Common use of Goals and Outcomes Achieved Clause in Contracts

Goals and Outcomes Achieved. The UVM Extension research hopyard has led to an initial report on the suitability of commercially available hop varieties to the Northeastern climate. As hops are a perennial crop, future research is needed to determine the suitability of these varieties over time, as the plants mature and as they are exposed to different pest and disease cycles. Through this initial funding we were also able to conduct preliminary trials on organic pest controls. Scouting data collected in the hopyard has also lead to the discovery of varietal trends in potato leafhopper predation, something that has previously not been researched. Future work is needed with this particular pest, but also with hop pests in general. Pests that attack hops in the Northeast are different than those that are an economic threat in the Pacific Northwest. Through regular scouting in the experimental hopyard pests and diseases are being identified and information is shared with growers through our web resources. The goal was to develop local and relevant research for Northeast hop growers. The outcome from this project is the establishment of a research hopyard and the initiation of a variety trial. In addition, the hopyard has allowed us to collect valuable information on fertility and pest issues in hopyards. Lastly, we are advisers to 3 growers that were awarded USDA SARE Farmer Grants to investigate fertility, trellis design, and harvesting questions on-farm. The goal was to develop relevant and practical educational programs and material. The outcome has been the development of a diverse array of materials and events that have been accessed by more than 1000 stakeholders. Based on post conference survey data we have found that stakeholders are improving their hopyard production by accessing the materials. Future work needs to be done to document long term impact of the hops outreach program. The annual Winter Hops Conference was full to capacity in both 2010 and 2011, with over 100 participants each year, bringing together brewers, hop growers, and those interested in hops. In 2010, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, a fourth generation hop farmer and hops geneticist was featured, and he gave an overview of hops production and hops breeding. Xxxx Xxxxxxxx from Xxxxxxxx Farms in Seneca Castle, NY has been growing hops for over a decade, along with over 1000 acres of vegetables. He shared his knowledge and experience on producing hops in the Northeast. Also invited was Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx from the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, and he discussed the work that is being conducted in Quebec on hops production. Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, the brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery spoke about his experience with whole leaf hops and shared his enthusiasm for locally sourced hops. Of the attendees that responded to post conference surveys, 52% claimed to be currently growing hops, and 41% were interested in growing hops on a commercial scale. As a result of the conference, 38% of those polled intend to start growing hops, 36% intend to increase their hops production acreage, 25% will improve their pest management, 28% will improve their fertility management, and 23% will be able to more successfully market their hops. 83% stated that they felt they had better access to hops related information. The 2011 Winter Hops Conference featured Dr. Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Oregon State University, and he discussed disease management, hops genetics, and low-trellis hops production. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx has been working with the Vermont Historical Society, researching historical hops production in Vermont. He shared his findings with the audience. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, owner and operator of Borderview Farm, home of the UVM Extension research hopyard, gave a detailed talk on hopyard construction, highlighting construction materials and costs. A Xxxxxx Panel was also formed, and opened to audience questions. The Panel included Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Bobcat Café and Brewery in Bristol, VT; Xxxx Xxxxxxx, brewmaster at Otter Creek Brewing and Xxxxxxx’x Organics; Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery; and Xxxx Xxxxx from Fiddlehead Brewing. Of the attendees surveyed at the 2011 Winter Hops Conference, 44% were currently growing hops, and another 44% were interested in growing hops. 100% stated that the conference was “good” to “excellent”. Each speaker was found by the audience to be informative and interesting, and all of the speakers inspired the audience to learn more. BENEFICIARIES The several hundred attendees at hop related events, and the several thousand viewers of hops YouTube videos and visitors of the UVM Extension Crops and Soils Hops Page are the beneficiaries of this project. The Northeast Hops Alliance and the New England chapter of the Northeast Hop Alliance are also beneficiaries as they have had the opportunity to access regionally based hops related research, and have had a hand in guiding the research conducted by UVM Extension. These beneficiaries include potential, new, and established hop growers throughout the US and Canada. Additional beneficiaries include other agricultural professionals such as Extension staff, University professors, and US or state government employees. The brewers of Vermont and Massachusetts have also been and will continue to be important beneficiaries as they now have broader access to locally produced hops. As a result of this project as well as collaborative efforts with other organizations (NEHA, Cornell University), 6 breweries in Vermont and 8 breweries in Massachusetts, and numerous breweries in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York are now purchasing local hops. There have been 12 new commercial hop producers (New England and Eastern Canada) as a result of this project and collaborative efforts with other organizations. Based on our close interaction with these producers we have been able to assist them with production information. One of the producers commented “I have always wanted to grow hops but never felt like I would have the support or information I would need to be successful”. With your program I now feel confident to implement my new crop”. Most of these new growers have just established yards in 2011 or will establish in 2012. Hops produced on first year plants for all new farmers were quickly purchased by eager brewers. One xxxxxx commented “that he wanted to use local hops but he wasn’t able to find any”.

