics Garden. [Unpublished Paper]. Indigenous Ecology, Lawrence University.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Park, Y. S., S. D. Yun, M. Interis, and T. E. Yu, (2023) Valuation of Crop Diversity Benefits on Water Quality, a paper presented at the 2023 Annual Meetings of Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA), Washington DC., Jul. 23 25, 2023.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Alshammari, N., Schluttenhofer, C., Phipps, B.E., Nedunuri, K.V., Rossi, W. Design of a Manifold for a Hydraulic Press to Extract Oil from Hempseeds That Will Serve as a Novel Feed Additive for Rainbow Trout in a Sustainable Aquaculture Production System (2023, April 21). Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities Day, Central State University, Wilberforce, OH, United States.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Hyink, J., McFadden, B., Boyd, M., Westcott, J., & Phipps, B.E. (2023, February 23-26) The Role of Aquaculture in Advancing Indigenous Food Sovereignty. Aquaculture America 2023. New Orleans, LA, United States.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Mark, T. CBD and Hemp Economics and Markets. 2023 Industrial Hemp Conference. Virtual. February 23, 2023.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Mark, T. Technical Update for the Production of Hemp and Cannabis in Costa Rica. Nov. 7-11, 2022. San Juan, Costa Rica.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Schluttenhoffer, C. (2023, April 24). Workshop on the Analytical Methods for Hemp Products as Animal Feed: How to Overcome Gaps in Matrices, Detectors and Quantifiable Limits for Regulators and Laboratories. Keynote: Ingredients, feed trials, safety, and applications [Invited Speaker]. ASTM Committee D37 on Cannabis. Virtual.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps B.E. (2022, November 15) Approaching Food Systems, Agriculture, and Nutrition Work Through an Integrative Lens of Equity, Sustainability, Cultural Respect, and Community-Centeredness The SUSHI Project [Invited Seminar Speaker]. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Cleveland, OH. https://youtu.be/39up1jtZPR8
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps, B.E., (2022 Oct 13) Community-Centered Approaches to Food Systems Transformation. [Keynote Speech] Food Sovereignty Workshop. The Ohio State University. Columbus, Ohio, United States.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Kowlakowski, B. Q & A Session & Roundtable Discussion. [Invited Speaker] Food Sovereignty Workshop. The Ohio State University. Columbus, Ohio, United States.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Schluttenhofer, C. & Phipps, B.E. (2022, Aug 30). Research at Central State University. [Presenters] Ohio Department of Agriculture.
|
Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:There are various stakeholders across sectors which the SUSHI Project aims to engage with and ultimately benefit throughout the life of this project and beyond. In year one (Y1), the team has had interactions with many of our intended stakeholders. However, some stakeholders will be engaged in Y2 and beyond, and engagement will deepen with many of those engaged during Y1. It should be noted that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the ability of the SUSHI team to engage with certain stakeholder groups in Y1. COVID-19 spikes throughout Y1 have resulted in restrictions to in-person meetings and activities, limiting the ability of Extension team members to conduct initial focus groups/needs assessments. However, while we had to pivot and adapt our methods to accommodate restrictions, the team was able to gather the necessary information. SUSHI Feeds Incorporating Safe Hemp (FISH) research team members engaged with fish feed manufacturers, feed regulatory bodies (AAFCO; FDA/CVM), hemp market stakeholders such as the Hemp Feed Coalition and the 2 major national hemp industry associations (producers, processors, and retailers) and individual hemp grain processors including Victory Hemp, IND Hemp, and Colorado Hemp Works. These interactions centered around obtaining guidance to a) ensure our hemp processing methods were appropriate, relevant, accessible, and affordable to current industry needs, and b) ensure that data collected in and reported from our feed trials would be appropriate for the regulatory agencies to rule. Several SUSHI team members are members of the Hemp Feed Coalition Aquaculture Task Force and individuals representing the hemp and aquaculture sectors were recruited in Y1 and currently serve on the SUSHI external advisory board (EAB). The Tribal community served by College of Menominee Nation (CMN) and surrounding Indigenous communities and institutions (e.g., FALCON, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Menominee Diabetes Clinic, Menominee Tribal Elders) were engaged in Y1 in order to establish relationships with potential collaborators, seek input and determine the desires of these stakeholders in relation to the SUSHI project, and recruit EAB members. Early involvement of the community of the Menominee Reservation and surrounding Indigenous communities is key to the success of the project, as CMN plans to