Source: Central State University submitted to
SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION OF HIGH OMEGA-3-CONTAINING-FISH USING A NOVEL FEED ADDITIVE (HEMP)
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1027520
Grant No.
2021-69012-35918
Cumulative Award Amt.
$10,000,000.00
Proposal No.
2021-05696
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2021
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2026
Grant Year
2022
Program Code
[A9201]- Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Project Director
Phipps, B. E.
Recipient Organization
Central State University
1400 Brush Row Rd.
Wilberforce,OH 45384
Performing Department
Agriculture Rsch. Dev. Program
Non Technical Summary
The US has a goal of transforming food and agricultural systems to increase American agricultural production by 40% while reducing environmental footprint by 50% by 2050. This project aims to develop a system for producingsustainable, safe, affordable, and accessible sources of high-value, healthy foods- while focusing on and increasing agriculture production in rural, low-income, and underrepresented minority (URM) communities.The Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (2020 Committee) reports that 6 in 10 Americans have diet-related chronic conditions- diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, etc. -with 4 in 10 having 2 or more. In 2016, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) cost America $555B and $327B, respectively, with costs expected to more than double by 2035. Lower-income and URM households are disproportionally affected by chronic conditionsand food insecurity, highlighting the importance of targeted research and outreach. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines encourage 2+ servings per week of seafood as a good source of protein and healthy fats (polyunsaturated fats - PUFA). Replacing saturated fats - like those found in meats and full-fat dairy products - with PUFA has been shown to lower risk of CVD, T2D, and some cancers. Increases in seafood intake must be balanced with caution. The FDA and EPA issued joint advice to choose seafood lowest in contaminants or eat less than recommended in the Guidelines. The 2020 Committee also recognized that recommendations to increase seafood consumption have environmental impacts that should be evaluated when developing guidelines. Strategies to increase intake of healthy, safe seafood, while minimizing negative environmental impacts, are critical to slow the rise of chronic disease in the US. Furthermore, targeted outreach is needed for the most vulnerable populations, such as low-income, rural, and URM populations - who often have the least access to local, healthy seafood options.Partneringwith URM populations to increase food sovereignty and local production ofhealthy foods (like aquaculture-produced fish and produce) in their communities can significantly impact URM public health outcomes. Our HBCU-led, multidisciplinary Land-Grant team - partnering 1890 HBCU, 1994 Tribal College, and 1862 Institutions - will investigate hemp as a safe, environmentally friendlyfeed for aquaculture. Increasing aquaculture production of fish - using hemp as a feed ingredient - couldalleviate safety concerns of seafood consumption; increase economic markets and production sustainability for both seafood and hemp, and improve human health. In addition to the hemp feed research,we will be partnering with the Menominee Nation to expand on their desire to increase food sovereigntyby providing financial start-up and training support for new aquaculture producers; providingextension and outreach programs for consumers; and establishing a pilot aquaponics program at College of Menominee Nation (CMN) where Tribal members can learn about aquaculture and participate in fish and produce distributions. The educational partnership between CSU andCMN - established by this project - will allow us to increase Native American diversity in agriculture by developing aquaculturecertificate programs, establishing new aquaculture producers; increasing youth interest in agriculture programs through extension programs; and providing training, mentorship, and scholarships for CMN graduates to complete their agriculture-related bachelor's degrees at Central State University.
