ORONO – The University of Maine, along with the University of Vermont and the University of Arkansas, has been awarded $666,839 to enhance the production of organic apples.

Taking the lead in Maine will be Dr. Renae Moran at Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, and the Vermont researcher is Dr. Lorraine Berkett.

“This is an interdisciplinary project,” Berkett said recently. “It is also long term – six to nine years.”

Berkett said she was so hopeful about the grant that UV planted an orchard in anticipation.

“Right now we are in the establishment phase,” she said. Once implemented, however, the grant will combine research, classroom studies and applications in orchards.

“We will be looking at the organic apple ecosystem and determining if it is sustainable and profitable,” she said.

“Dr. Moran is an essential part of the project,” Berkett said, “and will be establishing demonstration plot and orchards.”

The bottom line for the researchers, Berkett said, will be determining what they learn about organic apple production and how to apply it. She said the project will involve horticultural specialists, soil health experts, academics and economists.

“We will also be collaborating with farmers as to their needs and the economics,” she said. “We hope to learn from them and create a series of case studies.”

The grant was one of eight awarded in 13 states by the U.S. Department of Agriculture specifically for organic research, including global competitiveness.

“To succeed in organic agriculture, producers must be creative and willing to take certain risks, attributes that American farmers have exhibited since the early days of farming,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Michael Johanns said upon announcing the grants. “This research will help organic producers to manage their risks by providing information that will help to increase production while decreasing costs.”