Multi-State University Project Aiming to Assist Stakeholders in Understanding Ethnic Greens and Herbs Marketing and Production Issues and Opportunities

U.S. Census data shows that the mainstream population only increased by 9.7% from 2000 to 2010 as compared to 43% for Asians and 43% for Hispanics (Census 2000, 2010).  With this increase in population, there certainly would be an increased demand for ethnic produce; hence, opportunities exist for producers, wholesalers, and retailers who focus on growing and selling ethnic greens and herbs to serve the needs of these clientele.

Spanish oregano

Ability to successfully provide ethnic consumers with greens and herbs they desire will depend on collaboration among different parts of the industry, from the farmer to the processer and marketer to the consumer, and also involve institutions of higher learning to provide science-based innovations and an educated workforce.

To facilitate this, a multi-disciplinary project has been implemented to analyze consumer demand for ethnic greens and herbs and production feasibility for select ethnic greens and herbs, and to host a one-day workshop during which researchers will share outcomes from ethnic greens and herbs production and marketing studies.

Funding provided by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant is allowing researchers and Extension personnel from Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Massachusetts, and University of Florida to host the March 3, 2014 workshop in Valley Forge, PA.

Where will the workshop be held? The all-day workshop will be held in Valley Forge, PA. 

What are the conference fees and other associated costs? Attendees will not be charged any fees to attend.  USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant funds will cover attendees’ lodging for the night of March 2nd, based on double occupancy, meals during the conference on the 3rd, and materials/workshop attendance.

Who should attend?  Growers, wholesalers, retailers, and other stakeholders, Extension personnel, researchers, association representatives, and similar industry members who are involved in ethnic food production/sales and marketing/sourcing/education. 
 
To let us know that you want to be added to the invitation list, email Dana Ollendyke at: djm428@psu.edu 


The project is being funded by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant, Project Award Number: SCRI 2009-51181-06035.  The goal of the Specialty Crop Research Initiative is to solve critical specialty crop agriculture issues and address priorities through multifunctional research and Extension. For more information about the program, visit http://www.csrees.usda.gov