Delmarva Now - Salisbury Daily Times Environmental Reporter Kristian Jaime spoke to UMES Extension's Dr. Nadine Burton about changing demographics on Delmarva resulting in new opportunities for small farmers and consumers. Below is an excerpt from the full article that subscribers can read in its entirety HERE. 

Through a three-year U.S. Department of Agriculture grant awarded to UMES in 2020, $600,000 will be allocated to "expand and strengthen food science research, teaching and extension related to ethnic crops to meet the growing demand on the Delmarva Peninsula," according to a UMES news release on the program.

Nadine Burton, an alternative crop specialist for UMES Extension, says these specialty crops are grown to satisfy a particular group or a specific demand. Aside from not being traditionally grown, they are collected from across the world.

"The demand to grow ethnic crops in the region has increased because of these (demographics) and then you also have tourists who want to try new food," Burton said. "You'll also have those wanting them because it's part of a healthy diet. This creates an economic opportunity for small farmers. But they don't know what to grow, where the market is and how to grow them (correctly)." 

Through outreach, UMES Extension is providing small farmers with: 

• Research-based production practices.
• Introduction to potential value-added product markets.
• Discussions on new ways to produce income through alternative enterprises and improve their productivity.
• Information on sustainable fertilizers, biostimulants and beneficial microorganisms to improve soil health, yield, and quality.

UMES research notes Mid-Atlantic agriculture is overwhelmingly comprised of small farmers, with more than 6,000 farms having less than 50 acres of land.

A portion of the grant goes to new courses to be developed in food science, food processing and preservation, and value-added product development of ethnic crops. 

Student researchers will also have learning opportunities in agronomic production and food science assisting with fieldwork, plot management and data collection within the university's Agricultural Experiment Station.