Final harvest of the specialty crops at RAREC brings an end to a successful first year

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The harvesting of the agrivoltaics specialty crops study came to close on 18 Oct. at RAREC in southern New Jersey. The work could not have been done without the dedicated volunteers of the Master Gardener Program of Cumberland County, New Jersey led by Kaylynn Hyson. Dr. Wesley Kline, Cumberland County Agricultural Agent, was instrumental in helping us harvest and train our volunteers.

In total there were 13 eggplant ‘Palermo’, 10 fresh-market tomato ‘Red Deuce’, and 7 bell pepper ‘Turnpike’ harvests for the season. Once fruit were harvested, they were brought into our post harvest building and graded according to USDA standards. The harvest data we collected will be presented at local and regional meetings this winter and upcoming spring.

Much of the harvested fruit was donated to local food banks, churches, and senior living care facilities in the area by members of the Cumberland County Master Gardeners. In total for the season, ~ 1,300 lbs. of eggplant, 2,500 lbs. of tomato, and 2,100 lbs. of bell peppers were donated to local charities.

Articles and images can be used by Permission from the Rutgers RAPS Team only – For Permission contact RAPS at shawn.sorrels@rutgers.edu.