Browsing by Author "DiGiacomo, Gigi"
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Item 2009 Minnesota Directory of Organic Buyers.(St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, 2009) DiGiacomo, Gigi; Huan, Yaling; Hultberg, Annalisa; Grinde, Megan; Nelson, Beth; Olson, Brett"The 2009 Minnesota Directory of Organic Buyers was compiled by the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) to support and promote market development for local organic products. [...] As the market for local organic food and fiber products grows, MISA will periodically update the directory." (p.3)Item Can Local Food Go Mainstream?(Choices Magazine, Agricultural & Applied Economics Association, 2010) King, Robert P.; Gomez, Miguel I.; DiGiacomo, GigiThe supermarket is one of the 20th Century’s most important marketing innovations. The concept of the supermarket emerged in the 1930s, and supermarkets came to dominate food retailing in the two decades immediately after World War II. Made possible by rapid suburbanization of American cities and expansion of ownership of automobiles and refrigerators, supermarkets transformed business processes and competition for customers at the retail level. They also fostered expansion and new efficiencies for wholesalers and created new opportunities for food manufacturers to develop products for mass audiences. The basic hub and spoke distribution system that has evolved for supermarkets is built around large distribution centers located near interstate highways. These distribution centers receive full semi-trailer loads of product from suppliers and then send full semi-trailers out to individual stores daily or several times per week. Loads sent to stores are comprised of relatively small quantities of thousands of individual SKUs, or stock keeping units, needed to replenish the inventory of tens of thousands of SKUs stored on self-service shelves in a typical store. This system, which is supplemented by deliveries from specialty distributors and direct store deliveries by some suppliers, economizes on transportation and labor. With electronic transmission of orders and payment and computer-based tools that assist with ordering, pricing, and inventory management, this distribution system also keeps transaction costs to a minimum. It is ideally suited for sourcing consistent quality products at low cost from wherever they are available and so has been an integral part of an increasingly national and global food system. This mainstream supermarket distribution system favors large scale suppliers and facilitates long distance movement of products. Supermarket wholesale and retail companies usually prefer to work with a small number of large, reliable suppliers. At the same time, this system is remarkably resilient and quick to adapt. Can it be an effective channel for meeting the rapidly growing demand for local food products? Are there meaningful, long run prospects for a significant “relocalization” of supermarket offerings? While definitive answers to these questions are not yet apparent, there is emerging evidence that helps clarify how the relationship between the local foods movement and the supermarket industry may evolve.Item Comparing the Structure, Size and Performance of Local and Mainstream Food Supply Chains(US Department of Agriculture, 2010-06) King, Robert P.; Hand, Michael S.; DiGiacomo, Gigi; Clancy, Kate; Gomez, Miguel I.; Hardesty, Shermain D.; Lev, Larry; McLaughlin, Edward W.A series of coordinated case studies compares the structure, size, and performance of local food supply chains with those of mainstream supply chains. Interviews and site visits with farms and businesses, supplemented with secondary data, describe how food moves from farms to consumers in 15 food supply chains. Key comparisons between supply chains include the degree of product differentiation, diversification of marketing outlets, and information conveyed to consumers about product origin. The cases highlight differences in prices and the distribution of revenues among supply chain participants, local retention of wages and proprietor income, transportation fuel use, and social capital creation.Item COVID-19 impacts on agrifood supply chain businesses in the United States(2022-11-28) Peterson, Hikaru, H; DiGiacomo, Gigi; Court, Christa, D; Oliveira, Gustavo; Zhang, Li; hhp@umn.edu; Peterson, Hikaru, H; USDA AFRI Project "Lessons from COVID-19: Positioning Regional Food Supply Chains for Future Pandemics, Natural Disasters and Human-Made Crisis" TeamA validated agricultural disaster assessment instrument was adapted to survey five segments of the agrifood supply chain: agricultural production, food manufacturing, grocery wholesaling, food and beverage retailing, and restaurants. The survey was fielded online from February to April 2021 to distribution lists compiled by the team to businesses in three study regions: California, Florida, and Minnesota-Wisconsin. This is the first coordinated assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on agrifood businesses that have been administered across multiple segments of the supply chain in multiple regions.Item Economic Impact of Spotted Wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Yield Loss on Minnesota Raspberry Farms: A Grower Survey(Journal of Integrated Pest Management, 2019) DiGiacomo, Gigi; Hadrich, Joleen; Hutchison, William D.; Peterson, Hikaru; Rogers, MaryMinnesota was dubbed the ‘raspberry consumption capital of America’ in 2017 by wholesaler Driscoll’s, Inc. Local production of this high-demand fruit, however, is limited by the invasive pest, spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, Diptera: Drosophilidae). Recent research to develop integrated pest management (IPM) programs for MN berry crops indicates that raspberry growers are particularly vulnerable to significant spotted wing Drosophila-related yield losses. Spotted wing Drosophila was detected in Minnesota in 2012 across 29 counties. This