Goals and Outcomes Achieved. In 2013, 43 specialty crop farms received GAP certification. This was an increase from 25 farms in 2012. The UVM Extension research hopyard has led target number of 45 farms was not obtained due to an initial report time and personnel constraints. However, the producers that did not receive certification were later certified in 2014. Beneficiaries The forty three (43) specialty crop producers that obtained GAP certification for their farms. By receiving this certification, these growers became eligible to widen their sales into more markets, primarily the local school districts. Also, the nine “Promotions that Sell” awardees benefitted from the project. The presentations at the Annual Market Managers meeting should have encouraged and challenged other specialty crop vendors at the community farmers markets by giving them new merchandising and display ideas. This type of knowledge transfer can be a critical component to success for the vendors. Lessons Learned The total cost for GAP audits pose problems, especially for the smaller growers. This is one reason the target number of 45 farms was not reached. Despite having a reimbursement program through SCDA, the specialty crop growers state that they see no real need to be certified. Until the Food Safety Modernization Act is put into place and growers have to obtain certification, many are just not going to voluntarily participate and engage in allowing inspectors on their farms. Another reason for the suitability of commercially available hop varieties to the Northeastern climate. As hops are a perennial crop, future research lower number this year is needed to determine the suitability of these varieties over time, as the plants mature and as they are exposed to different pest and disease cycles. Through this initial funding we were also able to conduct preliminary trials on organic pest controls. Scouting data collected that many specialty crop producers have learned from those who sought GAP certification in the hopyard has also lead past that the overwhelming amount of documenting paperwork required for the audits is time consuming. The record keeping requirements for certification is another preventative barrier for many. The development of the quality manuals required more time and hands on training that originally projected by the project manager. The original goal of having 75 GAP certified farms might have possibly been reached if each of the farms previously certified had reapplied for and kept their certification active. This did not happen for a number of reasons, primarily cost of the audit and the burden of the documenting paperwork. In future efforts, SCDA hopes to increase the discovery number of varietal trends in potato leafhopper predation, something that has previously not been researched. Future work is needed with this particular pest, but also with hop pests in general. Pests that attack hops participants in the Northeast GAP Certification Training days. These workshops are different than those free to specialty crop growers, and through this type of interchange, the positive attributes of being GAP certified can be explained and explored, with the hopeful result of the efforts being more obtaining certification. Farmers and other food handlers must understand to make adjustments over the long term is to continuously adopt additional food safety guidelines as one of their risk management tool. To continue providing Food Safety and Marketing Education Workshops for farmers will help prepare them to make more informed decisions about managing their farming operation in manner that will help to increase their family’s income. I am of the opinion that the educational workshops and on farm field days that are an economic threat held will likely increase all farmers interest in the Pacific Northwest. Through regular scouting in the experimental hopyard pests and diseases are being identified and information is shared with growers through our web resources. The goal was to develop local and relevant research for Northeast hop growers. The outcome from this project is the establishment of a research hopyard and the initiation of a variety trial. In addition, the hopyard has allowed us to collect valuable information on fertility and pest issues in hopyards. Lastly, we are advisers to 3 growers that were awarded USDA SARE Farmer Grants to investigate fertility, trellis design, and harvesting questions on-farm. The goal was to develop relevant and practical educational programs and material. The outcome has been activities concerning the development of a diverse array new varieties of materials crops and events the new techniques that have been accessed by more than 1000 stakeholdersmay improve production and handling of specialty crops. Based on post conference survey data we have found that stakeholders are improving their hopyard production by accessing the materials. Future work needs to be done to document long term impact of the hops outreach program. The annual Winter Hops Conference was full to capacity in both 2010 and 2011, with over 100 participants each year, bringing together brewers, hop growers, and those interested in hops. In 2010, Xxxxx Contact Information Xxxx Xxxxxxxx, Director of Inspections SC Department of Agriculture 113 Xxxxxxx Court Cayce, SC 29033 xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xx.xxx 000-000-0000 Additional Information: The GAP brochure/handout created for distribution among the specialty crop growers: An example of a fourth generation hop farmer and hops geneticist was featured, and he gave an overview of hops production and hops breeding. Xxxx Xxxxxxxx from Xxxxxxxx Farms in Seneca Castle, NY has been growing hops manual developed for over a decade, along with over 1000 acres of vegetables. He shared his knowledge and experience on producing hops in the Northeast. Also invited was Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx from the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, and he discussed the work that GAP audit is being conducted in Quebec on hops production. Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, the brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery spoke about his experience with whole leaf hops and shared his enthusiasm for locally sourced hops. Of the attendees that responded to post conference surveys, 52% claimed to be currently growing hops, and 41% were interested in growing hops on a commercial scale. As a result of the conference, 38% of those polled intend to start growing hops, 36% intend to increase their hops production acreage, 25% will improve their pest management, 28% will improve their fertility management, and 23% will be able to more successfully market their hops. 83% stated that they felt they had better access to hops related information. The 2011 Winter Hops Conference featured Dr. Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Oregon State University, and he discussed disease management, hops genetics, and low-trellis hops production. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx has been working with the Vermont Historical Society, researching historical hops production in Vermont. He shared his findings with the audience. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, owner and operator of Borderview Farm, home of the UVM Extension research hopyard, gave a detailed talk on hopyard construction, highlighting construction materials and costs. A Xxxxxx Panel was also formed, and opened to audience questions. The Panel included Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Bobcat Café and Brewery in Bristol, VT; Xxxx Xxxxxxx, brewmaster at Otter Creek Brewing and Xxxxxxx’x Organics; Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery; and Xxxx Xxxxx from Fiddlehead Brewing. Of the attendees surveyed at the 2011 Winter Hops Conference, 44% were currently growing hops, and another 44% were interested in growing hops. 100% stated that the conference was “good” to “excellent”. Each speaker was found by the audience to be informative and interesting, and all of the speakers inspired the audience to learn more. BENEFICIARIES The several hundred attendees at hop related events, and the several thousand viewers of hops YouTube videos and visitors of the UVM Extension Crops and Soils Hops Page are the beneficiaries of this project. The Northeast Hops Alliance and the New England chapter of the Northeast Hop Alliance are also beneficiaries attached as they have had the opportunity to access regionally based hops related research, and have had a hand in guiding the research conducted by UVM Extension. These beneficiaries include potential, new, and established hop growers throughout the US and Canada. Additional beneficiaries include other agricultural professionals such as Extension staff, University professors, and US or state government employees. The brewers of Vermont and Massachusetts have also been and will continue to be important beneficiaries as they now have broader access to locally produced hops. As a result of this project as well as collaborative efforts with other organizations (NEHA, Cornell University), 6 breweries in Vermont and 8 breweries in Massachusetts, and numerous breweries in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York are now purchasing local hops. There have been 12 new commercial hop producers (New England and Eastern Canada) as a result of this project and collaborative efforts with other organizations. Based on our close interaction with these producers we have been able to assist them with production information. One of the producers commented “I have always wanted to grow hops but never felt like I would have the support or information I would need to be successful”. With your program I now feel confident to implement my new crop”. Most of these new growers have just established yards in 2011 or will establish in 2012. Hops produced on first year plants for all new farmers were quickly purchased by eager brewers. One xxxxxx commented “that he wanted to use local hops but he wasn’t able to find any”.Appendix B.

Goals and Outcomes Achieved. The UVM Extension research hopyard has led to an initial report on the suitability of commercially available hop varieties to the Northeastern climate. As hops are a perennial crop, future research is needed to determine the suitability of these varieties over time, as the plants mature and as they are exposed to different pest and disease cycles. Through this initial funding we were also able Data collected from the 2012 season has yet to conduct preliminary trials be fully analyzed, but is expected to shed new light on organic pest controlshop variety suitability. Scouting data collected in the hopyard has also lead to the discovery of varietal trends in potato leafhopper predation, something that has previously not been researched. Future work is needed with this particular pest, but also with hop pests in general. Pests that attack hops in the Northeast are different than those that are an economic threat in the Pacific Northwest. Through regular scouting in the experimental hopyard pests and diseases are being identified and information is shared with growers through our web resources. The goal was to develop local and relevant research for Northeast hop growers. The outcome from this project is the establishment of a research hopyard and the initiation of a variety trial. In addition, the hopyard has allowed us to collect valuable information on fertility and pest issues in hopyards. Lastly, we are advisers to 3 growers that were awarded USDA SARE Farmer Grants to investigate fertility, trellis design, and harvesting questions on-farm. The goal was to design a mobile hop harvester prototype. This was accomplished, and the blueprints have been made public on the UVM Extension Instructional Wiki page. The mobile hop harvester travelled to two farms in 2011, and to three farms in 2012. Many more farms also requested the use of the harvester, but we were unable to meet their needs due to delays from modifications in the design. The goal was to develop relevant and practical educational programs and material. The outcome has been the development of a diverse array of materials and events that have been accessed by more than 1000 stakeholders. Based on post post-conference survey data we have found that stakeholders are improving their hopyard production by accessing the materials. Future work needs to be done to document long term impact of the hops outreach program. The annual Winter Hops Conference was full to capacity in both 2010 YouTube videos were made and 2011publicized about hop growth, with over 100 participants each year, bringing together brewersdevelopment, hop growersstringing and training, and those interested in hops. In 2010other pertinent issues, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, a fourth generation hop farmer and hops geneticist was featured, and he gave an overview of hops production and hops breeding. Xxxx Xxxxxxxx from Xxxxxxxx Farms in Seneca Castle, NY has been growing hops for over a decade, along with over 1000 acres of vegetables. He shared his knowledge and experience on producing hops in the Northeast. Also invited was Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx from the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, and he discussed the work that is being conducted in Quebec on hops production. Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, the brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery spoke about his experience with whole leaf hops and shared his enthusiasm for locally sourced hops. Of the attendees that responded to post conference surveys, 52% claimed to be currently growing hops, and 41% were interested in growing hops on a commercial scale. As a result of the conference, 38% of those polled intend to start growing hops, 36% intend to increase their hops production acreage, 25% will improve their pest management, 28% will improve their fertility management, and 23% will be able to more successfully market their hops. 83% stated that they felt they had better access to hops related information. The 2011 Winter Hops Conference featured Dr. Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Oregon State University, and he discussed disease management, hops genetics, and low-trellis hops production. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx has been working with the Vermont Historical Society, researching historical hops production in Vermont. He shared his findings with the audience. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, owner and operator of Borderview Farm, home of the UVM Extension research hopyard, gave a detailed talk on hopyard construction, highlighting construction materials and costs. A Xxxxxx Panel was also formed, and opened to audience questions. The Panel included Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Bobcat Café and Brewery in Bristol, VT; Xxxx Xxxxxxx, brewmaster at Otter Creek Brewing and Xxxxxxx’x Organics; Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery; and Xxxx Xxxxx from Fiddlehead Brewing. Of the attendees surveyed at the 2011 Winter Hops Conference, 44% were currently growing hops, and another 44% were interested in growing hops. 100% stated that the conference was “good” to “excellent”. Each speaker was found by the audience to be informative and interesting, and all of the speakers inspired the audience to learn more. BENEFICIARIES The several hundred attendees at hop related events, and the several thousand viewers of hops YouTube videos and visitors of the UVM Extension Crops and Soils Hops Page are the beneficiaries of this project. The Northeast Hops Alliance and the New England chapter of the Northeast Hop Alliance are also beneficiaries as they have had the opportunity to access regionally based hops related research, and have had a hand in guiding the research conducted by UVM Extension. These beneficiaries include potential, new, and established hop growers throughout the US and Canada. Additional beneficiaries include other agricultural professionals such as Extension staff, University professors, and US or state government employees. The brewers of Vermont and Massachusetts have also been and will continue to be important beneficiaries as they now have broader access to locally produced hops. As setting up irrigation in a result of this project as well as collaborative efforts with other organizations (NEHA, Cornell University), 6 breweries in Vermont and 8 breweries in Massachusetts, and numerous breweries in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York are now purchasing local hops. There have been 12 new commercial hop producers (New England and Eastern Canada) as a result of this project and collaborative efforts with other organizations. Based on our close interaction with these producers we have been able to assist them with production information. One of the producers commented “I have always wanted to grow hops but never felt like I would have the support or information I would need to be successful”. With your program I now feel confident to implement my new crop”. Most of these new growers have just established yards in 2011 or will establish in 2012. Hops produced on first year plants for all new farmers were quickly purchased by eager brewers. One xxxxxx commented “that he wanted to use local hops but he wasn’t able to find any”small-scale hopyard.

Goals and Outcomes Achieved. The UVM Extension research hopyard has led three objectives of this project were to an initial report on the suitability of 1) to conduct a cultivar evaluation to determine enhanced tolerance to Pythium root rot with commercially available hop varieties poinsettia cultivars, 2) evaluated the efficacy of biological control products (biofungicides) for control of Pythium root rot of poinsettia, and 3) develop enterprise budgets on Pythium root rot management alternatives to assist growers’ management decisions and disseminate results from the project to the Northeastern climategrowers in MS. As hops Objectives 1 and 2 have been met, although it would have been better to have an additional replication of the biological fungicides. Objective 3 is ongoing; the data from these trials are being used to write an extension publication that will include a perennial cropbudget. A set of poinsettia cultivars tolerant to infection by Pythium aphanidermatum has been identified. Some of the cultivars are long time standards, future research so an additional learning curve for the grower will not be necessary. Biological fungicides may help growers produce more vigorous poinsettias, but further work is needed to determine identify potential problems revealed by this study, especially pertaining to multiple drenches and plant growth and the suitability variety/fungicide interaction. Although the objectives were not long term, the clear results of these varieties over timethe variety trial have triggered an effort to start a Pythium aphanidermatum trial for this upcoming spring. Screening of new poinsettia cultivars, as especially white colored cultivars, will be the plants mature major intent of the trial. If successful, this may turn into a bi-annual project for grower advisory. Growers have toured the trials and as they are been exposed to different pest and disease cyclessome of the results at meetings. Through this initial funding we In November 2012, at the 2012 Mid-South Green Industry Conference, 12 growers attended the demonstration in addition to about ten landscapers, vendors, etc. Trials were also able open to conduct preliminary trials on organic pest controls. Scouting data collected in the hopyard has also lead visitors to the discovery Crystal Springs Truck Crops Experiment Station and at the 2012 Fall Garden Fest where tours were held for growers and the public. Total attendance for the demonstrations and trial for 2012 was 112. A press release was published on MSUCares at the start of varietal trends the project in potato leafhopper predation2011, something that has previously not been researched. Future work is needed with this particular pest, but also with hop pests in general. Pests that attack hops in the Northeast are different than those