From Steve Gabriel, Extension Aide, Dept. of Horticulture, sfg53@cornell.edu:
I’m collaborating with Roger Ort, Cornell Cooperative Extension – Schuyler County, on a Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension program grant to develop the pawpaw (Asimina triloba) fruit as a niche agricultural crop.
We are seeking existing farmers (with some crops currently under cultivation for sale) in New York State who would consider growing pawpaws on their farm.
We want collaborating farmers to:
- Receive fruits from Cornell and test them in their local markets for saleability
- Plant trial groves 1/4 – 1 acre in size (plant stock would be provided)
We are hoping to have a range of microclimates and demographics (rural/urban markets) in the study. If you know anyone who might be interested, please let us know: sfg53@cornell.edu
Pawpaws are native to much of the Southeast, north to Pennsylvania and Ohio and west to eastern Nebraska. The large fruit have custard-like flesh with easy-to-remove seeds and hints of banana, mango and cantaloupe.
Our Lansing Orchard has a grove of pawpaws that was established in 1999. We will be using this planting to host short courses, provide fruit for tastings at farmers markets, and to share fruit with local farmers, chefs, and others to conduct a study to determine consumer demand and farm feasibility from the farmer perspective.