create an aquaponics system on campus and offer a certificate in aquaponics, nutrition programming, and food distributions for Tribal community members. Additionally, Menominee Reservation residents are the primary target consumer for fish and vegetables produced by new SUSHI-funded-and-trained aquaponics farmers beyond the life of the project. As education is an essential component of SUSHI, post-doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students served by all partner institutions are another key stakeholder for the SUSHI project. Post-doc and grad students have been hired in Y1 to assist in research activities during the life of the project. Undergraduate students and those with 2-year degrees from CMN have been engaged in order to garner interest in pathways created between CMN and Central State university (CSU) for these students to transfer to CSU and complete a 4-year degree in an Agri-STEM discipline at no cost. This education objectives in SUSHI are designed to benefit URM students specifically, especially Indigenous and African American students, in order to develop a highly diverse and skilled Agri-STEM workforce. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? An undergraduate research assistant, Ms. Nibras Alshammari, was hired and received training during year 1 from Dr. Krishna Kumar Nedunuri (co-PI CSU) and Dr. Waldemar Rossi (co-PI KSU) on the basics of aquaculture, industry advances in this field, and emerging research using aquaculture systems. Additionally, Ms. Alshammari learned how to complete complex engineering designs which included piping and instrumentation diagrams. She analyzed water quality of the samples from the existing CSU aquaponics extension plant as part of the training to investigate and monitor water quality, including pH and nutrients. She is currently receiving training to measure trace metals and micronutrients. At KSU, a graduate student, Ms. Aakriti Khanal, was hired under the supervision of Dr. Waldemar Rossi. She completed her MS thesis research proposal which includes the Digestibility Trial (Listed in Products). Ms. Khanal also assisted in assembling, installing, and testing specialized equipment for digestibility trials. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? SUSHI project's current results are the capacity and infrastructure that was built to conduct research, extension, and education activities. This progress and future objectives were disseminated to stakeholders through various methods. To reach a broad and diverse group of stakeholders and target audience members (farmers, processors, policymakers, consumers), we used a wide range of approaches, settings, and media. This combination of approaches to public communication allows SUSHI project team members to reach lay audiences which would likely not read scientific articles or data sets. This included a) SUSHI team contributions to the Hemp Feed Coalition and DEI in Aquaculture Community of Practice and b) one-on-one meetings and group input from those groups and through membership on our External Advisory Board (EAB); c) presentations to policy-makers and the public during campus visits (Deputy Secretary Bronaugh's visit to CSU SUSHI site; Black Farmer's Tour of CSU), d) invited speaking events (Testimony at a Congressional Hearing: Examination of USDA's Hemp Production Program, Congressional Briefing: Our Health, Our Planet, Our Future: The Urgent Need to Invest in Sustainable Nutrition Science; "Why is Hemp Not a Feed Ingredient?-A National Discussion" sponsored by AAFCO and the National Industrial Hemp Council, conference presentations (American Society for Nutrition, USDA-SAS PD Conference), and e) trade magazine interviews and features (Farm and Dairy, Feed Strategy, Greenhouse Product News, Food and Environment Reporting Network, Hemp Grower, Hemp Industry Daily), f) news articles (NPR local affiliates, HARVEST Magazine, Yahoo! News, Dayton Daily News) and g) podcasts (The Sweaty Penguin). In addition, an official SUSHI project Twitter page was created. Posts introduced the project and the team and provided project news and updates to the broad global audience served by Twitter. Posts and hashtags were chosen to maximize exposure and educate the public at large about the project. SUSHI project staff have also promoted the project using their Twitter accounts and LinkedIn accounts. To equitably reach all members within the Menominee Nation, the extension team identified unique microcommunities based on factors such as income level, age, etc. and actively engaged with each. Engagement with those living in these identified pockets of exacerbated vulnerability has been achieved through community forums within each microcommunity and having informational booths at community events (powwows, farmer's market, community special events, etc.). This special attention to microcommunities within our greater target community of the Menominee Nation helps our team to ensure information about our research, programming, and education efforts are reaching the greatest numbers of individuals in our target audiences. A key component of building equity is engaging targeted groups of an intervention as early as possible in the process of constructing the intervention. Student stakeholders were engaged in Y1, as post-doctoral and graduate students have been hired to assist in research activities during the life of the project. Undergraduate students and those with 2-year degrees from CMN were engaged to garner interest in pathways created between CMN and Central State university on campus at CMN. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Year 2 SO Include: 1) Completion of Growth Trial 1, 2) Set-up of CMN aquaculture research system 3) Enrollment of first CMN students at CSU, 4) Certificate programs complete and first certificate graduates 5) Establishment of first Menominee aquaponics producer 6) Initiation of economics research including: 6a) Consumer survey data collection 6b) Examination of potential land-use changes as hemp grain increases acreage in the states of Kentucky and Ohio, 6c) Identification of data sources for water quality model. We will accomplish these specific objectives in the following ways: G1, O1, SO1: Corn, soybean, flax seeds, and 20 types of hemp will be grown, and the grains analyzed for nutrients. Hemp seed oil will be extracted and evaluated against rapeseed, flax, soybean, and corn oils. Trials will be conducted over multiple years but are set to begin in Y2. Multiple trial years will allow detection of environmental impact on hemp cannabinoids, nutrients, and antinutrients. This work is necessary to determine whether hemp seed oil is a safe feed additive for fish, and if it can replace environmentally challenged fish oil, which is currently being used. The use of hemp seed oil in fish feed has the potential to positively impact availability of fish for those who may now struggle to access this essential, healthy food source while simultaneously addressing the climate concerns related to commercially raised and wild-caught fish. SUSHI team members at KSU and CSU will begin the work of manufacturing feeds using hemp seed oil and testing its stability in a variety of conditions. Analyses will be conducted investigating both the production of hemp grain and the extrusion of hemp seed oil for fish feed. G3, O4, SO2: Data collection which began in Y1 will continue to inform the development of a long-term aquaculture research line will be developed at CMN - Development of Socioculturally Appropriate, Economically Valuable, and Environmentally Sustainable Methods of Local Food Production for Menominee Nation. Beginning in Y2, new research staff will train with CSU research staff, and equipment will be purchased, building research capacity at CMN. The POW's first objective will be initiated in year 5. G3, O7, SO3: The first CMN students recruited will become enrolled at CSU begin to matriculate through the degree pathways between CMN and CSU established in Y1. G2-3, O5-7, SO4: In Y2, the curriculum for the CMN aquaponics certificate program will be finalized and the first participants will be enrolled, and complete the program, receiving their aquaponics certificates. The curriculum must first be approved by CMN's Committee on Academic Quality and submitted for approval to the Higher Learning Commission which oversees CMN and CSU accreditation. Community members will be made aware of the existence of CMN aquaponics program and Extension aquaponics certificate availability through continuation of outreach efforts begun in Y1, including field days, native chef demonstrations at the farmer's market, and fact sheets. Additionally, the Menominee Tribal High School offers an aquaponics program for students. SUSHI team members at CMN have already established communication with facilitators of this program in order to make those students aware of the upcoming certificate option. The goal is to certify at least six individuals through this program by the end of Y2, and each subsequent year thereafter. G2-3, O6-7, SO5: Establishment of first Menominee aquaponics producer will be achieved by providing the proper assistance and supports to high-performing graduates of the CMN Extension aquaponics program. The selected graduate(s) will be provided with aquaponics systems and start-up supplies including fish and feed. Kehtekaewak Farmers Market, local schools, restaurants, and convenience stores have indicated an interest in offering locally grown, sustainable food options, providing an initial market for new producers. G1, O2, SO6a-c: Economics research will be conducted to assess public knowledge regarding the benefits of regular fish consumption. Consumer motivation for purchasing, and costs/economic impacts associated with the aquaponics system and hemp-containing fish feed will also be analyzed.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
