At a glance:

UM Fruit Production Web Site

Veg Edge IPM Resource Web Page

Printable Info Sheet

Minnesota's local and regional food system includes the production of sweet corn, peas, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, squash, pumpkins, green beans, apples, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and carrots. Unlike many sectors of the agricultural economy, commercial vegetable and fruit production in Minnesota is increasing steadily. Commercial growers of all farm sizes continue to seek new research information and educational opportunities to refine their production and marketing practices to produce healthy foods and enhance profitability. The Commercial Fruit & Vegetable Program seeks to research and educate on early-season stand establishment and development of integrated cropping systems that improve production efficiency while reducing inputs and protecting our natural resources.

Audience

• Fresh market producers
• Growers of fruits and vegetables for processing
• Processing industry
• Associated agribusinesses
• New immigrant farmers

Specific Goals

• To enhance the profitability and efficiency of fruit and vegetable crop production, maintain food security, increase the potential of locally-grown
  produce, and add value while maintaining the sustainability of the Minnesota vegetable and fruit crop industry.

Team Members

• Roger Becker, Program Coordinator & Weed Management Specialist [info]
• Carl Rosen, Program Coordinator & Nutrient Management Specialist [info]
• Karl Foord, Educator
• Vince Fritz, Vegetable Content Specialist [info]
• Emily Hoover, Fruit Content Specialist
• Bill Hutchison, IPM Content Specialist [info]
• Terry Nennich, Educator [info]
• Bob Olen, Educator
• Duane Preston, Educator & Potato Content Specialist [info]
• Cindy Tong, Postharvest Content Specialist [info]
• Jerry Wright, Irrigation Content Specialist [info]

Partners

• Area II Potato Growers Association
• Irrigators Association of Minnesota
• Midwest Food Processors Association
• Minnesota Apple Growers Association
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
• North Central Pest Management Center - Minnesota Project
• Northern Plains Potato Growers Association
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency
• University of Illinois
• University of Wisconsin

What we do...

• UM Fruit Production Web Site
• Veg Edge IPM Resource Web Page
• Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers
• Extension Publications
• Minnesota Vegetable IPM Newsletter
• New Immigrant Farm Program
• Wisconsin-Minnesota Ag Weather Daily Crop Evapotranspiration website
• Midwest Food Processors Association Processing Food Crops Meeting
• Commercial Grower Field Days
• Midwest Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Meeting
• Presentations at Commodity Group Meetings
• North Country Small Fruit School
• Northern Minnesota Vegetable Conference
• Grower Round Tables