Animal Health Component
35%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
14%
Applied
35%
Developmental
51%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
3023711101038%
3073711101010%
6011599301010%
7046050303019%
9036030302023%
Goals / Objectives
Project goals are (1) approval of hemp grain as a sustainable feed ingredient to produce high-value, nutrient-dense fish; (2) education of and outreach to consumers and producers to expand domestic markets for hemp and trout; and (3) creation of a more diverse workforce in agriculture. We will target several major systems components in the value chain - Hemp, Fish, Humans, and the Environment. Specific objectives include:Short/Medium Term Objectives:Establish hemp as safe additive to fish feed [benchmark: submission of AAFCO application].Perform market research, production economic assessments, and valuation of socio-environmental net benefits for suitability of the suggested system.Assess impact of intervention (fish access and education) on health behavior of Indigenous individuals.Establish independent research at a 1994 Land-grant Tribal College and University.Develop hemp and aquaculture certificate programs and provide start-up assistance.Implement Extension programming for consumers, producers, and 4-H audiences.Provide funding, training, peer mentorship, and cross-cultural learning opportunities to increase URM completion rates in agriculture.Long Term Objectives [project sustainability beyond duration of the grant]:Provide a sustainable source of fish livestock with an enhanced nutritional value - contributing to the health of the nation, especially URM (Research).Create niche markets for hemp and aquaculture, increase production opportunities for farmers, create jobs, and enhance the economy - increasing agriculture profitability in economically and environmentally sustainable ways (Research and Extension).Develop a pipeline of Black and Indigenous and lay workforce with the appropriate technical and professional skills to fulfill employment needs in STEM, nutrition, water resource management, and sustainable agriculture (Education).
Project Methods
We aim to have HH-FF, HH-DF, and HSO approved as fish feed ingredients through Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). To accomplish this, we willanalyze hemp grain and feed; conduct cannabinoid metabolism studies in hemp ingredients, hemp-containing fish feed, and trout fed hemp-containing diets; and conduct feeding trials utilizing hemp ingredients as replacements for fish oil and meal in trout diets.We aim to evaluate the economic impact of our novel system and hemp feed ingredients, integratingelements from across the value chain with a focus on production, consumption, and agro-ecosystem services valuation components. To accomplish this, we will examine potential land-use changes as hemp grain increases acreage in the states of Kentucky and Ohio; conduct a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) to use hemp grain in aquafeed for the high omega-3-containing-fish production system developed; assess consumer knowledge about the benefits of fish consumption; motivations for purchase, preferences, and possible premiums associated with omega-3-containing-fish fed hemp; and food sovereignty among URM and the general US public; determine consumer preferences for hemp regulation in fish feed; and quantify our agrosystem services using a water quality model, non-marketecosystem services (ES) valuation, benefit transfer approach to ES valuation, and a modern portfolio approach tosustainability analyses.We aim to increase educational and research opportunities at 1994 Land-Grant College of Menominee Nation (CMN) by establishing a novel research line. To accomplish this, we willgatherdata to inform goals and objectives (e.g. market analyses, community forums, literature reviews, meetings with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources); establishanaquaculture research facility; create a detailed 5+ year Plan of Work (POW) with short-, medium-, and long-term objectives; hire and train new research staff and purchase researchequipment, and initiate the first objective in the POW by the end of the project period.We aim to build on Native American (Menominee Nation) desire to increase food sovereignty. To accomplish this we plan to pilotaquaponics locally on the CMN Keshena campus and establisha certificate program that will allow experiential learning, sustainability of practice, and food self-sufficiency for Tribal members and their families. Outreach will happen through (1) the creation of fact sheets (Healthy Living/Nutrition, Hemp Production, Aquaponics); (2) Native chef food demonstrations at the Kehtekaewak Farmers Market (KFM); and (3) Field Days.We aim to increase diversity in the agricultural workforce, particularly by increasing Native American participants. To accomplish this aim, we will provide extension programming and outreach to consumers, producers, and youth. In particular, providing youth with these opportunities will increase interest in agriculture and natural resources leading to enrollment inthese programs and increased diversity in the workforce. We also plan to create articulation agreements, scholarships, and mentoring programs for CMN graduates to earn their bachelor's degree in a number of agriculture-related programs at Central State University (CSU), significantly increasing the number of Menominee individuals with leadership training,bachelor's degrees and training in agriculture. CMN students will increase the diversity at CSU and will provide cross-cultural learning experiences for students from different backgrounds.

Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

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 3 (Y3), the team has had interactions with many of our intended stakeholders. SUSHI Feeds Incorporating Safe Hemp (FISH) research team members continued to engage with fish feed manufacturers, feed regulatory bodies, hemp market stakeholders, and individual hemp grain processors. 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 Y3 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. Education: Post-doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students served by all partner institutions, The CMN team has also connected with undergraduate Lawrence University students enrolled in the Indigenous Ecology course there. These students are researching sustainable sources of energy to provide heat and light to the high tunnels in the winter months. SUSHI team members at CMN have engaged with peer stakeholders such as representatives from the Indigenous Habitat Institute, which is also part of an active SAS project in partnership with Oregon State researching hemp-crete. They are looking to potentially create programming around increasing knowledge on hemp-crete and uses for hemp stalk. Hemp/Fish 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. Fish farmers, industrial hemp producers, feed companies, fish nutritionists, students in animal science, fisheries and/or aquaculture. SUSHI Econ Research: 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. Changes/Problems:The lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause supply chain issues resulting in equipment delays. Greatly extended lead times caused significant delays in completing aquaculture systems at CSU and KSU, completing a digestibility trial, and subsequent growth trial. 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 the expenditure rate for SUSHI funds. Finally, extended deadlines for the construction of the CSU high tunnel and lab facilities prevented 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: Education: FALCON partnership and other engagements of the SUSHI Ed team with Tribal institutions revealed a few key pieces of information; 1) Interested Native students expressed a preference to attend Tribal institutions over others, 2) There are established scholarships for Native students pursuing Ag degrees which are robust and allow the student flexibility in program and institution choice. Given these facts, and the recent establishment of the Bachelor's Sustainable Agriculture program at CMN, the SUSHI Ed team revised the education budget and narrative to redirect a portion of scholarship funds to CMN students completing this degree program. Revision was approved by NIFA and funds added to the CMN subaward. Shortly after NIFA approval, the CMN team had already awarded this scholarship to 9 qualified students in the Sustainable Ag program. Additionally, one scholarship awardee completed a for-credit (unpaid) internship in Aquaponics & Aquaculture within the SUSHI Extension and Research high tunnels. Students are now able to complete an Agri-STEM degree at a Tribal institution. The response of students to the pivot made by SUSHI Ed is an example of how successes and impacts are increased when a project is responsive to the needs and desires of the people it seeks to serve. This responsive approach is a part of the value system of the SUSHI project. Hydraulic press/hemp grain analysis: While work continues to bring the custom hydraulic press constructed by CSU research team operational, a press chamber has been constructed for use with a rosin press to serve as a prototype. CSU researchers have been using the modified rosin press chamber system to test lipid removal from samples. Samples were analyzed for dry matter, protein, lipid, ash, and fiber content. To overcome the delay, an EAB member has agreed to temporarily provide processed hemp hearts to the project for the digestibility trials to begin. It was found that there was low fiber content in the sample provided; CSU researchers added hemp hulls to increase fiber content. This is a Y1 objective which was significantly delayed due to issues with procuring a hydraulic press. Specific AOAC methods for the proximate analyses of ingredients and feeds were identified. Both the lipid and fiber analyses require acquisition of specific instrumentation, which is cost prohibitive. For this reason, a grant was submitted to the Ohio Department of Agriculture to acquire these and additional instruments. The full-size hydraulic press was moved to its final location and ran for testing. Tests found that the outlet did not have sufficient amperage to power the press, which had to be fixed. The press is now operational and can press up to 100-tons of pressure. Based on mini-press trials, 200-micron mesh brew bag is inside the press manifold to hold the seed and prevent seed from being forced down the cracks around the base plates and out the holes in the manifold, but ultimately proved to be insufficient and was shredded by the press. The team is looking at chamber modifications to resolve this issue. Economics: Delays in digestibility trials (described above) have resulted in delays to the progression of some areas of SUSHI Economics research. Econ team is awaiting data from digestibility trials. High-Tunnel Delay CSU: CSU High tunnel was constructed early in Y3 and key equipment was placed inside as stated above in accomplishments. The high-tunnel needs a 3-phase power supply to move forward. 