To develop a model diversified organic vegetable production system for direct marketing that is appropriate to the scales and technologies available to Kentucky growers.

To evaluate the model system using a multidisciplinary, systems-based approach that assesses economic, environmental and social aspects of this system, from the field to the consumer.

To engage a diverse group from producer, consumer and academic constituencies across Kentucky in development of a federally competitive proposal that will expand the analysis of the model system into a state-wide assessment of direct market vegetable production from a multidisciplinary, community food system perspective.

To test the effectiveness and feasibility of controlling bacterial wilt in organically managed muskmelon through the use of row covers from transplant until harvest

To determine appropriate plant spacing and irrigation strategies for conventionally and organically grown fresh market onions grown using drip irrigation with and without plastic mulch.

To evaluate suitable fresh market yellow and red onion cultivars for Kentucky to determine yield characteristics, pathogen resistance, and storage potential.

To determine the potential for Kentucky farmers to produce a mild sweet onion for fresh consumption.

To screen natural spray materials in the laboratory for activity against a variety of fungi that cause economically important diseases of foliage and fruit of organic vegetable crops. Materials will be tested alone as well as in combinations to evaluate for synergism.

To test the most promising materials and combinations on inoculated plants in the greenhouse. Experiments also will be conducted with selected materials to evaluate for induction of host resistance, weathering on leaf surfaces, and other important aspects of efficacy.

To test the most promising materials in field tests over a three-year period.

To compare organic no-till and sustainable no-till cropping systems for corn and soybean productivity and economic viability.

To evaluate potential weed-related yield reductions of organically managed corn and soybean.

To determine N requirements of sustainably managed corn in rotation with two legume crops in each two-year rotation.

To consider the impact of rye residue levels on sustainably managed soybean.

Establish an organically managed small fruit orchard at the UK Horticulture Research Farm. The orchard will be planted in two adjacent locations; one uncovered, and one under an unheated high tunnel structure.

Assess if organic management techniques can result in high yielding, quality, insect and disease-free plants.

Prepare Extension and research publications detailing the production systems used in this orchard.

The overall objective of this research is to develop and evaluate an optimized commercial romaine lettuce production system for Kentucky. Specifically, experiments are designed to determine how to maximize the productivity and economic sustainability of both conventional and organic romaine lettuce production.

Establish an organically managed, disease-resistant apple orchard for long-term studies of the system.

Assess if organic management techniques can result in apple trees that are disease and pest-free and have grown sufficiently to bear fruit by year 4.

To establish two field locations for continuous, multi-disciplinary research, instruction, and extension activities in support of organic grain cropping systems in Kentucky.

To provide the stimulus for ongoing investment in the development of organic grain cropping systems for Kentucky producers.