Adapting and Expanding Organic High Tunnel Vegetable Production

This webinar took place on December 7, 2024. Presented by Dr. Xin Zhao of the University of Florida. Organized by eOrganic and the Organic Farming Research Foundation with funding from the USDA NIFA OREI program.
Commonly used for season extension and the production of high-value crops, cost-effective high tunnel protected culture systems are increasingly recognized by organic growers for their many benefits to help overcome site-specific challenges. This webinar will present and discuss up-to-date findings and recommendations from a NIFA OREI funded research project with a focus on enhancing high tunnel organic vegetable production for the Southeast.
The interdisciplinary team included researchers and Extension experts from the University of Florida, Florida A&;M University, University of Georgia, and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. Integrated high tunnel organic crop systems and production practices were evaluated in Florida and Georgia to tackle challenges associated with crop management for season extension, environmental management for microclimate manipulation, soil health and nutrient management, and pest and disease management. We also assessed factors influencing high tunnel adoption among organic growers.