that are an economic threat in the Pacific Northwest. Through regular scouting in the experimental hopyard pests and diseases are being identified and information is shared with growers through our web resources. The goal was to develop local and relevant research for Northeast hop growers. The outcome xxxx://xxxxxxxx.xxx/news/print/agnews/an11/111201.html; recommendations from this project is the establishment of a research hopyard and the initiation of a variety trial. In additionhave not been published at this time, the hopyard has allowed us to collect valuable information on fertility and pest issues in hopyards. Lastly, we they are advisers to 3 growers that were awarded USDA SARE Farmer Grants to investigate fertility, trellis design, and harvesting questions on-farm. The goal was to develop relevant and practical educational programs and material. The outcome has been the development of a diverse array of materials and events that have been accessed by more than 1000 stakeholders. Based on post conference survey data we have found that stakeholders are improving their hopyard production by accessing the materials. Future work needs to be done to document long term impact of the hops outreach program. The annual Winter Hops Conference was full to capacity in both 2010 and 2011, with over 100 participants each year, bringing together brewers, hop growers, and those interested in hops. In 2010, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, a fourth generation hop farmer and hops geneticist was featured, and he gave an overview of hops production and hops breeding. Xxxx Xxxxxxxx from Xxxxxxxx Farms in Seneca Castle, NY has been growing hops for over a decade, along with over 1000 acres of vegetables. He shared his knowledge and experience on producing hops in the Northeastprocess of preparing for future release. Also invited An article, “Efficacy of Non-conventional Fungicides for Control of Pythium Root Rot in Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima,” was Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx from published in Ocobter 2012 in the Quebec Ministry Journal of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, and he discussed the work that is being conducted in Quebec on hops production. Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, the brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery spoke about his experience with whole leaf hops and shared his enthusiasm for locally sourced hops. Of the attendees that responded to post conference surveys, 52% claimed to be currently growing hops, and 41% were interested in growing hops on a commercial scaleMississippi Academy of Sciences. As a result of the conferencementioned earlier, 38% of those polled intend to start growing hopsan Extension publication is in process and shall be published by late spring or early summer 2014 which will contain variety trial results, 36% intend to increase their hops production acreage, 25% will improve their pest management, 28% will improve their fertility management, and 23% will be able to more successfully market their hops. 83% stated that they felt they had better access to hops related information. The 2011 Winter Hops Conference featured Dr. Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Oregon State University, and he discussed disease management, hops genetics, and low-trellis hops production. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx has been working with the Vermont Historical Society, researching historical hops production in Vermont. He shared his findings with the audience. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, owner and operator of Borderview Farm, home of the UVM Extension research hopyard, gave a detailed talk on hopyard construction, highlighting construction materials and costs. A Xxxxxx Panel was also formed, and opened to audience questions. The Panel included Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Bobcat Café and Brewery in Bristol, VT; Xxxx Xxxxxxx, brewmaster at Otter Creek Brewing and Xxxxxxx’x Organics; Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery; and Xxxx Xxxxx from Fiddlehead Brewing. Of the attendees surveyed at the 2011 Winter Hops Conference, 44% were currently growing hops, and another 44% were interested in growing hops. 100% stated that the conference was “good” to “excellent”. Each speaker was found by the audience to be informative and interesting, and all of the speakers inspired the audience to learn more. BENEFICIARIES The several hundred attendees at hop related eventsrecommendations, and the several thousand viewers of hops YouTube videos budget; this article will also be published on MSUCares. An article will be published in the spring 2014 Mississippi Nursery and visitors of the UVM Extension Crops Landscape Association Newsletter. Direct visits to poinsettia growers to discuss results and Soils Hops Page are the beneficiaries of this projectfuture research will continue. The Northeast Hops Alliance and the New England chapter of the Northeast Hop Alliance are also beneficiaries as they Visits have had the opportunity to access regionally based hops related researchincluded growers with Natchez Trace, Xxxxxx’x Nursery, and have had a hand in guiding the research conducted by UVM Extension. These beneficiaries include potential, new, and established hop growers throughout the US and Canada. Additional beneficiaries include other agricultural professionals such as Extension staff, University professors, and US or state government employees. The brewers of Vermont and Massachusetts have also been and will continue to be important beneficiaries as they now have broader access to locally produced hops. As a result of this project as well as collaborative efforts with other organizations (NEHA, Cornell University), 6 breweries in Vermont and 8 breweries in Massachusetts, and numerous breweries in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York are now purchasing local hops. There have been 12 new commercial hop producers (New England and Eastern Canada) as a result of this project and collaborative efforts with other organizations. Based on our close interaction with these producers we have been able to assist them with production information. One of the producers commented “I have always wanted to grow hops but never felt like I would have the support or information I would need to be successful”. With your program I now feel confident to implement my new crop”. Most of these new growers have just established yards in 2011 or will establish in 2012. Hops produced on first year plants for all new farmers were quickly purchased by eager brewers. One xxxxxx commented “that he wanted to use local hops but he wasn’t able to find any”Xxxxx Nursery.

