Completed Project Report


Reducing Risk of Crop Losses Due to Poor Pollination on Fruit and Vegetable Farms in the Northeast

  • Award Amount: $93,906
  • Regional Center: Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2022 Producers Underserved by Crop Insurance

Extension RME Regional Centers
Extension Risk Management Education Region Map

Project Overview

This project helped vegetable and fruit farmers adopt practices that support insect pollinators, reducing risk of lower yield and quality in high-value crops. Of 102 vegetable and fruit farmers that responded to a 2021 survey, 94% were interested in learning practices to enhance pollinator habitat, and 59% were interested in financial assistance for such practices. In response, a comprehensive educational program was conducted to promote practices that support pollinators including habitat plantings, improved management of cover crops, tillage, mulching, and mowing, and avoiding pesticide harm to pollinators. Information was provided on obtaining NRCS assistance to adopt practices. Over 1,000 farmers were engaged through a web site, three conference presentations, 10 on-farm workshops, 5 webinars, and 155 farmers received individual consultations. Forty-six farmers documented adoption of new practices, and 12 farms participated in trials of cover crop mixes intended to provide season-long floral resources for pollinators. An on-line tool was developed for creating Pollinator Support Plans. Nineteen farms with estimated annual crop sales totaling $3.2 million used the on-line tool to draft pollinator support plans, and 58 farms obtained NRCS support for establishment of pollinator habitat on a total of 34 acres. 

Number of Participants: 60

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

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EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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