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Introduction
Over
90% of the United States' cool-season forage and turfgrass
seed is produced in the Pacific Northwest. Currently, the
grass seed industry faces some critical environmental and
economic challenges. These include: public pressure to phase
out open-field burning; alleviation of smoke, dust, and
chemical trespass from crop production areas; lack of integrated
cropping systems; protection of genetic diversity and identification
of germplasm resources for alternate production strategies;
and better utilization of post seed harvest residues.
These high-priority research needs can best be addressed
through the development of sustainable production systems.
A coordinated approach between the three state universities
and the USDA-ARS is essential for assembling effective
interdisciplinary research and technology expertise.
The vision for GSCSSA emerged during an organizational
meeting of the Tri-State Grass Seed Working Group in January
1993 at Spokane, WA. A proposal was written to seek federal
funding for grass seed crop research. Cooperating in this
effort were research and extension staff from Oregon State
University, University of Idaho, Washington State University,
and scientists from the USDA's National Forage Seed Production
Research Center. The proposal, titled "Grass seed
cropping systems for a sustainable agriculture",
was approved for funding as a Special Research Grant from
the USDA-Cooperative State Research Education and Extension
Service.
The FY94 funds were used to initiate 12 research projects
in the Pacific Northwest. FY95 and FY96 funds were used
to continue ongoing research and initiate six new projects.
In addition to the CSREES funds, the Agricultural Research
Service (USDA-ARS) also has received special allocations
for grass seed research. Funding for the program has been
continued for FY97, and it is anticipated that Congress
will continue funding in subsequent years.
Funds are being used to support fundamental and problem-solving
research and technology transfer efforts conducted by
individual scientists and teams of scientists. Three committees
provide advisory counsel to the Agricultural Experiment
Station Directors for operation of this program. A Technical
Advisory Committee and an Industry Advisory Committee,
chaired separately, provide input to an Administrative
Advisory Committee. The Administrative Advisory Committee
includes the chairpersons of the Technical and Industry
committees along with the Oregon, Idaho, and Washington
research and extension administrators and an ARS representative. |
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Grower and industry suggestions for priority areas of
research and extension activities are solicited annually.
You may provide input any time by contacting:
Ralph Cavalieri
Agricultural Research Center
Pullman WA 99164-6240
509-335-4564
email: cavalieri@wsu.edu |
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