¶¶Òõ̽̽

The ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Fruit Program provides research, teaching, and Extension programming to support sustainable crop production and improve livelihoods for tree fruit and grape producers in Vermont and the surrounding region. We work with the Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association, Vermont Grape and Wine Council, regional collaborators, and other and support organizations to best assess and meet the needs of these industries that are important components of the local agricultural community. We receive support for our work from USDA Extension Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Vermont Agriculture Experiment Station, and industry partners. Our work focuses on applied field research, maintaining a statewide weather station network for improving IPM decision-making, and instructional programming for undergraduate, graduate, and grower communities.

For the 2025 field season, AX fellows will work with our team on:

• Supporting field research assessing the effects of mineral- and biologically-based pesticides on phyllosphere microbiome in organically-managed vineyards. Fellows will assist with data collection and plot maintenance.
• Seasonal management of the 0.7 acre vineyard and 5 acre orchards at ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Catamount Educational Farm. Tasks include weeding, pruning, canopy management, tree training, and trellis construction.
• Scouting for commercially-important pests at Catamount Farm and local orchards. Fellows will set, maintain, and check traps and develop reports for use in Extension reporting. 
• Maintaining our statewide system of weather stations supported by the Network for Environmental and Weather Applications.
• Developing management recommendations and communicating IPM information to over 100 commercial producers in online news bulletins and face-to-face consultations. 

Much of our fieldwork takes place outdoors in rain, sun, and occasionally hot conditions. Team members will need to be able to complete physical farm tasks with a reasonable degree of stamina to succeed.