analysis explores the economic impact of raspberry yield losses associated with spotted wing Drosophila in Minnesota as part of a multifaceted research initiative. An electronic survey of 157 MN berry growers was conducted in November 2017. Eighty-two individual grower surveys were returned (52% response rate). The survey included questions about production acreage, marketing practices, spotted wing Drosophila-related yield losses and future production intentions. The results of the e-survey indicate that raspberry growers have borne the highest levels of infestation among MN fruit growers surveyed. Spotted wing Drosophila-related yield losses for raspberry growers ranged from 2 to 100% of planted acreage.The median yield loss for this group of growers was 20% in 2017. Applying the median yield loss to ex-ante production estimates, we conclude that MN growers lost approximately $2.36 million in raspberry sales during the 1 yr studied. Investing in spotted wing Drosophila control measures will help MN growers reduce some of these losses in the future.Item Growing Day-Neutral Strawberries in High Tunnel Table-Top Systems(2023) DiGiacomo, Gigi; Klodd, Annie; gigid@umn.edu; DiGiacomo, Gigi; University of Minnesota Extension; University of Minnesota Department of Applied EconomicsThis 2022 case study explores the production of day-neutral (DN) strawberries in Nisswa, MN by beginning fruit growers who use a table-top (TT) production system in high tunnels. Table top or “gutter” growing systems are raised off the ground; plants are grown in long bags or pots of soilless growing media atop gutters, which are supported by posts. The irrigation system is attached to an intensively-controlled drip fertigation system that moderates the water pH and provides the plants with nutrients multiple times per week. Advantages of the TT system include ease of harvest and potential yield increases if the system is managed well and temperatures remain ideal for strawberry production. The upfront labor and costs are significant, and growers must develop some technical expertise with fertigation. In 2021, the growers’ first year of DN strawberry production, the large HT yielded 1,080 lbs (0.432 lbs per plant). The entire harvest was marketed pre-picked at $8/lb grossing $8,640. After deducting annual material and labor expenses ($3,933.20), the growers net $4,706.80 in 2021. This does not account for fixed costs (HT, irrigation and TT system). The fixed costs, including the labor needed to erect the structure, run irrigation lines and set up theTTs, totaled $27,445. Due to the steep learning curve, the grower anticipates that it will take approximately 5-6 years to recover upfront investments.Item Growing Organic Day-Neutral Strawberries in Caterpillar Tunnels(2023) DiGiacomo, Gigi; Klodd, Annie; gigid@umn.edu; DiGiacomo, Gigi; University of Minnesota ExtensionThis case study follows organic growers of day-neutral (DN) strawberries in Northfield, MN. The growers use five caterpillar tunnels (CTs) and harvest approximately 5,300 pounds of fresh organic strawberries annually with annual gross sales totaling $47,000. The case study covers production methods, labor tasks, marketing, performance and a complete production budget.Item Hail Netting for Apples: Study Results (2021-2022)(2024) Nelson, Sally, GA; DiGiacomo, Gigi; Klodd, Annie; Jacobson, John; Wimmer, Madeline; Hutchison, William, HApple is one of the most popular fruit crops grown in Minnesota and maintains high consumer demand for fresh fruit sales and agritourism at orchards around the state. Apple trees grown on a high-density trellis system have proven to be an economical production option for growers. In this system, growers typically rely on insecticides to minimize the risk of pest-related fruit losses. This article highlights the results of a study examining the impacts of drape-style hail netting on insect pests, beneficial insects, fruit quality, and yield. In addition, the economic benefits of hail netting for insect pest management are summarized.Item Hogs Your Way(Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, 2001) DiGiacomo, Gigi; Love, Patricia; Martin, Wayne; Morse, Debra Elias; Nelson, Beth; Virnig, KenHogs Your Way was created and produced for farmers considering adding, changing or expanding hog production in their portfolio of farm enterprises. It is designed to help you make decisions on how to raise hogs in a way that best fits your overall personal, family and financial goals. The challenges associated with hog production have increased over the last few years. Low prices and rising costs, environmental concerns, concerns about food safety, and social controversies have made hog production more challenging for farmers. However, in the midst of this there are farmers who are excited about their hog production systems, their enterprises and their future. Hogs Your Way tells stories of some of these farmers and describes the production systems they are using. Some of these practices are not often seen in the farm press and are not widely known. Hogs Your Way presents these alternative systems as well as the more conventional confinement system, with the goal of increasing awareness of the range of options for hog production available to Upper Midwest farmers as they try to adapt to these challenges. In addition to providing an overview of four production system options, Hogs Your Way challenges you to consider your “big picture” in making your choice. A new or expanded enterprise on your farm can have a variety of impacts on your work, finances, quality of life, family and community.Item Hogs Your Way: Choosing a Hog Production System in the Upper Midwest(St. Paul, MN: University of Minnesota Extension Service, 2001) DiGiacomo, Gigi; Love, Patricia; Martin, Wayne; Morse, Debra Elias; Nelson, Beth; Virnig, KenMethods for raising hogs in the Midwest are explained in this book. Production options include: Sweedish deep-straw farrowing system, deep-straw hoop