4435:
Development of the “All about Blueberries” Extension Community of Practice (CoP)

Tuesday, August 3, 2010: 8:15 AM
Springs D & E
Natalie Hummel , LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
Elina D. Coneva , Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
John Braswell , Mississippi State University-Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Poplarville, MS
William O. Cline , Horticultural Crops Research Station, North Carolina State University, Castle Hayne, NC
Donna Marshall , Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory, USDA–ARS, Poplarville, MS
Don Ferrin , Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
Krisanna Machtmes , School of Human Resources Education and Workforce Development, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
Heli Roy , Nutrition and Health, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
Denise Attaway , Entomology, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
Blueberry producers in many southeastern states are increasing production at a rapid rate. This has been driven by increasing consumer demand for blueberries due to their anti-oxidant, anti-aging properties and superior nutritional quality. Extension support is needed to guide growers in methods to maximize productivity and decrease production costs. There is also a need to connect blueberry producers with local markets.  To meet this need, research and extension faculty from across the southeast have joined together to cooperatively build the "All about Blueberries" Community of Practice, which will be hosted by www.extension.org.
Our goals for the newly-formed CoP include using novel, diverse educational methods to help our Community of Interest (CoI) increase blueberry production efficiency and correspondingly increase consumption of blueberries in the southeastern United States. Our CoI is broadly defined as producers (commercial and backyard), distributors, and consumers of blueberries (youth and adult). Our initial focus is southeastern blueberry producers and consumers.  Over time, this CoP will be expanded to include grower support materials for blueberry growers throughout the United States. Consumer needs do not vary regionally, so consumer content will be applicable nationwide.  The All About Blueberries CoP is comprised of Extension researchers/specialists from Louisiana State University AgCenter, Mississippi State University, Auburn University, USDA-ARS, and North Carolina State University who will are creating educational material for the eXtension CoP. An advisory committee has been established that includes blueberry producers, farmers’ market representatives, county agents, Extension specialists, scientists (USDA & University), and master gardeners from across the Southeastern United States. We are currently looking for experts from across the US to help expand our content.  This presentation will introduce you to our team of experts and discuss the plans for future expansion of our CoP.
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