Goals and Outcomes Achieved. The UVM Extension research hopyard main goal of providing a cost-effective production system for the production of high quality blueberries using EMF is a long term goal. However, progress towards achieving this goal has led to an initial report been made; increased nutrient uptake by blueberry plants using EMF was achieved and reported. In addition, yield was not affected and plant growth was enhanced. There were no negative effects of EMF on the suitability of commercially available hop varieties to the Northeastern climateblueberry production. As hops are The reduction in fertilizer and fertilizer application resulting in a perennial cropcost-effective (cost savings associated with fertilizer use) blueberry production system is also long term and should be investigated, future research is needed to determine the suitability of these varieties over time, as the plants mature and as they are exposed to different pest and disease cyclessince yield was not decreased by EMF. Through this initial funding we were also able project, 300 people have benefited through presentations, field days, and demonstrations, however, there are no reported growers that have adopted our findings in their blueberry production practices. On farm demonstrations to conduct preliminary trials on organic pest controlsencourage use of EMF should be beneficial to encourage and show growers the benefits of EMF. Scouting data collected Presentations of results will continue to be disseminated and research will hopefully find resources to continue. Beneficiaries Blueberry growers in MS will benefit from the hopyard has also lead findings of this project. Enhanced mineral uptake by the blueberry plants due to EMF will reduce the discovery of varietal trends need for inorganic fertilizer and, thus result in potato leafhopper predation, something that has previously not been researched. Future work is needed with this particular pest, but also with hop pests in general. Pests that attack hops in the Northeast are different than those that are an increased economic threat in the Pacific Northwest. Through regular scouting in the experimental hopyard pests and diseases are being identified and information is shared with growers through our web resources. The goal was to develop local and relevant research returns for Northeast hop growers. The outcome from this project is the establishment of a research hopyard and the initiation of a variety trial. In addition, the hopyard has allowed us methodology developed to collect valuable information propagate and inoculate field grown plants will benefit personnel involved in blueberry orchard management. The number of people benefited through presentations, field days and demonstrations were 300. Presently, growers have not adopted our findings in their blueberry production practices. On farm demonstrations to encourage use of EMF should be beneficial to encourage and show growers the benefits of EMF. Lessons Learned This project was overly ambitious in that four locations were used for study. This increased the amount of labor required and labor wages were not included in the grant. However, it was determined that responses to EMF varied based on fertility location, most likely due to the soil type and pest issues in hopyards. LastlypH. Also, we are advisers more than three years data would be required and would strengthen the project, since it took one year to 3 growers that were awarded USDA SARE Farmer Grants to investigate fertilitypropagate the fungi, trellis designinoculate the plants, and harvesting questions on-farmfor the EMF to grow and proliferate on the plants roots. The goal In addition, seminars and workshops were difficult to conduct since conclusive evidence of benefits from the EMF fungi was to develop relevant and practical educational programs and material. The outcome has been not available during the development of a diverse array of materials and events that have been accessed by more than 1000 stakeholders. Based on post conference survey data we have found that stakeholders are improving their hopyard production by accessing the materials. Future work needs to be done to document long term impact early stages of the hops outreach program. The annual Winter Hops Conference was full to capacity in both 2010 and 2011, with over 100 participants each year, bringing together brewers, hop growers, and those interested in hops. In 2010, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, a fourth generation hop farmer and hops geneticist was featured, and he gave an overview of hops production and hops breeding. Xxxx Xxxxxxxx from Xxxxxxxx Farms in Seneca Castle, NY has been growing hops for over a decade, along with over 1000 acres of vegetables. He shared his knowledge and experience on producing hops in the Northeast. Also invited was Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx from the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, and he discussed the work that is being conducted in Quebec on hops production. Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, the brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery spoke about his experience with whole leaf hops and shared his enthusiasm for locally sourced hops. Of the attendees that responded to post conference surveys, 52% claimed to be currently growing hops, and 41% were interested in growing hops on a commercial scale. As a result of the conference, 38% of those polled intend to start growing hops, 36% intend to increase their hops production acreage, 25% will improve their pest management, 28% will improve their fertility management, and 23% will be able to more successfully market their hops. 83% stated that they felt they had better access to hops related information. The 2011 Winter Hops Conference featured Dr. Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Oregon State University, and he discussed disease management, hops genetics, and low-trellis hops production. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx has been working with the Vermont Historical Society, researching historical hops production in Vermont. He shared his findings with the audience. