NYS Berry Growers: The Next Generation

1. NYS Berry Growers: The Next Generation *Rebecca Harbut, Marvin Pritts, Cathy Heidenreich, Laura McDermott New York State Fruit and Vegetable Expo Feb 2009

2. Berry Growers Survey • Demographics • Markets • Communication • Best Management Practices

3. Methods • Survey • Mailed 287 • Emailed 95 • Could be done online or on paper • Interview • 45min to 1 hour interview with grower • On phone or in person

4. Are you a typical new york berry grower?

5. Area In Berry Production • 55% < 3 Acres • 26% <1 Acres • 15% 4-6 Acres • 9% 7-10 Acres • 9% 11-20 Acres • 10% > 20 Acres

6. Pest Management Strategy No Spray 16.2% • 15% Organic (certified or non) • 16% No Spray • 16% Rigorous IPM Program • 41% Low Spray Program • 8% Calendar Spray Program Organic (Certified or Non) 15.1% Rigorous IPM Spray Program 16.4% Calendar Spray Program 8.2% Low Spray/Judicious Spray Program 41.1%

7. Years of Experience Growing Berries Newbies to Old Pros…we got it all! 15.2% 6-10 years • 18% < 5 Years • 15% 6-10 Years • 19% 11-15 Year • 19% 16-20 Years • 29% > 20 Years 17.7% < 5 years 19% 11-15 years 29% > 20 years

8. Marketing

9. What Are Your Primary Markets? #1- Pick Your Own #2- Farm Stand #3- Farmers Market #4- Fresh Wholesale

10. Berry Growers Are A Satisfied Bunch! • 52% are happy with their socioeconomic position • 70% of felt that their community appreciates what they contribute • 70% are optimistic about the future of berry farming in NY

11. A PICTURE OF TODAYS GROWERS • 3 acres or less with diverse crops • Conscientious about chemical use • Active business owner in local communities • Hard working and passionate about growing fruit and loving it… most of the time!

12. Communication and information

13. How Important are Information Sources

14. How Credible Are Information Sources

15. Communication and Information • Most valued information sources: • Person-to-person interactions (Extension educators, other farmers) • Production guides • Extension educators and production guides are also ranked as most credible sources • Little use of ‘official’ organic information sources by respondents (i.e. ATTRA, NOFA) • Web resources becoming more important

16. What about the research?

17. GROWERS AND RESEARCH Over 65% of growers surveyed were not sure or did not know what the current berry research objectives were. About 60% were uncertain if their primary concerns were being addressed by any institution in NY 40% of growers were satisfied with the input that they had in setting berry research agendas

18. What Have We Learned? • ~ 35% of growers are aware of research being conducted in berry crops • Need to increase awareness of specific research agendas- including basic research • ~40% satisfied with input in setting priorities • Find new ways to solicit input from growers

19. Best Management Practices • Tell us…. What Works and What Doesn’t!?

20. Best Management Practices • Crops: Strawberry, Blueberry, Brambles, Currants and Gooseberries • Fertilizer - Production System • Weeds - Plant Establishment • Disease • Insects and mites • Birds and Pests • Production and Training

21. Best Management Practices • Sorry…There is no silver bullet! • The practices that are effective are greatly influenced by the specific conditions in the field • On farm trials would greatly help understand the factors involved

22. For More Info… • New York Berry News: • December Issue: The New Face of Berry Growers • January Issue: Production Practices and Fertility • February Issue: Bramble Can be accessed through the Cornell Fruit Resources Website: http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/berry.html

23. Thanks • Funding: New York Farm Viability Institute • Cathy Heidenreich, Berry Extension Support Specialist, Western NY, Cornell • Laura McDermott, Berry Extension Support Specialist, Eastern NY, Cornell • Marvin Pritts, Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell • Arthur Wilson, Dept. of Education, Cornell