structure system, pasture production systems, and conventional confinement systems.Item Making the Transition to Organic: Ten Farm Profiles(Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE), 2015) DiGiacomo, Gigi; King, Robert PAs part of the Tools for Transitions Project, we interviewed ten farmers during 2012 - 2015 who were either in the process of transition or who had been recently certified organic to hear, in their words, about what it's like to go organic. (p.4)Item Minnesota Apple Survey 2023: Results Summary(2023-06-15) DiGiacomo, Gigi; Hutchison, William; gigid@umn.edu; DiGiacomo, GigiA research team at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities fielded a state-wide survey January 2, 2023 - April 30, 2023 to quantify the value of apple (Malus domestica) production and agritourism on orchards in the state, to identify common marketing strategies among apple growers, and to ascertain pest management needs among apple growers. The final electronic questionnaire, consisting of 20 questions, was constructed using the Tailored Design Method and formatted in Qualtrics. The target survey population included owners/operators of apple orchards in Minnesota. Individual email contacts were compiled primarily with the help and permission of membership organizations (Minnesota Apple Growers Association, Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Minnesota Grown). Anonymous survey links were also posted on Social media sites (Facebook) to invite voluntary participation. Surveys were distributed to 354 eligible participants. A total of 107 individuals opened the survey and, of those, 71 reported growing apples and were eligible to continue the survey. Twenty-eight percent of the respondents opted out of the survey after completing the first question; thus the final number of survey participants who had completed more than one question was 51 individuals (14% response rate).Item Organic Transitions: A Business Planner for Farmers, Ranchers, and Food Entrepreneurs(Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE), 2015) King, Robert P; Nordquist, Dale; DiGiacomo, GigiOrganic food is a booming business. The profit potential—along with other rewards—has farmers, ranchers and food business owners across the country considering the switch to organic production. But successfully managing your business through the multi-year transition process requires careful planning. What are your long-term business goals? What organic market opportunities are you in a position to exploit? How will you acquire the resources you need to make the transition? How will you anticipate and deal with challenges as they arise? These are just a few of the critical questions you should be thinking about as you plan, and Organic Transition: A Business Planner for Farmers, Ranchers and Food Entrepreneurs can help. While not a comprehensive guide to becoming certified, the Organic Transition Planner will help you explore organic transition strategies and decide whether going organic makes sense for your farm or business. The Organic Transition Planner contains explanations of key concepts, real-life examples from transitioning farmers and detailed worksheets covering farm operations, marketing, human resources and finances. After working through the Organic Transition Planner you will be ready to develop an actionable business plan suitable for yourself, your management team or a lender. (Back cover)Item Partial Budget Analysis of Exclusion Netting and Organic- certified Insecticides for Management of Spotted-wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) on Small Farms in the Upper Midwest(Journal of Economic Entomology, 2021-05) DiGiacomo, Gigi; Gullickson, M.G.; Rogers, M.; Peterson, H.H.; Hutchison, W.D.Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), or spotted-wing drosophila, is an invasive pest first detected in the United States in 2008. Although D. suzukii can use many cultivated fruit as hosts, raspberries are considered ‘most at risk’ for infestation. Conventional broad-spectrum insecticides are proven effective D. suzukii controls and can be economically profitable when combined with integrated pest management (IPM) on large-scale commercial raspberry farms. It remains unclear, however, whether organic controls are cost-effective strategies, particularly for farms operating on a small-scale seasonal basis, as is common in the Upper Midwest. The purpose of this paper is to explore the efficacy of two organic D. suzukii controls— exclusion netting for high tunnels and organic insecticides for open plots using data available from different field trials—and to ascertain whether any economic benefits of the organic controls outweigh treatment costs for small-scale raspberry operations under different risk scenarios. The field trials suggest that the organic treatments are effective controls for D. suzukii infestation and economically profitable. The exclusion net- ting treatment produced positive net returns compared to the alternative of no treatment and economically outperformed the organic-certified insecticide treatment for several yield, price and infestation scenarios. As D. suzukii infestation rates increased, net returns improved for both organic treatments. The economic results were robust across a range of yields and prices, suggesting that in almost all scenarios small scale organic raspberry growers benefit economically from the application of exclusion netting on high tunnels and insecticides for open plots.Item Sustainable Farming Systems: Demonstrating Environmental and Economic Performance.(St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, 2001-06) DiGiacomo, Gigi; Iremonger, Christopher J.; Kemp, Loni; van Schaik, Caroline; Murray, HeleneThis four-year study coordinated by the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) showed farm profits and environmental performance on sustainable farms match and often exceed that of conventional farms (http://z.umn.edu/sfs).