Dissemination of Baby Ginger Production Technology in Oklahoma
Activating USDA Partnerships
LONG-TERM GOAL To improve the productivity and profitability of small and minority farmers and farm stakeholders in Oklahoma
LONG-TERM GOAL To improve the quality of life for residents and visitors primarily in gateway communities with national forests and grasslands that can be a driver in an outdoor recreation and tourism economy PROJECT CONTEXT The economies in many rural areas in the United States struggle, as populations decrease and certain industries, such as coal mining, dwindle. Sustainable tourism and recreational activities that leverage an area’s natural landmarks can create new opportunities for growth in these regions. GOALS FOR NTAE GRANT PERIOD • Through a needs assessment survey, identify other regions of the country where there are synergies among federal and state agencies (such as the National Forest Service and United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development) that can be nurtured to achieve outcomes similar to those realized by the Mon Forest Towns Partnership. That partnership has enhanced the economy and quality of life for residents and visitors in the Monongahela National Forest region in West Virginia. • Conduct a series of webinars to introduce the keys to success for the Mon Forest Towns Partnership development process, and allow each agency to discuss their role in developing and coor- dinating a successful recreation economy partnership. • Provide leadership to the National Extension Outdoor Recreation Working Group and Regional Rural Development Centers.
PROJECT CONTEXT Growers from under-resourced groups—e.g. African Americans and Native Americans—often own less land and generate less farm- related wealth per person compared to state and national averag- es. Because of its many health benefits, ginger could be a highly lucrative crop for these farmers. But mature ginger typically requires a long, warm growing season that isn’t possible in Oklahoma. Baby ginger, however, can be produced in 5 to 8 months in a protective structure (high tunnel). GOAL FOR NTAE GRANT PERIOD • To introduce baby ginger production technology to Oklahoma growers, enabling them to produce high-value baby ginger in a high tunnel system
to Advance Recreation Economies TEAM LEAD Doug Arbogast, PhD Extension Specialist West Virginia University CATALYSTS
TEAM LEAD Devi Kandel, PhD
Assistant Professor Langston University CATALYST Dawn Mellion, MBA, PhD
Chuck Ross, MA Fred Schlutt, PhD
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2023-2024 YEARBOOK | EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE
EXTENSION FOUNDATION/NTAE | 2023-2024 YEARBOOK
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