Consumer awareness of the environment and sustainability has increased in recent years. Market research shows that consumers are increasingly willing to pay premium prices for environmentally friendly products ( Behe et al., 2010 ; Lopez et al
Touria E. Eaton, Douglas A. Cox and Allen V. Barker
Carol A. Miles
Sales of organic foods are one of the fastest growing segments of Washington state's food industry. In response to grower demand for information on organic and sustainable production practices, Washington State University (WSU) created an Extension Agricultural Systems position. This position has been instrumental in helping WSU gain the trust and recognition of organic growers. The position enabled WSU to demonstrate that it has a commitment to organic and sustainable research and extension activities. This paper describes the key activities of this position: 1) finding out research needs, 2) on-farm research approaches, 3) formation of regional research programs, and 4) creation of the WSU Food and Farm Connections Team. Grant funded on-farm research, interdisciplinary teams, and extension publications have been major emphases of the position.
Tanya J. Hall, Roberto G. Lopez, Maria I. Marshall and Jennifer H. Dennis
, thus spurring discussions about sustainable floriculture production ( Botts, 2007 ; Krug et al., 2008 ; Stewart, 2007 ). A definition for sustainable floriculture production has been developed by the Floriculture Sustainability Research Coalition
Kristen A. Saksa, Thomas W. Ilvento and Susan S. Barton
Sustainable landscapes include design, construction, operations, and maintenance practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs ( Sustainable Sites Initiative, 2009
Tanya J. Hall, Jennifer H. Dennis, Roberto G. Lopez and Maria I. Marshall
produce floriculture crops can cause a greenhouse operation to negatively affect the environment, thus spurring discussions about sustainability in the floriculture industry ( Krug et al., 2008 ; Stewart, 2007 ). The Floriculture Sustainability Research
Jennifer H. Dennis, Roberto G. Lopez, Bridget K. Behe, Charles R. Hall, Chengyan Yue and Benjamin L. Campbell
) reported production practices of 2484 U.S. nursery firms as of 2005. Although sustainable production practices were not explicitly asked, several questions indicated some early adoption of them, especially for pest management decisions. One-third to one
R.K. Striegler, M.A. Mayse, U. O'Keefe and D.R. Wineman
165 ORAL SESSION 49 (Abstr. 363–370) Sustainable Agriculture/Cross-commodity
Kent D. Kobayashi, Theodore J.K. Radovich and Brooke E. Moreno
We are seeing increasing interest in trade and popular media about the environmental degradation from agriculture. Policy makers, educators, students, and the public are concerned about the environment, food safety, and sustainable agriculture
S. Sansavini
165 ORAL SESSION 49 (Abstr. 363–370) Sustainable Agriculture/Cross-commodity
Susan S. Barton, Rebecca S. Pineo and Leslie Carter
University campuses provide an excellent opportunity to research and demonstrate sustainable landscape practices. Most campuses include significant land resources, a variety of building types, and diverse plantings. University campuses must be