Auksučiai Foundation has no paid administrative overhead, 100% of the money received goes to support programs.

 



Auksučiai Farm and Forestry Center
was established to help small-scale Lithuanian farmers become more self-sufficient and competitive in a free market economy.

The Center conducts research and shares environmentally sound farm and forestry  management and commercial agricultural production practices.


New crop introductions
New crops including asparagus, apple varieties, blueberry varieties, oil crop safflower, popcorn varieties, and Camelina Sativa (false flax) were introduced to Lithuania and grown successfully in the heavily peat soils common to the region.
 

 

Organic and sustainable farming methods
Demonstrated modified farming practices, reducing or eliminating fertilizers and herbicides by using integrated pest management, resulting in safer environmental practices and greater income to the farmer.


2007 PROGRAM OF WORK
 

· Work on fund development for Auksučiai Foundation development through donations, special grants and projects. Leaders- Šliupas / Federas / Ruth. Cost - US$4,000

· Seek funds to hire an in-country Lithuanian with a Masters Degree in Agronomy, demonstrated communication skills, and management experience to serve as Director of the Center. Leader - Board. Cost - US$12,000 plus US$4,800 benefits = US$16,800 first year

· Work with an interested party in establishing a commercial Field and Greenhouse Flower Production facility at the farm site. Rental revenues will be used to support the research program. Leader - Qualset. Cost - Minimal

· By June 1, 2007 complete a major revision and update of the Auksučiai Foundation website. Upon completion the Foundation will be able to accept on-line financial donations. Leaders - Federas/ Chiles. Cost - US$500 

· Provide the land and technical assistance necessary for the Šiauliai University to conduct an experimental planting of Jerusalem artichokes (Sunchokes). This will be a joint AUMC/SU activity. Leader- Qualset. Cost - US$1,000

· Apply to the Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture for support funds to conduct an asparagus production/marketing workshop at the Gudaitis Center in late September. Leaders- Qualset/Ruth. Net Cost to Centras - US$4,500

 · Work with Agriventure International Exchanges in including Lithuania in the list of countries serviced by its program. Once established, help work out exchanges of students from cooperating Lithuanian universities. Leaders- Ruth/Chiles. Cost - US$1,500

 · Determine the feasibility of establishing a co-op grain dryer system which would be located on the farm and serve farmers in the general area of Kuršenai. We would combine a grain-dryer, seed cleaner, and biofuel generator into an incubator project servicing local farmer needs. Leaders – Federas / Qualset / Makelis / Ruth. Cost of feasibility study - US$12,000

· Determine the feasibility of conducting potato and cereal crops trials on a fee for service basis. Develop a budget to purchase the proper planter and harvester. Leader - Qualset. Cost - Minimal

· Continue ongoing research with 17 or more fruit, vegetable and grain crops. Leaders - Qualset / Federas / Šliupas. Cost - US$31,000

· Expand the field program on fruit tree research in cooperation with the Lithuanian University of Agriculture. Leader - Qualset. Cost - Minimal

· Begin the organization of local farmers in the planting, production, cold storage, and marketing of asparagus in the 2008 crop year. Initial (crown) plantings will be provided by the farm. Purchase Mobile Cold Storage Refrigeration Unit in U.S./ Ship to farm in Lithuania. Leaders - Qualset / Federas / Ruth. Cost - US$12,000 

Total all programs  US$ 83,000
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