With a growing population, increased impacts from climate change, and staggering rises in chronic diseases, affordable and safe ways to produce and distribute healthy foods, ensuring access for minority and other historically disadvantaged and disproportionally impacted groups. In addition, Native American and Black individuals are highly underrepresented in the agriculture and STEM workforce. SUSHI project seeks to address all these problems by a) determining if hemp grain ingredients can safely and effectively replace some or all fish meal and fish oil in the feed of high value aquaculture fish; b) providing workforce training and formal education opportunities to Native American (Menominee) and Black individuals in aquaponics, hemp production, environmental engineering, water resources management, and agriculture extension education. Finally, SUSHI project has partnered with a specific Native American Tribe, the Menominee Nation, to address health and economic issues by developing community-desired nutrition programs, start-up funding for new food businesses in aquaponics, and produce and fish distribution for the most vulnerable members of the community. In Y1, SUSHI Project Team membersbuilt capacity and laid groundwork in preparation for Y2 activities in research, education, and extension. To achieve SUSHI overall goals (G) and objectives (O), we detailed specific objectives (SO) for each year of the project. Y1 SO were: 1) Establishment of research aquaculture systems at CSU and KSU, 2) Establishment of extension aquaculture system at CMN, 3) Purchase of feed equipment, 4) Baseline health behavior data collection, 5) Digestibility trial completion, 6) Development of CMN research Plan of Work. Research progress: G1, O1, SO1: Plans and designs for the aquaculture facilities and systems at CSU, CMN, and KSU were finalized, equipment was ordered, and set-up began. Additionally, equipment for digestibility trials was ordered for CSU and ordered and installed at KSU. (SO3) Through engagement with hemp producers and processors and preliminary trials, the most appropriate method was determined to process hemp grain into de-fatted protein and oil components for trout feed trials. A hydraulic press was purchased for feed trials. 20 varieties of hemp for grain were planted on 1 acre of the CSU farm for nutrient and cannabinoid analyses in Y2. (SO5) Digestibility trials began late in Y1. G1, O2: Economics team began gathering preliminary crop land data. Aggregation and analysis will begin in Y2. G3, O4, SO6: Aquaculture research staff was hired at CMN, and a plan of aquaculture work was drafted. Pilot studies with walleye were initiated. Education Progress: G3, O7: Articulations [Ag Ed Extension, Water Resources Management (WRM), Environmental Engineering EE)] between CSU and CMN were created. Ag Ed Extension has been fully executed, WRM and EE are in final stages of approval. Team is identifying and recruiting CMN graduates to matriculate at CSU. CSU team members travelled to CMN as part of the recruitment efforts, and a visit from CMN administrators, recruiters, and students is planned for Y1Q1. Extension Progress: G2, O3, SO4: Community needs assessments gathered Menominee Tribal Member input on community knowledge of and desire for aquaponics, perspectives about community food security and sovereignty, and foods the community wants produced on the Reservation. These were gathered at informational booths at community events (e.g. farmer's market, veteran powwow, Menominee nation powwow) and locations with heavy community traffic (e.g. community computer lab). 178needs assessments were completed as of August 8, 2022. Data gathered will be used to create the extension aquaponics growth plan and the pre-post assessment surveys used to determine our community impact (O3). The team has diligentlyensured community input at every step in the process, ensuring the work is respectful, culturally appropriate, and community-partnered. G2, O6: Native Chef demonstrations were provided at the farmer's market on the Menominee Reservation, to engage Tribal Members and provide learning opportunities about production and preparation of locally produced, culturally relevant, healthy foods. 125 individuals participated in the first demonstration. Aquaponics and aquaculture fact sheets were created & distributed to 34 and 33 community members, respectively, at events. Nineteen personal hydroponic systems with instructions were distributed at the first Chef demonstration. An information board educating about hydroponics, aquaponics, and aquaculture was displayed at the Menominee Nation Powwow, allowing for engagement with more than 3000 attendees. G3, O5, SO2: An Extension professional was hired and a draft program outline of CMN's Extension aquaponics program was developed alongside the Aquaponics research staff at CMN. During the reporting period, SUSHI team members built capacity, gathered resources, and began preliminary work to address climate change, systemic inequity in nutrition security, chronic disease prevalence, and Agri-STEM diversity. To a) determine if hemp grain ingredients can safely and effectively replace some or all fish meal and fish oil in the feed of high value aquaculture fish; b) provide workforce training and formal education opportunities to Native American (Menominee) and Black individuals in aquaponic, hemp production, environmental engineering, water resources management, and agriculture extension education, the infrastructure for research, education, and extension must be put into place. SUSHI researchers designed the aquaponics systems for the three partner institutions that are performing education and extension work. The physical resources needed to assemble research facilities, including