Northern Organic Vegetable Improvement Collaborative
The Northern Organic Vegetable Improvement Collaborative (NOVIC) joins researchers and farmers in Northern U.S. states to address organic farmers’ seed and plant breeding needs. Our collaborative includes researchers and educators from Oregon State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Cornell University, Washington State University, Organic Seed Alliance, and the USDA. We are partnering with over 30 organic farmers to breed new varieties, identify the best performing existing varieties for organic agriculture, and educate farmers on organic seed production and plant variety improvement.
Western Cover Crops Council
The mission of the WCCC is to facilitate and enhance communication and collaboration that promotes the successful adoption and integration of cover cropping into Western U.S. agricultural systems. This website features cover crop information and WCCC activities.
Calcarious soil blueberry nutrient management
To overcome grower challenges the research team has developed a set of five objectives to optimize production inputs and improve system economics. Research objectives are intended to: 1) Develop novel applications of elemental sulfur to rapidly reduce and manage soil pH; 2) Produce and incorporate acidified grape pomace compost to raise the organic matter content of the soil; and 3) Assess production methods and formulations of biochar amendments as they relate to blueberry production. To complement the applied field-based research, collaborators are tracking expenses and working with growers and economists to produce a cost/benefit analysis of these research practices. Project information and research results will be used to develop region-specific educational programs to support and inform blueberry producers east of the Cascades.