3-phase power is not available from the local service provider (AES) at this time, and a power inverter must be installed. This was not known prior to installation of the high tunnel and is an unexpected obstacle to bringing the high tunnel operational. In addition, AES is required to install a transformer on the power line by the road. The tentative solution is to install the new transformer (requires payment to AES first) and then run the line to the power inverter specifically for the high tunnel. The heaters and circulation fans will be connected once the electricity is done. Flashing will be fixed on the high tunnel to cover the gap where the polycarbonate was cut a bit short. The design did not include a bottom runner for the double door which results in the doors not staying closed adequately in wind. A simple U-tube runner will be installed on the base of the doors to keep them from blowing inward. CMN aquaponics energy needs: Over the first winter of production in the Extension high tunnel, costs to heat the tunnel were high and have caused some concern about the sustainability of continuing to use gas to heat. CMN has been working with students from Lawrence University's Indigenous Ecology course over Y2-3 to examine sustainable energy options for the high tunnel. CMN will continue to monitor heat costs and explore sustainable options. CSU Hemp Plots: Based on previous years' trials we found that the planting method was not sufficient. We acquired a new ALMACO plot planter in Q3 of Y3 which improved the planting process. However, excessive rains in the week following planting washed out a number of seeds from the plots; this will negatively impact yield. A more efficient processing system is necessary. Team is working on acquisition of an ALMACO plot thresher to ensure faster processing of grain samples; this will be able to be used for SUSHI variety trial as well. Upon procurement of an ALMACO thresher, the main challenge going forward will be the time required to hand harvest. One possible option to reduce the time needed for this is a reaper bar for the walk behind tractor (CSU has this already). CMN aquaponics aphids: Aphids became an issue in Q2 of Y3. Ext Aquaponics Coordinator and CMN student workers worked to remove the aphids by hand so as not to introduce pesticides to the system. Aphids damaged crops and prevented harvest due crops being unable to reach maturity. This reduced the number of harvests which were able to be carried out in the Spring of 2024. Attempts to control the aphids and return to a regular harvest schedule were successful to a point, but aphids remain an issue the high tunnel and pest management is an ongoing effort. Establishment of first Menominee aquaponics producer: While much interest and engagement has been generated in the Menominee community in regard to the CMN Aquaponics extension programs and facilities, only one community member has expressed interest in becoming a producer at this time. Going forward, CMN will continue to engage and educate the community on the availability of resources, support, and education with the goal of establishing producers from within the community. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?CMN Sustainable Ag student and SUSHI Scholarship recipient completed an unpaid, for-credit internship working in the CMN high tunnels with both aquaculture and aquaponics systems. This internship opportunity on campus was crucial for this student to be able to graduate, as its proximity to the college eliminates many barriers to access. All SUSHI Scholarship students are offered the opportunity to gain understanding of aquaponics and aquaculture systems by either hands-on learning experiences with the system, or completion of the Nelson and Pade Aquaponics and Aquaponics 101 certificate. All CMN Aquaponics and Aquaculture Student workers are offered this certification as well. A total of 3 scholarship recipients and student workers completed the certification in Y3, and another 4 scholarship recipients opted to participate in hands-on learning experiences in the high tunnels. Student workers also attended an educational tour at the UW Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences. 