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, owner and operator of Borderview Farm, home of the UVM Extension research hopyard, gave a detailed talk on hopyard construction, highlighting construction materials and costs. A Xxxxxx Panel was also formed, and opened to audience questions. The Panel included Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Bobcat Café and Brewery in Bristol, VT; Xxxx Xxxxxxx, brewmaster at Otter Creek Brewing and Xxxxxxx’x Organics; Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery; and Xxxx Xxxxx from Fiddlehead Brewing. Of the attendees surveyed at the 2011 Winter Hops Conference, 44% were currently growing hops, and another 44% were interested in growing hops. 100% stated that the conference was “good” to “excellent”. Each speaker was found by the audience to be informative and interesting, and all of the speakers inspired the audience to learn more. BENEFICIARIES The several hundred attendees at hop related events, and the several thousand viewers of hops YouTube videos and visitors of the UVM Extension Crops and Soils Hops Page are the beneficiaries of this project. The Northeast Hops Alliance and the New England chapter of the Northeast Hop Alliance are also beneficiaries as they have had the opportunity to access regionally based hops related research, and have had a hand in guiding the research conducted by UVM Extension. These beneficiaries include potential, new, and established hop growers throughout the US and Canada. Additional beneficiaries include other agricultural professionals such as Extension staff, University professors, and US or state government employees. The brewers of Vermont and Massachusetts have also been and will continue to be important beneficiaries as they now have broader access to locally produced hops. As a result of this project as well as collaborative efforts with other organizations (NEHA, Cornell University), 6 breweries in Vermont and 8 breweries in Massachusetts, and numerous breweries in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York are now purchasing local hops. There have been 12 new commercial hop producers (New England and Eastern Canada) as a result of this project and collaborative efforts with other organizations. Based on our close interaction with these producers we have been able to assist them with production information. One of the producers commented “I have always wanted to grow hops but never felt like I would have the support or information I would need to be successful”. With your program I now feel confident to implement my new crop”. Most of these new growers have just established yards in 2011 or will establish in 2012. Hops produced on first year plants for all new farmers were quickly purchased by eager brewers. One xxxxxx commented “that he wanted to use local hops but he wasn’t able to find any”.

Goals and Outcomes Achieved. The UVM Extension research hopyard has led to an initial report on the suitability of commercially available hop varieties to the Northeastern climate. As hops are a perennial crop, future research is needed to determine the suitability of these varieties over time, as the plants mature and as they are exposed to different pest and disease cycles. Through this initial funding we were also able to conduct preliminary trials on organic pest controls. Scouting data collected in the hopyard has also lead to the discovery of varietal trends in potato leafhopper predation, something that has previously not been researched. Future work is needed with this particular pest, but also with hop pests in general. Pests that attack hops in the Northeast are different than those that are an economic threat in the Pacific Northwest. Through regular scouting in the experimental hopyard pests and diseases are being identified and information is shared with growers through our web resources. The goal was to develop local and relevant research for Northeast hop growers. The outcome from this project is the establishment of a research hopyard and the initiation of a variety trial. In addition, the hopyard has allowed us to collect valuable information on fertility and pest issues in hopyards. Lastly, we are advisers to 3 growers that were awarded USDA SARE Farmer Grants to investigate fertility, trellis design, and harvesting questions on-farm. The goal was to develop relevant and practical educational programs and material. The outcome has been the development of a diverse array of materials and events that have been accessed by more than 1000 stakeholders. Based on post conference survey data we have found that stakeholders are improving their hopyard production by accessing the materials. Future work needs to be done to document long term impact of the hops outreach program. The annual Winter Hops Conference was full to capacity in both 2010 and 2011, with over 100 participants each year, bringing together brewers, hop growers, and those interested in hops. In 2010, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx, a fourth generation hop farmer and hops geneticist was featured, and he gave an overview of hops production and hops breeding. Xxxx Xxxxxxxx from Xxxxxxxx Farms in Seneca Castle, NY has been growing hops for over a decade, along with over 1000 acres of vegetables. He shared his knowledge and experience on producing hops in the Northeast. Also invited was Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx from the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, and he discussed the work that is being conducted in Quebec on hops production. Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, the brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery spoke about his experience with whole leaf hops and shared his enthusiasm for locally sourced hops. Of the attendees that responded to post conference surveys, 52% claimed to be currently growing hops, and 41% were interested in growing hops on a commercial scale. As a result of the conference, 38% of those polled intend to start growing hops, 36% intend to increase their hops production acreage, 25% will improve their pest management, 28% will improve their fertility management, and 23% will be able to more successfully market their hops. 83% stated that they felt they had better access to hops related information. The 2011 Winter Hops Conference featured Dr. Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Oregon State University, and he discussed disease management, hops genetics, and low-trellis hops production. Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx has been working with the Vermont Historical Society, researching historical hops production in Vermont. He shared his findings with the audience. