Nov. 17, 2020

Research survey to gauge interest in organic crops in Arkansas, across the Mid-South

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Fast facts

Survey to provide foundation for larger study
Researchers seek input from Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee

(450 words)
Download Word version

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Researchers are surveying farmers across the Mid-South through Dec. 31 to gauge their interest in organic crop production.

The survey is being conducted jointly by Winrock International and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. It is the first step toward a larger project.

The survey may be found here: https://bit.ly/35zHKXe.

The link will be live until end of business on Dec. 31.

The researchers are seeking responses from active producers of row, fruit, vegetable and field crops, including hay and forage, as well as livestock owners in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.

“We want to hear from a range of size of operations and types of producers,” said Michael Popp, economist and professor with the Division of Agriculture.

“The survey is being conducted to help design a three-year agricultural research project focusing on organic production issues in the Mid-South,” said Joseph Schafer, new business and program development manager for Winrock International. “The information is being collected ahead of a grant proposal to be submitted in 2021 that would fund the project.”

Popp said “the information collected may lead to a publication on producer sentiment toward, and the extent of adoption of organic crop production. We think the information would be useful to researchers, agricultural policy makers and agribusiness sector professionals throughout the region.”

To learn about extension and research programs in Arkansas, visit https://uada.edu/

About Winrock International

Winrock International is a recognized leader in U.S. and international development with a focus on social, agricultural and environmental issues. Inspired by its namesake, Winthrop Rockefeller, Winrock combines scientific and technical expertise with entrepreneurial innovation to deliver market-based solutions that improve lives around the world. Winrock's mission is to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources across the globe.

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

# # #

Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Chief Communications Officer
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
mhightower@uada.edu
501-671-2006