1 student worker attended Indigenous Producer Academy (2-day, in-person training). CMN Aquaponics Ext Coordinator attended 2024 Native Women In Agriculture & Natural Resources Symposium with Aquaponics Student Worker. Student worker was provides opportunity to engage with Native women in the field of agriculture and benefit from sessions geared for Native women in the field. CSU student workers have had the opportunity to examine granular topics essential to the sustainability of SUSHI project work long-term. 2 student workers assisted in the design, construction, and testing of the CSU research aquaponics system. 1 student worker completed research on sustainable energy solutions for the high tunnel based on system energy needs. 1 Student worker was awarded their BS in environmental engineering from CSU in Q3 of Y3. Student was able to practically apply classroom lessons in their work with the SUSHI project throughout their time in their undergrad program. -Grad student completed thesis using data from SUSHI consumer survey. The student successfully defended thesis entitled "Consumer Perceptions of Hemp-Fed Aquaculture?" and was awarded their Graduate Degree in Q4 of Y3. This same student attended the SAS PD conference and was able to interface with other NIFA AFRI SAS project personnel and USDA staff and learn from presentations. CMN Aquaculture Research Associate was provided a variety of opportunities to complete online training, workshops and hands-on learning. These learning opportunities include: Educational tour at UW Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences, Indigenous Producer Academy (2-day, in-person training), participation in Tribal College Research Review Panel, Building Healthy Soils for Healthy Communities: WTCAC (workshop), attendance at GLITC/NARCH Conference, Soy Aquaculture Alliance/Aquaculture Research Spotlight Webinar, and Technical Assistance Webinar: AFRI Food Safety, Nutrition & Health How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Cannabis Research Conference Presentations: SUSHI Project researchers presented 2 abstracts at the Cannabis Research Conference in Q4. The first abstract presented touched on detection of cannabinoids in fish tissues and the need for more research in this area. The second focused on processing hemp seed into a suitable ingredient for fish feed with a low fiber content. CMN Aquaponics Tours: Requests for tours of the CMN Extension Aquaponics system began in Y2 and have remained consistent in Y3. Tours have been provided for numerous elementary, middle and high school groups, college students; officials and key staff from the Native American Agriculture Fund, Indigenous Housing Initiative, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, Regional USDA officials, and local community members upon request. FALCON Presentations: PD and Aquaponics Ext Coordinator presented at FALCON conference, disseminating project information to peers and students from 1994 Land Grant Tribal institutions nationwide. AA Presentations; PD Presented regrading SUSHI project general information and progress at Aquaculture America Conference in February of 2024 for an audience of Aquaculture industry stakeholders. University of Arkansas graduate student Jillian Hyink presented the survey results from the baseline consumer survey. SAEA Presentations: University of Arkansas graduate student presented survey results from the baseline consumer survey. Mississippi State University Postdoctoral researcher presented on Crop Acreage Portfolio Analysis of Introducing More Hemp in Kentucky. CSU LG Open House: PD was present at 2024 Central State University Land Grant Open House. PD used this opportunity to share project information with over 200 attendees, including the director of NIFA, Dr. Manjit Misra. ARD Meeting: SUSHI student worker, presented about the SUSHI hemp workshop at the April 2024 Association of Research Director's meeting. 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. 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. AAEA: SUSHI PIs organized and moderated a session at the 2024 AAEA conference. In addition, SUSHI work was shared in 2 presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Due to challenges described elsewhere, a portion of the work done in Y4 will be to accomplish delayed objectives from previous years. When possible, the team will then move into Y4 SOs. We will accomplish these specific objectives in the following ways: Y1; SO1: Research aquaculture systems will be completed in Y4. These systems have been delayed due to several factors explained in Problems/Changes. CSU high tunnel was completed early in Y3. CSU Aquaculture system will be constructed early in Y4 once the electrical infrastructure is installed which will support the system. Equipment and materials for construction of this system have been acquired throughout Y1-3 and are ready for assembly. KSU high tunnel