Building Potato Crop Management Capacity in Illinois
GrantID: 1481
Grant Funding Amount Low: $500,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $1,500,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Outcome-Driven Potato Crop Management Systems in Illinois
Illinois grows more potatoes for chips than any other state in the U.S., yet farmers face challenges related to crop management and varietal selection. Many face difficulties in optimizing production and maintaining crop quality due to limited access to systematic guidance on best practices tailored to Illinois' specific growing conditions. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, crop yield discrepancies can reach 25% among different regions, highlighting the need for enhanced crop management systems.
Key local entities impacted by this barrier include potato farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and agricultural extension agents. Illinois boasts a diverse range of potato growing environments, which influences crop performance but also complicates the development of universal management practices. Farmers often lack the time, resources, or expertise to conduct thorough evaluations of varietal performance under varying conditions, leading to suboptimal decision-making that can affect profitability.
The objective of this funding initiative is to support the development and implementation of outcome-driven potato crop management systems. By providing farmers with systematic guidelines that incorporate measurable benchmarks for cultivating potato varieties, the program aims to optimize production and improve market competitiveness. This initiative directly addresses the performance gaps observed and provides actionable research outcomes that can influence local farming practices.
Moreover, the adoption of outcome-driven crop management systems will foster improved transparency in varietal performance, empowering farmers with data-driven insights that guide their selections. Extension services will play a critical role in disseminating this information, ensuring farmers can accurately assess the conditions and make informed choices based on empirical evidence.
In the context of Illinois, the emphasis on systematic and data-informed farming practices aligns with the state's agricultural priorities. By implementing these advanced management systems, the initiative will not only enhance productivity but bolster Illinois' reputation as a leading potato producer. The funding initiative thus stands to transform local agricultural practices, creating a robust framework for successful potato cultivation.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
