2007-2011 ISU Extension Plan of Work -- 130 Horticulture: Commercial and Consumer

Statement of Issues:

The horticulture planned program joins commercial and consumer horticulture extension programs to provide accurate, research-based information for audiences in rural and urban settings in Iowa. The ISU Horticulture Extension staff in this area has the knowledge, abilities, and network to disseminate this information to our clients. The primary emphasis of this joint programming effort is to increase the strength of the horticulture industry in Iowa by 1) increasing the production and profitability horticulture related businesses, 2) increasing the quantity and quality of horticulture information disseminated, and 3) increasing community involvement.

Performance Goals:

• Increase profitability of existing businesses related to small farm and horticulture production by increasing overall value of marketable products, efficient use of production inputs, and at the same time limit environmental contamination.
• Conserve energy and other natural resources needed and used by the industry.
• Increase county-based connection to community of horticulture producers and users through face-to-face meetings and diverse electronic media.
• Provide knowledge, educational opportunities, and problem solving expertise for new or beginning alternative agriculture enterprises to be successful in horticulture plant production.  
• Improve Iowa’s urban and rural landscapes as a place to live through sustainable horticultural practices.
• Incorporate IPM practices for not only growers but on public and commercial properties, home, landscapes, and communities.
• Add a youth component to increase student’s entrepreneurial skills. This being accomplished through the 4-H and FFA programs in Iowa.
• Improve the health and quality of life of Iowans through the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and exercise. Iowa State will continue to develop and enhance market managers ability’s in growing these places of business.
• Promote and further develop Agriculture/horticulture Tourism in cooperation with IDALS. (Wine tours, pumpkin patches, Agritainment, Reiman Gardens, etc.)
• Use technology to convey information directly to the homeowner and consumer through such programs as “Gardening in the Zone”, pod- casting, Master Gardener webcasts, websites, and web accessible publications.
• Improve quality of content delivery and expand readership of horticulture information.

Output Indicators (Activities):

• Information on applied research efforts and address changing gardening trends/concerns.
• Expand and enhance current websites and create new websites to address developing needs.
• Organize County, Area, State and Multi-state conferences to promote research, technical information, and promote economic development in the Midwest.
• Test and develop technical equipment and practices to serve the industry.
• Publish research results in referred journal articles.
• Assist county extension staff with general gardening presentations to local communities.
• Continue field trials and research at ISU Research and Demonstration Farms and with commodity groups as a source of resource exploration and fact finding.
• Organize field days and educational programs to disseminate results from field trials and applied research.
• Assist new businesses with a directory of resources to start a business, financial, technical expertise, directory of suppliers.
• Train CEEDs who wish to improve their horticultural skills two times a year.
• Enhance the quality and quantity of newsletters (electronic and printed) delivered in each subject area.
• Support programs from external groups to increase profit potential of the industry and encourage adoption of Best Management Practices and IPM for environmental stewardship.
• Improve product quality and safety so it is more marketable for the industry.
• Increase awareness of the horticulture industry in Iowa and its affect on quality of life.

Outcome Indicators (Impact):

131 – Production methods and systems:  Increase the number of clients who participate in horticulture programs on production methods, market outlets, Best Management Practices, and IPM techniques.

132 – Market development:  Increase the number of new horticulture businesses and the expansion of existing horticulture businesses assisted through county offices.

133 – Integrated Pest Management:  Increase the strength of farmers markets in Iowa by cooperating with IDALS and WIC programs. (Measure number of ISU staff hours for Master Market training of vendors and working at farmer’s markets.)  

134 – Consumer education: Increase the quality and quantity of horticulture information accessible to the gardening public. (Measure number of peer-reviewed extension publications.)

135 – Master Gardener education:  Increase involvement of Master Gardener volunteers in their communities. (Measure the number of volunteer hours per year.) 

Target Audiences:

Turfgrass and grounds management firms
Fruit and vegetable and alternative crop producers, sellers and processors
Growers and sellers of landscape products and services
Students considering horticulture as a career
Homeowners and garden enthusiasts in Iowa

Team Point of Contact:

Cynthia Haynes, Associate Professor

 

 

 

 

Page last updated: August 25, 2006