The Berry DisPatch

Newsletter of the Wisconsin Berry Growers Association

November, 2002

On-Farm Trials for Overlooked Fruit Crops

Dale Secher, Carandale Farm

I have initiated an on-farm trial for screening unknown, little known and overlooked fruit crops for adaptability, sustainability and economic potential. The goal of this project is to introduce new choices in the local food shed, strengthen producer-consumer relationships, diversify the agricultural base (especially in urbanizing areas), create profitable niche markets, and perhaps even benefit public health by introducing fresh and processed fruit products with high nutriceutical value.

BACKGROUND

This project has been in the idea stage for many years. To become reality, ideas need motivation, timing, opportunity, follow through and practical application.

More than 30 years of horticultural production and marketing experience along with 20 years of involvement in land use planning issues provided motivation.

Availability of new and exciting fruit cultivars from Northern Europe and Russia, along with new information about nutriceuticals (foods that have naturally occurring medicinal qualities), makes the project timely.

Additional funds for the state Agricultural Development and Diversification (ADD) Grant program earmarked specifically for non-commodity crops provided an increased opportunity for financial assistance.

The support and enthusiasm has been overwhelming. A special thank you goes to Michelle Miller from the UW Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) who helped format and prepare the ADD grant proposal, Dr. Brian Smith who is providing consultant services, and Dr. Leslie Cooperband from the UW College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Department of Soil Science who is collaborating on fertility, soil quality and compost issues. As the project progresses, other specialists from the UW will be contacted for collaboration and technical support.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture has made this idea a reality by funding a $9,000 grant request. Lee Cunningham from the Dane County Ag Extension Office is enthusiastic about the project and encouraged application for supplemental funding through the 2003 Dane County Ag Enterprise Grant Program. If approved, the additional funding will expand the project and increase the odds of identifying new alternative fruit crops that are adaptable, sustainable and economically significant.

We plan to post the entire text of the (approved) grant request on our website (www.carandale.com), along with periodic progress reports which will provide detailed information about the project.

PROJECT SUMMARY

This is an open ended, on-farm trial to screen unknown, little known and overlooked fruit crops from around the world to determine climatic adaptability, pest issues, fruit characteristics, market acceptance and processing potential. The ultimate goal is to identify alternative fruit crops that will stimulate the agricultural economy. Agricultural development that is compatible and economically competitive with urban development would provide land use planners with a tool to preserve open space and provide environmental corridors which would enhance quality of life for generations. Urbanization itself would provide local markets that would benefit producers, processors, marketers and distributors.

The project is broken down into three distinct, but somewhat overlapping phases. Phase I is planning, preparation and establishment of a 2-acre test plot. Phase II consists of screening and evaluating potential fruit crops. Phase III consists of marketing and product development.

Elements of Phase I include site selection (July, 2002) and fall preparation (Aug/Oct, 2002). Dr. Smith helped select a 2-acre site which has good horticultural characteristics and is easily accessible. The site has been prepared and a permanent ground cover (Chewings Fescue and Perennial Rye) has been established. 20 cubic yards of compost is on site.

The next activity (Nov/Dec, 2002) will be a worldwide search to identify and locate plant material for trial. This is currently underway with a literature and Internet search, along with input from collaborators. Dr. Smith will consult on the final selections. Site layout and plant acquisition (Jan-Mar, 2003) will be followed by fencing for wildlife protection, planting and establishment activities (Apr-June, 2003). This phase is funded (in part) by an ADD grant through June 30, 2003, with a final report due on Sept. 1, 2003. This phase is the most capital intensive part of the overall project and is the basis for all future activities.

Phase II consists of horticultural screening and evaluation for winter hardiness, growth characteristics, pest problems, growing season requirements, susceptibility to frost damage, response to high summer temperature, cultural demands (pruning, supports, etc.), harvest season, ease of harvest and fruit characteristics. It is anticipated that some of these horticultural characteristics could change significantly from those exhibited in their native areas in response to our climate. Lingonberry is a classic example. Its fruiting cycle is altered significantly when grown in areas south of its normal growing range. Instead of producing a single crop in the fall, it produces 2 crops (a July crop and an October crop), each with different fruiting characteristics (Reff-ADD 1999 Grant project final report, contract No. 13017/Developing Commercial Production of Lingonberries in Wisconsin.)

Elements of Phase II include maintenance, intensive scouting, record keeping, interpretation, detailed reports and some public information and outreach, which could include field day activities. Cost of supplies and materials should be minimal. The quality and value of outputs will be a direct result of labor availability and collaborative effort. Additional funding will be requested to help cover the costs of this phase.

Phase III consists of marketing trials and new product development. This will provide the basis for significant public information efforts and for spinning off new research projects for continued agricultural development. Dane County Farmer’s Market will be an outlet for testing consumer acceptance of fresh products. Gourmet restaurants are eager to try new and unusual fruits (processed or fresh) that could become menu alternatives. Public information and collaborative effort will shift emphasis to specific projects that will stimulate agricultural development and diversification.

It is anticipated that the wide range of fruit crops ultimately selected for evaluation will start to produce fruit from one to five or more years after planting. This means that Phase III activities will overlap significantly with Phase II.

Following is a preliminary list of some of the fruit types that might be considered for evaluation pending further research. Fruits such as Sea Berry, Honeyberry, and Goumi are virtually unknown in our area, whereas Mulberry, Black Currents and American Persimmon are little known. Red Currents, Gooseberries and Plums may be examples of fruit crops with overlooked potential.