In 2010, Massachusetts Farm Bureau and the MA Department of Agricultural Resources engaged UMass Extension Agriculture and Landscape Program to develop a Best Management Practices (BMP) Guide for greenhouse crops and make it available as an on-line resource.
BMPs are an industry-driven effort to maintain agricultural production in a proftable, environmentally-sensitve and sustainable manner. BMPs are not meant to be regulatory, as every greenhouse operation and site is different and may require special practices. BMPs are meant to provide guidance as to practices that can be implemented in Massachusetts greenhouses.
BMPs are an evolving tool to provide producers with the latest guidance to benefit their operation.
Acknowledgements
Compiled by: Tina Smith and Paul Lopes, University of Massachusetts Extension
Section Authors:
Dr. Douglas Cox, University of Massachusetts: Nutrient Management, Water Quality for Crop Production, Composting
Natalia Clifton, University of Massachusetts: Pesticide Storage
John W. Bartok, Jr. University of Connecticut Emeritus: Stormwater and Wastewater Management, Horizontal Air Flow, Energy Conservation
Taryn LaScola, Pesticide Divistion, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources: Pesticide Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
The Greenhouse BMP Manual was reviewed by a Grower Advisory Board, representative from Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation and representative from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
Disclaimers
Mention of trade names and products is for information purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement of, recommendation of, nor discrimination against similar products not mentioned. Although this guide contains research-based information and the contributors have used their best efforts in preparing the guide, the contributors make no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the use of this guide. Users of this guide maintain complete responsibility for the accuracy and appropriate application of this guide for intended purposes. In no event shall the contributors be held responsible or liable for any indirect, direct, incidental, or consequential damages or loss of profits or any other commercial damage whatsoever resulting from or related to the use or misuse of this guide. The contributors emphasize the importance of consulting experienced and qualified consultants, advisors and other business professionals to ensure the best results for producing greenhouse crops.