The 2009 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
The objective of this workshop is to examine production practices and advancements in breeding of a number of fruit and nut species that are native to the Midwestern region of the United States.

The intake of fresh fruit and vegetables has increased by American consumers, as has consumer acceptance of new fruits and vegetables. Growers are becoming increasingly interested in identifying new niche markets for specialty fruits and nuts in the United States. Native alternative fruit and nut crops have great potential for fresh market and value-added sales at farmers' markets, as well as community supported agriculture (CSAs), and many of these crops can be grown organically. The goal of this workshop is to examine production practices and advancements in breeding of a number of fruit and nut species that are native to the Midwestern region of the United States.