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Snyder Farm Receives Grant for Matching Small Farm Crop Sprayer Application Technology with OMRI and Traditional Agricultural Products
Smaller-scale horticultural farmers grow a diversity of crops requiring an array of products for pest control and fertility, most often applied as liquids. A review of traditional and Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) approved materials used in organic farming indicates significant deficiencies: a) detailed application instructions are generally not provided, only use rates; b) product formulations vary widely in viscosity and particle size; and c) agricultural professionals and farmers receive safety training, but have limited knowledge of smaller-scale liquid application technologies. Additionally, sprayer manufacturers do not provide wide assortments of nozzle tips, strainers, filters and regulators. Other companies specialize in these accessories. This disconnect has consequences for farmers' minimizing input use while maximizing efficacy. Accurate, timely, efficacious application of materials provides healthy products, while inadequate or inappropriate applications reduce consumer safety, product quality, and farm profits.
In 2006, Rutgers Snyder Research Farm received a $48, 386 grant from Northeast Region SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) to address these issues. The project provides "deployable" technical resources for agricultural professionals' use. Three one-day hands-on training sessions will be conducted in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Each state will be provided with two training hardware kits with instructional curriculum. Training kits will consist of a sprayer and an array of nozzles, filters and regulators. Growers will attend the training sessions and utilize knowledge and equipment provided and will benefit through hands-on participation and instruction material. A one-year follow-up survey will be conducted assessing impact related to performance targets.
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