| News Release
For Immediate Release
October 6, 2008
Contact: Sally Worley, Practical Farmers of Iowa, (515) 232-5661, sally@practicalfarmers.org
Grant Helps Farmers Change the Meaning of Seasonal
Ames—Imagine sitting down to a fresh winter spinach salad, or snacking on a just-picked vine-ripe spring tomato. Thanks to a grant from the Ceres Foundation, Practical Farmers of Iowa is helping farmers extend the season to make this a reality at more tables.
Season extension is the top priority of the fruit and vegetable producers in the membership of Practical Farmers of Iowa. Providing local food for a longer period of time is a win-win. Farmers increase their revenue window, and the definition of local, seasonal fruits and vegetables expands for consumers.
Season extension is anything that allows crops to be produced outside of their normal growing season. Examples include: greenhouses, high tunnels, cold frames, row covers, and mulches. Growers face challenges when incorporating season extension, including the added costs of materials, labor, and supplemental energy. Practical Farmers of Iowa members have identified what they want to learn more about in order to make season extension profitable and feasible for them:
- Renewable energy for sustainable heating systems
- Root cellars
- Variety selection, plant scheduling, and economics
- Strengths and weaknesses of various structures and techniques
The Ceres Foundation has awarded Practical Farmers of Iowa a grant for $50,000 to address these needs over the next year. With their support, Practical Farmers of Iowa plans to:
- Offer field days where farmers can demonstrate their season extension systems to others
- Hold workshops where farmers and season extension experts share information about different systems
- Help farmers analyze what size and scope of season extension would be appropriate for their specific needs
- Conduct research and demonstration projects to help farmers implement the information they learn
Practical Farmers of Iowa will hold their first season extension workshop at their annual conference in Marshalltown on January 10, 2009. Additional workshops, research projects, and demonstrations will be announced. If you would like to know more details about this project, or if you are interested in participating, contact Sally Worley, (515)232-5661, sally@practicalfarmers.org
Practical Farmers of Iowa includes a diverse group of farmers and nonfarmers. Corn, soybeans, beef cattle, and hay are the top enterprises for PFI farmers, although many have a variety of other operations, including fruits and vegetables. PFI’s programming stresses farmer-to-farmer networking through research and demonstration, field days, conferences, and more. For more information, call 515-232-5661 or visit www.practicalfarmers.org.
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