land, high tunnel materials, and equipment were procured - essential for the hemp and feeding trials. At CMN, a research associate was hired and preliminary research began to determine types of regionally and culturally appropriate fish could be researched at the CMN aquaponics facility. This research staff will supervise undergraduate research assistants hired Y2-Y5. To meet education objectives, pathways were established between CMN and CSU for CMN students to transfer from the two-year tribal college to complete a degree in Agri-STEM majors at CSU at no cost. CMN students and recent graduates were engaged through various methods to raise awareness of these pathways and recruit interested students. This program is the first of its kind, specifically designed to support the success of Indigenous and Black students in the field of Agri-STEM. Equipment was procured for extension work in Menominee Nation. An extension staff member was hired to develop and lead the extension programming, including development of an aquaponics certificate program and training/supervision of undergraduate extension assistants to be hired in Y2-Y5. Extension team members at CMN engaged with and involved the Tribal community of Menominee Nation at each step of capacity building. To the extent possible, the type of fish and produce farmed at the SUSHI-funded aquaponics facility, as well as the programming (nutrition, certificate content, etc.) provided will be selected by Tribal community members. In Y1, Menominee members were surveyed to determine what they would like to see grown in this facility. Attention to inequities across the social and systemic strata as it relates to food has been at the core of the SUSHI project since its inception and built into its design. In Y1 of the project, this design took shape in the form of physical facilities, equipment, and administrative infrastructure. With these key components in place, and careful attention to the needs and desires of the under-represented groups SUSHI seeks to serve, the foundation for this project was established.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps B.E., Kowalkowski, B., Wescott, J., McFadden, B., Schluttenhofer, C., and Nedunuri, K. Study Protocol to Measure the Impact of a Farm-to-Fork Program on Food Security and Nutrition Outcomes in the Menominee Nation, Current Developments in Nutrition, Volume 6, Issue Supplement_1, June 2022, Page 1155, https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzac072.027
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps, B.E., Kowalkowski, B., Wescott, J., McFadden, B., Schluttenhofer, C., and Nedunuri, K. (2022, June 14-16). Study Protocol to Measure the Impact of a Farm-to-Fork Program on Food Security and Nutrition Outcomes in the Menominee Nation [Poster Presentation]. Nutrition 2022, American Society for Nutrition.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps, B.E. (2022, April 18-20). Sustainable Aquaculture Production of High Omega-3-Containing-Fish Using a Novel Feed Additive (Hemp) - SUSHI [Conference Presentation]. USDA NIFA Sustainable Agriculture Systems Project Directors Meeting, Kansas City, MO, United States.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Kowalkowski, B. (2022, March 23-26). MANRRS 36th Annual Training Conference and Career Expo. In 6th Annual Diversity Summit MANRRS: Broadening Horizons with Tribal Colleges and Universities. Jacksonville.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Schluttenhofer, C. (2022, August 9). Why is Hemp Not a Feed Ingredient?-A National Discussion [Invited Expert Panelist]. AAFCO and the National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps, B.E. (2022, March 25). Community Engagement to Increase Cultural Equity in Sponsored Agriculture and Nutrition Programs [Invited Speaker]. Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps, B.E. (2022, March 17). Planning and Navigating a Multidisciplinary Career in Nutrition Sciences/Policy [Invited Speaker]. Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps, B.E. (2022, March 7). Nutraceutical Properties of Hemp [Invited Speaker]. Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps, B.E. (2022, February 17). Hemp Research Update. S1084 Hemp Meeting [Invited Speaker].
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps, B.E., Mozafarrian, D., Reinhardt, S., Stevenson, T.R., Bustos, D., Booker, C., & Cornyn, J. (2022, January 26). Our Health, Our Planet, Our Future: The Urgent Need to Invest in Sustainable Nutrition Science [Congressional Briefing: Invited Panelist].
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Khanal, A. Nutritional value of hemp seed products in the diet of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): an assessment of apparent digestibility [Masters Thesis]. College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences, Kentucky State University. [August 2022]
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Phipps, B.E. (2022, July 28). An Examination of the USDAs Hemp Production Program [Written and Oral Testimony] Testimony before the United States House Agriculture Committee, Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research, Washington D.C.
|