will be constructed in Y4 as pending necessary approvals, permits, and funding requirements. Once the system is operational, it can be tested in order to detect any issues that may arise prior to introducing fish to the system. Team anticipates testing, addressing any issues, and introduction of fish to the system in Y4. Y1; SO5: Digestibility trials began late in Y3 and will be completed early in Y4. Much progress has been made in Y3 towards accomplishing this objective Y2; SO1: Growth trial 1 will begin in Y4 once digestibility trial is completed and results reviewed by the research team. Y2; SO5: Establishment of first Menominee aquaponics producer; Work towards this goal will continue. CMN SUSHI PI and research scientist are working in Y3 to generate curriculum for aquaponics workshop which will increase community-level knowledge of aquaponics systems and operation. CMN SUSHI personnel will recruit interested community members to participate in the workshop, gauge interest in becoming local producers, and allocate resources for new producers as appropriate. Y3; SO1: Completion of growth trial 2; this will be delayed due to delays impacting the analysis of hemp grain and feed, cannabinoid metabolism trials, and digestibility trials in Y1-3. 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. Y4; SO1: Completion of growth trial 3; this will be delayed due to delays impacting the analysis of hemp grain and feed, cannabinoid metabolism trials, and digestibility trials in Y1-3. Y4; SO2: Graduation of first CMN/CSU student cohort. Y4 will see the first SUSHI scholarship student graduate from CMN with a BS in Sustainable Agriculture. The second student to graduate is slated for Spring 2025, or Q3 of Y4. Y4; SO3: First peer mentoring program evaluation. This SO will be delayed due to trouble recruiting students to the SUSHI scholarship program prior to major changes made with NIFA approval early in Y3. The first cohort of SUSHI scholarship students was onboarded in Jan/Feb 2024, with the first graduate in Fall 2024. Peer mentorship can begin early in Y4 and be evaluated by the end of Y4. CMN Workshops: SUSHI Team has been working across disciplines to develop an aquaponics workshop for potential producers/ the community at large at CMN. Curriculum will be delivered, and first workshops will be held in Y4. CMN Research: Team will continue to procure equipment including a Hobart mixer, PCR machine, feed supplies, etc. Research scientist will continue to seek out and submit grant proposals consistent with the goals of CMN to ensure sustainability and expansion of research at CMN. Economics: A new research associate will join SUSHI in the Fall of 2024 and will be working to develop the second consumer survey. Aqua enterprise budgets will be updated to expand beyond trout. As data arrives from digestibility trials, Econ team will use this data to move forward with modeling and analyses.

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. Y3 SO were: 1) Completion of Growth Trial 2; 2) 1st food distribution from CMN Aquaponics; 3) Purchase of CMN research capital equipment; 4) First CMN/CSU cohort evaluation; 5) Completion of cannabinoid analyses. G1, O1, SO1: See Problems/Changes, work towards this goal is delayed due to difficulties acquiring key equipment, impacting analysis of hemp grain ingredients. Y3 saw marked progress with the CSU team constructing a custom hydraulic press to meet project needs, as well as receiving key equipment (chiller, bead filter, biofilter) for the CSU research high tunnel. Receipt of these items allowed the team to begin analyses of hemp grain ingredients. Hemp grain was harvested from variety trial plots throughout Q1. These plotswere seeded in Q3 of Y2. All but one of the replanted plots grew very well. The early frost may have terminated a good portion of the seed development on 4 of 20 of these varieties, which the team is taking into consideration going forward. Other varieties matured in the expected time frame but required data collection and harvesting around rainfall events. Seeds were collected from all plots. A mini press prototype has been constructed by modifying a rosin press. Samples have been taken and proximate analyses conducted. Dry matter, protein, lipid, ash, and fiber analyses were completed in Q3. Improvising using the rosin press has allowed work to move forward while still working to bring the full-size press operational. Results of the analyses completed using samples extracted via the mini press were provided to Victory Hemp (EAB Member), who offered to provide assistance by supplying hemp material with our specifications so that digestibility trials could begin. They can supply one ingredient, but a second ingredient with higher fiber content is needed to begin the trials. CSU researchers added hulls back to the sample sent by Victory Hemp to produce this ingredient. The