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Dive into the research topics where Jessica R. Goldberger is active.

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Featured researches published by Jessica R. Goldberger.


Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems | 2015

Barriers and bridges to the adoption of biodegradable plastic mulches for US specialty crop production

Jessica R. Goldberger; Robert Emmet Jones; Carol Miles; Russell W. Wallace; D. A. Inglis

Commercial farmers have been using polyethylene plastic mulch since the 1950s. Despite the affordability and effectiveness of polyethylene mulch, the disposal process is financially and environmentally costly. Biodegradable plastic mulches, an ecologically sustainable alternative to polyethylene mulch films, were introduced in the 1980s. Biodegradable plastic mulches can be tilled into the soil or composted at the end of the season, reducing the labor and environmental costs associated with plastic removal and disposal. However, research results are mixed as to the effectiveness, degradability and ease-of-use of biodegradable plastic mulches. In 2008–2012, researchers, funded by a USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant, conducted surveys and focus groups in three different agricultural regions of the USA to better understand the barriers and bridges to the adoption of biodegradable plastic mulches for specialty crop production systems. Data on the experiences and views of specialty crop growers, agricultural extension agents, agricultural input suppliers, mulch manufacturers and other stakeholders showed that the major adoption barriers were insufficient knowledge, high cost and unpredictable breakdown. The major bridges to adoption were reduced waste, environmental benefits and interest in further learning. These findings are discussed with reference to the classic innovation diffusion model, specifically work on the innovation–decision process and the attributes of innovations. The study results can be used to guide the activities of those involved in the design, development and promotion of biodegradable plastic mulches for US specialty crop production systems.


Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems | 2011

Azinphos-methyl (AZM) phase-out: Actions and attitudes of apple growers in Washington State

Jessica R. Goldberger; Nadine Lehrer; Jay F. Brunner

The Environmental Protection Agencys phase-out of the pesticide azinphos-methyl (AZM) has encouraged the transition of apple pest management toward more environmentally and socially sustainable practices. This study reports on results of a 2009 survey of conventional apple growers in Washington State. Growers were asked about their approaches and attitudes toward the AZM phase-out and barriers to the adoption of reduced-risk insecticides (AZM-alternatives) as part of their integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques were used to examine relationships between actions and attitudes toward the phase-out and grower characteristics. Results showed that Washington apple growers have begun eliminating AZM and adopting AZM-alternatives. However, larger growers (in terms of acreage and income) and growers more familiar with Washington State Universitys (WSUs) educational resources were more likely to have already reduced their AZM use. These results suggest that larger farms can play an important role in increasing the sustainability of conventional agriculture, despite a common association of sustainable agriculture with small farms. Results also suggest that agricultural extension services could be well served to extend their outreach to smaller growers and others lagging in the transition to more sustainable apple pest management.


Weed Science | 2016

A Survey of Weed Management in Organic Small Grains and Forage Systems in the Northwest United States

Nicole E. Tautges; Jessica R. Goldberger; Ian C. Burke

A lack of information regarding weed control, relative to conventional systems, has left organic growers largely on their own when devising weed management systems for organic crops. As interest in organic weed management increases, researchers need more information regarding the type and number of weed control practices undertaken on organic farms. A survey of certified organic growers was conducted in five states in the northwest United States to identify organic weed management programs and what grower and farm-operation characteristics were factors in weed management program design. Three types of weed management programs, with varying diversity in weed control practices, were identified. Stepwise binary logistic regression indicated that the likelihood of an organic grower using a more-diverse weed management program increased if the grower engaged in grain production and as the number of crops produced on an organic farm operation in 1 yr increased. The probability of operating a more-diverse weed management program also increased as a growers education level increased. Organic hectarage operated was positively correlated with weed management program diversity, and with the adoption of cultural controls. Additionally, awareness of weeds as a factor causing yield loss was correlated with increased weed management program diversity. An increased awareness among researchers of the differing needs and abilities of organic growers in managing weeds on their farms will improve communication and outreach efforts when assisting growers with designing organic weed management programs.


Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems | 2008

Assessing farmer interest in participatory plant breeding: Who wants to work with scientists?

J. C. Dawson; Jessica R. Goldberger

Participatory research, particularly participatory plant breeding (PPB), can increase the relevance of public-sector research to the agricultural community. PPB has mostly been used in developing countries with resource-poor farmers, but there is increasing interest among farmers in developed countries who are dissatisfied with the performance of available varieties. In 2006, scientists associated with the winter and spring wheat breeding programs in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and the Department of Community and Rural Sociology at Washington State University (WSU) conducted a survey of members of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. Through analysis of the survey results, we sought to understand (1) whether or not farmers want to work with scientists in PPB programs and (2) the determinants of PPB interest. Results indicated that 52% of Washington wheat growers were interested in working with WSU scientists in a participatory breeding program. Interested farmers tended to be younger and college educated with fewer years of farming experience. Moreover, PPB interest appeared to be related positively to farm size, the number of wheat varieties planted, use of and interest in alternative production and marketing practices (e.g., seed saving, organic agriculture), and prior experience with WSU. Based on this analysis and ongoing discussions with farmers, we hope to develop a participatory wheat breeding program where farmers are able to choose their level of involvement with the breeding process based on their interest and needs. This new program will increase the relevance of WSUs wheat breeding programs to farmers in the state and could serve as a model for other public agricultural research programs seeking to increase farmer involvement and, thereby, democratize agricultural research.


Agriculture and Human Values | 2008

Non-governmental organizations, strategic bridge building, and the “scientization” of organic agriculture in Kenya

Jessica R. Goldberger


Journal of Rural Studies | 2011

Conventionalization, Civic Engagement, and the Sustainability of Organic Agriculture.

Jessica R. Goldberger


Agriculture and Human Values | 2013

Commercial bakers and the relocalization of wheat in western Washington State

Karen M. Hills; Jessica R. Goldberger; Stephen S. Jones


Journal of Sustainable Agriculture | 2008

Diffusion and Adoption of Non-Certified Organic Agriculture: A Case Study from Semi-Arid Makueni District, Kenya

Jessica R. Goldberger


Applied Geography | 2012

Decisions to direct market: Geographic influences on conventions in organic production

Jeremy Sage; Jessica R. Goldberger


Environmental Science & Policy | 2017

Policy considerations for limiting unintended residual plastic in agricultural soils

Marion Brodhagen; Jessica R. Goldberger; Douglas G. Hayes; D. A. Inglis; Thomas L. Marsh; Carol Miles

Collaboration


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D. A. Inglis

Washington State University

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Nadine Lehrer

Washington State University

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Carol Miles

Washington State University

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Jay F. Brunner

Washington State University

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Jessica Crowe

St. Mary's College of Maryland

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Stephen S. Jones

Washington State University

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Karen M. Hills

Washington State University

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Abby Beissinger

University of Connecticut

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Angela N. Gadino

Washington State University

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