New England Vegetable & Berry Growers Association
The New England Vegetable & Berry Growers Association (NEV&BGA) is the oldest vegetable growers association in America. We support and promote the vegetable and berry industry in New England. You are invited to become a member. The Association publishes a newsletter three times a year and provides bulletins and magazines deemed important to its members
Our Mission
In these days of rapidly changing conditions in the growing, shipping, and selling of vegetables and berries, it is important that growers have an organization that will keep them informed. The New England Vegetable & Berry Growers Association (NEV&BGA) is a strong and progressive organization that offers wide-ranging initiatives supporting efforts to maintain the well-being of the industry throughout New England.
The Association currently provides research grants to New England researchers doing practical work to support the industry. NEV&BGA also provides support for Extension Specialists.
Winter Grower Meetings
The NEV&BGA hosts a series of winter grower meetings each year as an opportunity for growers to learn about ongoing research projects, variety trials, new equipment, growing techniques, and business topics to strengthen their businesses
Our next meeting is: Friday January 3rd at the Bluebonnet Diner in Northampton Mass.
RESEARCH
Each year the New England Vegetable & Berry Growers’ Association sponsors grants for extension researchers in the six New England states. These funds are used to aid in the implementation and continuation of many research projects with the purpose of helping move the vegetable and berry industry forward in New England. Traditionally, after a research project is completed, we welcome the researcher to present at one of our winter meetings. This year we will be offering an opportunity for each recipient to write an article for this newsletter to show their findings. The award recipients for the 2020 NEV&BGA research grants were:
- Trialing new broccoli cultivars for fall crop in coastal Southern New England Dr. Rebecca Nelson Brown, University of Rhode Island $3000.00
- Improving High Tunnel Nutrient Recommendations Rebecca Maden and Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension $2,500.00
- Hot water seed treatment, training, and research project Abby Beissinger & Shuresh Ghimire, UConn $3000.00
- Evaluating cucumber cultivars for downy mildew resistance in the field Susan B. Scheufele, UMass Extension Vegetable Program Nathaniel Gorlin-Crenshaw and Peter Zuck, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Maine $2000.00
KEY INITIATIVES
Two meetings each year keep members engaged and informed on developments in the field. Prominent growers share their experiences, and Research and Extension personnel from Universities and industry report on culture, pest management, and marketing. Information of benefit to New England growers has been presented by successful growers from around the country. The Association co-sponsors the biennial New England Vegetable and Berry Conference and Trade show.
The Association has worked closely with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and others to promote the vegetable and small fruit industry to the public and through positive legislation.
Many growers enjoy the networking opportunities the Association provides. Meetings are a great forum to talk to prominent growers, hear new ideas, and to benefit from the great pool of knowledge and experience among members.
The Association supports research at New England State Universities and has provided financial support for the development of better adapted varieties. Through these efforts, over 25 varieties have been developed, including Waltham Butternut Squash (an All America award winner) and many more. The Association was instrumental in developing the Commonwealth Quality program which is a practical alternative to GAP for small to medium sized growers. Current research projects include: vegetable and berry variety trials; plastic mulches and other means of extending the growing season; and evaluation of alternative crops, cover crops, and IPM studies.
The Association makes awards to individuals who have provided outstanding service to the vegetable and berry industries of New England. The Robert E. Young Award is given to individuals in recognition of their service to vegetable and berry producers, and the Guy L. Paris Award honors those who have provided leadership in marketing our products and promoting the industry.