full-size hydraulic press is now operational. It can press up to 100-tons of pressure. A local welder was hired to construct the press manifold consisting of an open-ended box of ΒΌ" plate steel and an oil catch basin with thin gauge steel. Press needs additional minor modifications in order to process hemp seed. See problems/changes for details. Dehuller is operational; some adjustments are being made to produce the specifications needed for feed ingredients. CSU researchers have identified a cannabinoid testing protocol, which will be modified for the SUSHI ingredient, feed, and fish tissue samples. Team will test several extraction methods and confirm recovery. G2,O2: Literature review on quantifying agroecosystem services was completed, studying the models and methods in quantifying agroecosystem services. Water quality model analysis, result tables, and figures for a journal manuscript were completed. Part of this manuscript is supported by this project, and hemp-related analysis will be performed using the results from this model. Hemp acreage analysis was presented at the 2024 Annual Meetings of the Southern Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA) and Aquaculture America 2024. Agricultural acreage data from Farm Service Agency (FSA) was acquired. A data set for implementing the Dirichlet regression model to describe hemp production acreage in Kentucky was built. Sustainability in Agroecosystems: land use, hemp production, manuscript has been submitted and is under review at Agroecosystems, Geosciences & Environment. G1, O3: Survey to assess consumer perceptions of hemp-fed aquaculture was developed and administered in Q1 using Qualtrics. Survey data indicated that half of respondents were unaware the hemp is a federally legal commodity crop in the US, indicating consumer education regarding hemp as a commodity could be beneficial. Additionally, data reflected that higher omega level is driver of consumer preference over hemp-fed fish; if using hemp as feed increases omega level this should be signaled to the consumer. Willingness to purchase was higher among younger generations, frequent salmon consumers, and those with objective knowledge about hemp. G4, O1, SO3; A plan of work for research at CMN was developed late in Y2, capital equipment needed for research was identified and procured early in Y3. Equipment includes instruments, freezers for storing tissue samples, centrifuge, homogenizer, and other specialized equipment required for conducting aquaculture research. To perform aquaculture research, an IACUC is needed. CMN researchers have been working to establish relationships with the appropriate institutions and subject matter experts such as veterinarians, veterinary scientists, and freshwater scientists to recruit committee members for the IACUC. Pending an aquaculture facilities inspection late in Q4 of Y3, SMEs from the Medical College of Wisconsin will oversee the adoption of an IACUC at CMN which will allow research on freshwater fish to begin. G6, O1, SO2: The first food distributions from the CMN Aquaponics system were completed in Y3, with the first small distribution taking place on CMN campus in the first 2 weeks of Y3. Within the first quarter of the project, relationships were established with Menominee Food Distribution sites throughout the Nation of Menominee, including the communities of Zoar, Neopit, and Middle Village which were identified as target micro-communities with exacerbated need. Over 330 lbs of lettuce from the CMN aquaponics system has been distributed to community members in Y3. Menominee Food Distribution reports that lettuce and greens received from CMN have been included in Tribal Elder Food boxes as well as made available to community members during regular distributions. Extension has continued their engagement with local community members through a variety of methods. Since the completion and initiation of aquaponics production at CMN, tour demand has increased and the range of stakeholders provided yours has broadened (K-12 schools, college students, non-profit and public sector officials, etc) including a tour provided to Sec. of Interior Deb Haaland and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. G7, O3, SO4; Explained in problems/changes. Evaluation of the first cohort is not possible in Y3 as recruitment issues impacted the start date of the first cohort. However, the first cohort were awarded their scholarships in the first days of Q3 in Y3, and evaluation will be possible early in Y4. The first scholarship recipient is slated to graduate Fall semester 2024. Evaluation tools were developed in Q3 of Y3. CSU Aquaculture system: CSU researchers worked with internal and external stakeholders in Y3 to further progress on the CSU research aquaculture system. Necessary locations for electrical outlets were marked within the high tunnel and communicated to electrical contractor. Quotes were obtained for installation of electricity. Student workers compiled information on backup generator and sustainable design of energy storage and utilization for the aquaculture greenhouse. Explained more in problems/changes. 