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, owner and operator of Borderview Farm, home of the UVM Extension research hopyard, gave a detailed talk on hopyard construction, highlighting construction materials and costs. A Xxxxxx Panel was also formed, and opened to audience questions. The Panel included Xxxx Xxxxxxx from Bobcat Café and Brewery in Bristol, VT; Xxxx Xxxxxxx, brewmaster at Otter Creek Brewing and Xxxxxxx’x Organics; Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, brewmaster at Xxxxx Family Brewery; and Xxxx Xxxxx from Fiddlehead Brewing. Of the attendees surveyed at the 2011 Winter Hops Conference, 44% were currently growing hops, and another 44% were interested in growing hops. 100% stated that the conference was “good” to “excellent”. Each speaker was found by the audience to be informative and interesting, and all of the speakers inspired the audience to learn more. BENEFICIARIES The several hundred attendees at hop related events, and the several thousand viewers of hops YouTube videos and visitors of the UVM Extension Crops and Soils Hops Page are the beneficiaries of this project. The Northeast Hops Alliance and the New England chapter of the Northeast Hop Alliance are also beneficiaries as they have had the opportunity to access regionally based hops related research, and have had a hand in guiding the research conducted by UVM Extension. These beneficiaries include potential, new, and established hop growers throughout the US and Canada. Additional beneficiaries include other agricultural professionals such as Extension staff, University professors, and US or state government employees. The brewers of Vermont and Massachusetts have also been and will continue to be important beneficiaries as they now have broader access to locally produced hops. As a result GOAL of this project as well as collaborative efforts with was to “conduct survey research that will provide quantitative measurements of Southeastern consumer behavior specific to their decision to purchase locally- grown fresh produce” and to disseminate the research findings to growers and agricultural professionals (PERFORMANCE MEASURE) in order to help them make more informed production and marketing decisions. Both of these goals were completed. Furthermore, the results pertain to a relatively understudied population, produce consumers in the Southeastern US (BENCHMARK). Besides the dissemination of results to growers at the workshops, the master’s student working on the project presented preliminary results from the survey at the 2013 annual meeting of the Food Distribution Research Society in Chicago, IL to an audience of primarily academic and food researchers. Also, we expect to write two research manuscripts to be published in academic journals to further disseminate the findings to other organizations specialty crop and food issue researchers. One manuscript will focus on consumer willingness to pay for environmental attributes of food production and the other will focus on the health factors affecting local food purchase decisions. Beneficiaries Although only two producers completed our feedback survey (NEHA, Cornell Universitysee above), 6 breweries the results were disseminated to all producers who attended the workshops. The results provide information that the producers can possibly use to increase profits through alternative production and marketing strategies. The information might also signal that certain production strategies are not feasible (i.e. “worth it”) for certain producers. Either way, the information fills a knowledge gap that existed before the research was undertaken. Other researchers might also benefit from this research. We believe the tomato survey was high quality and that similar research can and should be conducted for other specialty crops. We deliberately focused our health factors more specifically in Vermont order to gain more precise knowledge about what exactly it is about health that affects purchasing decisions. We believe this focus should be replicated in future studies. In general, our study examined both environmental issues and 8 breweries health issues in Massachusettsmore detail than previous studies. The economic impact of this study will be borne out in future years. Now producers have more information about what consumers care about when making fresh produce purchasing decisions. The next step is for producers to decide whether it is beneficial to them to alter their production processes or to change their marketing strategies. Their decisions will ultimately be the test of the usefulness of our research and other similar research studies. Lessons Learned The research team learned a lot from conducting this study. First, we learned that produce purchase decisions are more complex than we previously thought. From existing studies, we had only a vague understanding that consumers “consider the environment” or “are concerned about health” when they make produce purchase decisions, but little more detail was known. This study helped us to learn more about what exactly it is about the environment that they care about, for example, water conservation, travel miles, pesticides, and numerous breweries in Mainefertilizer types. We learned that certain types of health issues, New Hampshirelike heart disease, are strongly correlated with local food purchases, but that others, such as diabetes, back and joint pain, and New York are now purchasing local hopsAlzheimer’s or dementia, do not seem to be as strongly correlated except possibly when the respondent himself/herself has the ailment. There have been 12 new commercial hop Through our discussions with producers, we also learned about the challenges of connecting consumer desires with producer capabilities. Many producers (New England and Eastern Canada) as express the desire to better understand what consumers want when they purchase locally-grown food. After learning about consumer desires, however, they also recognize that not all the desires can be easily met. For example, the Southeast has a result of this project and collaborative efforts with other organizationsclimate that makes organic or even low-pesticide production processes extremely difficult. Based on our close interaction with these producers we have been able to assist them with production information. One However, one of the advantages of our study is that we never framed the production processes as all-or-nothing. We deliberately specified incremental changes in production processes so that producers commented “I have always wanted could decide whether to grow hops make incremental production changes. For example, they almost certainly cannot eliminate pesticides entirely, but never felt like I would have the support or information I would need they could make incremental reductions for which they might expect to be successful”rewarded through higher price premiums. With your program I now feel confident Also, a recycled-water system may not be feasible for many growers, but perhaps a low- cost water catchment system might be a feasible alternative. It can be a challenge to implement my new crop”. Most change producer thinking towards the idea of these new growers have just established yards in 2011 or will establish in 2012. Hops produced on first year plants for all new farmers were quickly purchased by eager brewers. One xxxxxx commented “that he wanted incremental changes rather than considering only a complete production changeover to use local hops but he wasn’t able to find any”organic production.