Report
Facts About Organic Research & Education at WSU
Washington State University
03/2006
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000002555
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/119233
Abstract
The Pacific Northwest enjoys unique advantages that support the growth of organic agriculture. We have a wide variety of climates and soil types, access to capital and technology, a history of innovation in farming, and supportive citizens. Today, more than 1,000 farmers in the region are adopting organic agriculture to meet rising demand here and around the world. When the public invests in research and development of organic agriculture, everyone benefits. Organic agriculture enjoys strong support among consumers, and it has been shown to enhance natural resources and promote farm worker safety. • By helping to improve soil quality and reduce pesticide use, methods developed through this initiative benefit all growers, regardless of whether they choose to have certified organic farms. • WSU has more than 30 faculty members actively involved in organic agriculture. In addition, the state has the most scientists from the USDA Agricultural Research Service working on organic agriculture, outside of ARS headquarters. • The organic label helps U.S. producers, processors, marketers, distributors and retailers of farm products stay competitive in a difficult global marketplace. The U.S. must continue to invest in organic agriculture research and development to remain competitive. • Washington is a leading producer of soft white wheat, but farmers cannot meet the current regional demand for organically certified soft white wheat. Washington organic food companies are supporting WSU research on wheat varieties and production practices, and WSU is working with Washington farmers to test new varieties for market. • Growing over half the nation's organic apples, pears and cherries, Washington State is the leading producer of these crops. A new organic method of control for cherry fruit fly developed by WSU has been adopted by 100 percent of organic cherry growers in the western states as well as by many conventional cherry growers, with complete control of the pest. • Seed production in Washington is a multi-million dollar industry, and demand for organic seed increases annually. WSU research helps our state's seed industry stay on the cutting edge of this market.
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Details
- Title
- Facts About Organic Research & Education at WSU
- Creators
- David Granatstein - Washington State University, WSU Extension ANRCAROL ANN MILES - Washington State University, Horticulture, Department of
- Academic Unit
- WSU Extension ANR
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900626284301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Report