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.
Washington State University is the lead institution for this special grant program, and is responsibly for sending out a Request for Proposals, which is usually in mid June or early July, to the Oregon and Idaho Experiment Station Directors. The Experiment Station Directors forward the RFP to all units within their station , and other interested parties. The deadline for these proposals is typically in October, and award letters are sent out in January. If you are interested in receiving an RPF, please contact Mike Burke at the contact information below.
Title - Grass Seed Cropping Systems for a Sustainable Agriculture (GSCSSA)
This is a tri-state research grant with Washington and Idaho
PI - Jan Auyong, Assistant Director, Agricultural Experiment Station
OSU Representative - Jan Auyong, Assistant Director, Agricultural Experiment Station
GSCSSA Website: http://gscssa.wsu.edu/
