Describe the Issue or Situation.

The two most important aspects to of keeping fruit production sustainable are optimizing production systems for yield and efficiency while ensuring resilience to climate disruptions from climate change. Compared to other states in the region, Kentucky has been slow to adopt production technologies which will be vital for our growers to remain profitable, and to allow new growers to enter the space, as more consumers look for local fruit and on farm experiences. 

Previously UK has not been pulling the industry towards advancement by showing the possibilities for fruit production, but has relied on progressive growers to bring in ideas from other states.

To ensure the sustainability of commercial fruit production in the state, The UK Fruit Team needs to highlight the state of the industry techniques from around the world and demonstrate them to our growers.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

In the spring of 2024 we broke ground on a 3 acre research and demonstration orchard consisting now of over 1500 hundred apple, peach, and pear trees. This planting is meant to highlight novel productions systems, varieties and rootstocks and serve as a demonstration site to growers in Kentucky and the greater region on the possibilities of fruit production with an emphasis on sustainable production and climate resilience. We have currently used this site to host field days, horticulture agent tour groups, and 1 on 1 tours with prospective fruit growers. We have already been sharing applied research findings done here at industry meeting in Kentucky as well as neighboring states.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

We have currently hosted 61 people at the site including Horticulture agents, growers, industry professionals, and prospective growers.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. 66 individuals have had an increase in knowledge about sustainable fruit production systems and their potential in Kentucky through firsthand demonstrations.