Arkansas is receiving $755,784 from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service for a multi-state project to evaluate and develop field resistance to downy mildew in spinach.
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 participating in the program. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture 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.
“Arkansas is pleased to be one of four states selected to participate in this program. Partnerships between states help us grow the specialty crop sector and support the development of new opportunities for farmers in Arkansas and across the U.S.,” said Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward.
Sign up for Daily E-news
