Arkansas is set to improve its spinach supply as it is receiving $755,784 from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service for a multi-state project to evaluate and develop field resistance to downy mildew in the vegetable.
This project is a partnership between the Arkansas Agriculture Department, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, and the USDA Agricultural Research Station in Salinas, California.
Arkansas is one of four states selected by AMS to participate in the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program. All projects address needs shared by multiple states affecting the specialty crop industry. The U of A has an internationally recognized spinach research and breeding program.
“I am excited to begin this research project, which will benefit the spinach industry and private spinach breeders,” said Ainong Shi, project director. “The goal of this project is to ultimately lower costs for consumers and increase profitability for spinach producers in Arkansas, California, Arizona, and other states.”
The U.S. is the second largest producer of spinach after China, valued at $300 million annually. In addition to its economic importance, spinach is one of the healthiest vegetables in the human diet due to its high concentration of nutrients and health-promoting compounds.
Source: deltafarmpress.com
