Awards/Funding

• United States Department of Agriculture, Special Grants Program. $147,875. Use of molecular genetics to reduce pesticide dependence in cranberry production. F.L. Caruso (PI), C.J. DeMoranville, H.A. Sandler, and P.E. Hart. July 2006-June 2007.

• Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Grant (NE SARE). $169,885. Increasing sustainability of Massachusetts cranberry production through cultural management of the bog habitat. C.J. DeMoranville (Project Coordinator), H.A. Sandler, J. Vanden Heuvel, F.L. Caruso, and A.L. Averill. April 2005-March 2008.

• Food Quality Protection Act/Strategic Agricultural Initiative Program. $44,268. Development of Best Management Practices for using short-term floods to control dodder infestations in cranberry. H.A. Sandler and J. LaFleur. January 2005-December 2006.
  

• SARE $100,000. Integrated and sustainable wine grape production in Southern New England. PI: W. Coli. Co-PI’s: H. Sandler, S. Schloemann, F. Caruso, J. Vanden Heuvel, D. Cooley.
  
  Abstract: The principal goal of the project is to conduct outreach of applied research and demonstration focused on crop and pest management tactics that will, when adopted by regional commercial wine grape growers, improve economic viability, maintain and enhance environmental quality, and protect worker and consumer health. A further goal of the project is to recognize growers who are using environmentally-desirable crop and pest management tactics through a formal certification program run by a third-party certification entity. A third goal is to adequately train a cadre of field personnel who will continue to provide relevant monitoring and consultant activities after the end of the project.

• Massachusetts Center for Agriculture $137,698. Building a better berry: Improving phenolic concentration in cranberries and grapes. PI: J. Vanden Heuvel. Co-PI’s: H. Sandler, F. Caruso, and S. Schloemann.
  
  Abstract: There is increasing research to show the positive health benefits of grapes and wine, as well as in cranberries. These health benefits are attributable to phenolic compounds. As well as conferring nutritional benefits upon consumption, phenolic compounds also contribute to the appearance and taste of wine. Resveratrol (a phenolic) possesses anti-fungal properties, and is involved in vine defense systems. The overall objective of this work is to improve phenolic production in MA-grown cranberries and grapes.

• Massachusetts Center for Agriculture $141,450. Development of a research and education program for small-scale, sustainable viticulture and enology in Massachusetts. PI’s: D. Cooley, W. Coli, S. Schloemann, J. Vanden Heuvel, D. Greene, W. Autio, J. Clements, A. Averill, F. Caruso, H. Sandler, C. Hollingsworth, and J. Weiss.
  
  Abstract: The project’s goal is to expand opportunities available in Massachusetts’ agriculture by providing leadership and support for grape production through MAES and UMEXT. Several objectives in this project include: 1) Better, local research support for vineyard economic and environmental sustainability through establishment of research plantings at the UMass Cold Spring Orchard and co-operating grower vineyards; 2) Improved wine quality and establishment of a unique research niche through research on methods to manipulate grape physiology and microclimates for the purpose of extending the production season and expanding the production area in Massachusetts; 3) Reduced farmer and public exposure to pesticides by educating growers in IPM methods, and research on improved methods of low-pesticide grape production; 4) Improved farm profitability on diversified farms by developing and demonstrating small-scale wine-making at the UMass Cold Spring Orchard; and 5) Increased value of maintaining agricultural land by developing agri-tourism associated with viticulture and educate the public about agricultural issues.