HIGH TUNNEL ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS OF SMALL-SCALE FARMERS OF FLORIDA AND PUERTO RICO

I. Major project goalsThe main goals of this FASE Sabbatical proposed project are: 1) to contribute to the current efforts of University of Florida researchers in improving high tunnel organic vegetable production for small-scale farmers in the Southeast; and 2) to foster significant learning of high tunnel methods in small-scale farmers and agriculture students of Puerto Rico.II. Objectives:A. Florida1. Identify pest and disease problems faced by small-scale farms with high tunnels in Florida.2. Determine current pest and disease management practices used in small-scale farms with high tunnels in Florida.3. Review innovative organic agriculture methods for the management of important pests and diseases present in high tunnels of Florida.4. Create educational resources about high tunnels for farmers in Spanish and English.B. Puerto Rico5. Determine the main constraints faced by small-scale farms with high tunnels in Puerto Rico.6. Communicate the experience of small-scale farmers with high tunnels in Florida to Puerto Rican farmers.7. Develop educational modules about high tunnels, and collaborative opportunities for undergraduate students of UPR-Utuado and UF.