2 SUSHI Project-affiliated students graduated in Y3. 1 student completed their master's degree at University of Arkansas in Q3 of Y3. This student elected to pursue a PhD at the University of Washington in large part because of their engagement with the project including the opportunity to travel, present, connect with other academics, professionals, and students in the field of Agriculture, economics, and sustainability. Another student completed their bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. This student has also elected to continue their education, pursuing a master's degree in Clean Energy at Wright State University. This student also stated that her engagement with SUSHI inspired her to continue to pursue education and involvement in sustainable foods.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Park, Y. and Yun, S. (2024, July 28-30) Hemp Production and Its Impact on Ecosystem Services in Kentucky. 2024 Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Gray, C., Schluttenhofer, C., Boyd, M., Kowalkowski, B., Yadav, A., and Phipps, B.E. (2024, April 6-9.) Hemp Workshop to Support Workforce Training and Community Development in the Menominee Reservation. Association of 1890 Research Directors Conference 2024. Nashville, TN.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Phipps, B.E. (2024, February 18-21) SUSHI: A USDA-NIFA Sustainable Agriculture Systems Project. Aquaculture America Conference, San Antonio, TX, 2024.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hyink, J., McFadden, B., Phipps, B.E., & Gunderson, C. Could Measuring Factors Other Than a Lack of Financial Resources Help in Achieving the Zero Hunger Goal? Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2024 Citation: Park, Y., Yun, S., Mark, T., McFadden, B., Phipps, B.E., & Schluttenhofer, C. Crop Acreage Portfolio Analysis of Introducing More Hemp in Kentucky. Agrosystems, Geosciences, & Environment
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Schluttenhofer, C., Fawole, F., Rangu, S., Nedunuri, K., and Phipps, B.E. (2024, August 7-9). Processing Hemp Grain to a Suitable Ingredient for Fish Feed. 2024 Cannabis Research Conference. Fort Collins, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Schluttenhofer, C., Fawole, F., Rangu, S., Nedunuri, K., Phipps, B.E., and Rossi, W. (2024, August 7-9). Testing for Cannabinoids in Fish Tissue. 2024 Cannabis Research Conference. Fort Collins, CO.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mark, T. (2024, July 28-30) Overview of Hemp Production, Management, and Policies in the US. 2024 Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Appuhamilage, P., Mark, T. McFadden, B., Yun, S., Phipps, B.E., Rossi, W., and Schluttenhofer, C. (2024, July 28-30) Hemp Productivity and Profitability. 2024 Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hyink, J., McFadden, B., Phipps, B.E., Mark, T., Rossi, W., and Schluttenhofer, C. (2024, July 28-30) Consumer Preferences for Hemp-Fed Aquaculture. 2024 Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hyink, J., McFadden, B., Phipps, B.E., Mark, T., Rossi, W., Schluttenhofer, C., Yun, S.D. Consumer perceptions of hemp-fed aquaculture. Aquaculture America, San Antonio, TX, 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Yun, S., Park, Y., Mark, T., McFadden, B., Phipps, B.E., Schluttenhofer, C., and Rossi, W. (2024, February 18-21) Introducing or Promoting Feed Crops for Aquaculture Can Lead to Changes in Crop Acreage Portfolio: A Case Study of Hemp and Crop Mix Changes in Kentucky. Aquaculture America, San Antonio, TX, 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hyink, J., McFadden, B., Phipps, B.E., Mark, T., Rossi, W., Schluttenhofer, C., Yun, S.D. (2024, February 3-6) Consumer perceptions of hemp-fed aquaculture. Southern Agricultural Economics Association, Atlanta, GA, 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Park, Y., Yun, S., Mark, T., McFadden, B., Phipps, B., Schluttenhofer, C., Rossi, W. (2024, February 3-6) Crop Acreage Portfolio Analysis of Introducing More Hemp in Kentucky. Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting. Atlanta, GA, 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Boyd, M., Kowalkowski, B. (2023, October 13-15) College of Menominee Nation - Aquaponics demonstration Facility. First Americans Land Grant Consortiums Annual Conference. Denver, CO, United States, 2023.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hyink, J. (2024) Consumer Perceptions of Hemp-Fed Aquaculture. [Unpublished Masters thesis] University of Arkansas.


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.