Judson Reid¹, Helene Dillard², Ann Cobb³, and Howard Hoover^4
1Extension Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Penn Yan, NY 14527
²Professor-Dept. Plant Pathology, Director-Cornell Coop. Ext., NYSAES, Cornell University, Geneva, NY 14456
³Research Technician, Dept. Plant Pathology, NYSAES, Cornell University, Geneva, NY 14456
⁴Cooperating Grower, Penn Yan, NY 14527

Abstract: Greenhouse production of vegetables has grown exponentially in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. The majority of this growth has come from Old Order Mennonite and Amish communities. High Tunnels have been selected as an appropriate technology to promote among this audience for the following reasons:

• Rising fuel costs decrease profit margins for heated greenhouse tomatoes.
• High Tunnels capitalize on the abundant supply of family labor.
• High Tunnels take advantage of market windows at Amish and Mennonite produce auctions.
• No electricity or automation is required.

The objective of this project was to compare 2 greenhouse varieties; Trust and Boa, with 2 field varieties; Big Beef and Mtn. Spring, in a High Tunnel. Yields based on total weight, fruit and grade from the 4 varieties in a random block design were recorded on an Old Order Mennonite farm. USDA SARE funded this project in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the collaborating farm family.

There is no full paper associated with this abstract.