News from the Center

The Clean Energy Extension (CEE) at UMass Amherst recently concluded the Western Massachusetts Solar Forum, a series of virtual public discussions and information-sharing sessions regarding the opportunities and challenges associated with solar PV development and installation in Western Massachusetts. The Forum was convened and hosted by CEE, Massachusetts Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), and 16 members of the western Massachusetts state legislative delegation. 

Jon Clements attended an International Society for Horticultural Science Symposium on Precision Orchard and Vineyard Management, December 4-8, 2023 at the Tatura Smart Farm, in Victoria, Australia.

The Greening the Gateway Cities Program expanded to Springfield November 16th and 17th. Volunteers and foresters, including UMass’ Dr. Rick Harper, planted fifty trees providing a myriad of environmental and health benefits. 

A UMass Amherst research team is set to receive $1.19 million as part of a larger $4.1 million grant, funded by a USDA-NIFA (U.S. Department of Agriculture–National Institute of Food and Agriculture) Specialty Crop Research Initiative Grant.

Michael DiPasquale, UMass Extension Assistant Professor and Chair for Northeast NUEL (National Urban Extension Leaders), hosted the first regional NUEL conference since the pandemic. The gathering brought together over 60 professionals from highly accredited universities to brainstorm improvements to current food systems and the quality of life for people in cities. 

Recent Research led by UMass Amherst Resource Economist Jill Fitzsimmons found that growers might profit if they freeze their produce and sell during the off-season. But is this a good choice for a farm business? This investigation provides information and a cost calculator so growers can make informed decisions. 

UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture professor Jaime Pinero and graduate student Mateo Rull Garza officially started a MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources & Related Sciences) chapter at UMass in May. This national organization has chapters at universities across the country that promote the success of students from groups that have been historically underrepresented. 

The 4-H Explore UMass Program took place June 25 to June 27 this year, providing thirty-five 4-H youth ages 12 to 16 with the opportunity to explore their interests and UMass academic programs. 

Dr. Lynne McLandsborough, Professor of Food Science, is appointed as the interim director of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) and Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement. She will start the position on September 1, 2023.

The perfect balance between tart and sweet, cranberries are an American favorite and an important Massachusetts agricultural crop. An exciting project at the UMass Cranberry Station is now paving the way for enhanced cranberry research in the Commonwealth.

During the week of Oct. 17, more than forty-two students from UMass Amherst and Mount Wachusett Community College enjoyed an immersive expedition to Red Apple Farm, a fourth-generation family farm located in Phillipston, Massachusetts. On top of boasting some of the most delicious, award-winning cider donuts in the state, Red Apple is committed to integrated pest management (IPM), a holistic, environmentally-sound approach that minimizes the use of pesticides.

The summer of 2022 was a busy and productive one for the inaugural Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) program. REEU is a program under the Stockbridge School and Agriculture (SSA) in partnership with UMass Extension and is currently funded to run through 2026. It aims to provide research training, professional development, and Extension experience to undergraduate students while reaching out to community colleges through paid full-time summer internships.

Registration is now open for UMass Extension’s Green School, a certificate short course offering horticultural training for professionals and aspiring individuals alike. The remote program will run from Oct. 25th through Dec. 15 three afternoons per week., totaling 60+ hours, and will be taught by UMass Extension Specialists along with UMass faculty and guest instructors. 

Grapevine Trunk Diseases, or GTDs, are the bane of vineyard owners worldwide, and as of 2012, were responsible for more than $1.5 billion in annual economic damages. While researchers have long known that a host of pathogenic fungi combine to gang up on grapevines, the mechanics of how these GTD-causing fungi work has remained a mystery.