Logic Model Overview:

This plan describes my contribution to the Fruit and Vegetable programs of UNH Cooperative Extension.

Situation:

Fruit and Vegetable Production

The commercial vegetable industry in New Hampshire is made up of about 313 farms with approximately 3,400 acres of mixed vegetables. The top grossing vegetable commodities are sweet corn, pumpkins, and tomatoes, with many others grown in smaller amounts. The NH commercial small fruit industry is made up of about 203 growers that harvest approximately 543 acres of small fruit. The top grossing small fruit commodities are strawberries, blueberries (highbush and lowbush), and raspberries. The NH commercial tree fruit industry comprises approximately 204 growers that farm approximately 2,650 acres of orchards. The majority of these are apple orchards, but peaches and pears are produced in small amounts. The farm gate value of all commercial vegetable, small fruits, and tree fruits in NH is approximately $23 million dollars. Roughly 95% of the total sales are through pick-your-own, roadside stands and farmers' markets, thus direct marketing is a major focus of educational efforts.

Both ecological and economic sustainability are needed to ensure long-term viability of New Hampshire farms. A short growing season, along with high labor costs and land values make fruit and vegetable production far more costly in NH than in other parts of the U.S. and world. Further, an extremely variable and humid climate means that disease and insect pests are a constant threat to the profitability of NH farms. To compete with west coast and international food producers, NH vegetable and fruit growers must produce unique and high-value products. Consumer awareness of the value of local agriculture and fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables will ensure that a market for high-quality NH produce exists.

To attain ecological and economic sustainability, NH fruit and vegetable growers must 1) make judicious use of farm inputs, 2) minimize crop production costs, 3) maintain high crop quality and yields, and 4) have reliable and consistent markets for their products. UNHCE will provide research-based information on technologies, production practices, and pest management strategies that will increase profitability and minimize ecological impact of fruit and vegetable production. UNHCE will undertake collaborative applied research to develop the needed information where it does not already exist.

Stakeholder Input

From UNHCE state plan:

UNH Cooperative Extension’s program plan of work addresses high priority needs in New Hampshire identified through comprehensive statewide needs assessment conducted in 2003 and 2004. Extension advisory councils and stakeholders systematically analyzed data collected and identified the highest priority needs. Select UNH faculty were also actively involved in development of UNH Cooperative Extension’s program plan of work.  In 2003 and 2004 over 300 council members, faculty, and other citizens identified local issues, Extension’s role in addressing these issues, and ways to deliver educational programs through listening sessions held in each county by the Associate Director of Extension, on line surveys, and a statewide face-to-face caucus.  Listening session and caucus participants received a final report from the Associate Director on issues to be addressed by the plan of work.  Staff developed logic models for programs based on stakeholder feedback (see: http://extension.unh.edu/AboutUs/UNHCEPOW.htm). 

Assumptions

From Agricultural Resources:

The sustainability of agriculture in NH requires a holistic approach that interfaces production, human resource, economic, and environmental issues, and civic policies.  All must be addressed at some level.

County Extension Agricultural Educators will be conversant and responsible for conducing programs in all aspects of agriculture in their respective counties.

Specialists will continue to provide leadership and support in their specialties to county staff. They will provide leadership to both "commodity" and "issue" programming teams.

External Factors

From Agricultural Resources:

Funding sources are requesting or requiring the following: an articulated strategic plan/vision, documented impacts and achievements, an understanding of the interconnectedness of the elements in a long term program, and illustrations of grass roots participation in the development and implementation of Cooperative Extension programs.

Evaluation Overview

Stakeholders include commercial fruit and vegetable growers in the state of NH.

Oral interviews and direct observation techniques will be used to assess learning and adoption of new practices as a direct result of UNHCE educational efforts. These will be conducted through on-farm site visits, email, and phone interviews.

Questionnaires will be used at all programs (e.g. stakeholder/grower meetings) to get information directly from farmers regarding new management practices adopted as a result of UNHCE educational efforts (farm visits, programs, newsletters, etc.).

   Outputs

      Farm/Site Visits - includes kitchen table meetings and private consultations    (Show details)

      Publications & News:fact sheets, news releases, newsletters,web page,TV & Radio Spots    (Show details)

      Research - on farm and university-based    (Show details)

      Twilight Meetings    (Show details)

      Phone Consultations    (Show details)

      Pesticide Applicator Training    (Show details)

      Grants - Development and Administration    (Show details)

      

Educational Workshops

• Single & multi-day educational events such as grower schools, state-wide grazing events, etc.

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Conferences:

• Farm & Forest
• Producer Association Meetings

   (Show details)

      Civil Rights and Diversity Training
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Peer-Review for CSREES Specialty Crop Grants

   (Show details)

   Inputs:

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