US project looks to make strawberry industry more sustainable

A nationwide project is seeking grower input on how to achieve a sustainable strawberry industry that supports farmers, takes care of the environment and provides healthful food to consumers.

The National Strawberry Sustainability Initiative (NSSI) began with a $4 million, two-year grant from the Walmart Foundation that funded 26 projects in 17 states.

Its focus is not just on large production states like California and Florida, but on states where many growers raise smaller berry acreages, and where production for local markets and specialty niches could potentially be expanded.

Projects range from research on composting and cover crops in North Carolina and fumigant alternatives in California to high tunnel production in Kansas and hydroponic production in Arizona and Arkansas.

Texas grower Craig Turley was one of the participants in the project and since starting has doubled his production for each of the three years he’s raised strawberries, though he’s faced a steep learning curve.

“What has spurred me to continue on was that the first time we took berries to the market, it was literally a frenzy, people were practically snatching them out of our hands,” Turley said. “Every week it was that way. The demand seems overwhelming.”

source: fruitgrowersnews.com