Press Release from August 8, 2006

Farmers Shown New Opportunities

Farmers, agricultural educators, and governmental representatives were given an overview of the research program and taken on a tour of research plots during the Third Annual Auksuciai Farm Field Day near Kursenai, Lithuania on July 16, 2006. Center Director, Larry Clement, showed participants it is possible to produce the oil crop safflower, that popcorn does well and that Camelina sativa ( False Flax) a totally new crop, popular in France for use in cosmetics, could be profitable for farmers. In addition he called attention to research underway on asparagus and improved varieties of blueberries. Both do well in the peat soil common to the area. In orchard crops, Clement showed participants an ongoing Apple “V” Trellis and Variety experiment. This pruning system is designed to increase light in the center of the tree for uniform ripening and ease of harvest.

The Auksuciai Farm and Forest Center was incorporated as a Lithuanian non-profit business entity in September, 2002.The Center provides agricultural and forest information to Lithuanian farmers, introduces modern farming technology, new crops and improved varieties of existing crops and encourages sustainable farming practices. A Research & Educational Summary 2003-2005 compiled by Lawrence Clement, Center Director and Vaida Sileikaite, Assistant Director for Research is now available and can be obtained by contacting ldclement@banga.lt

The 2006 Field Day was held in conjunction with the dedication of the Jurgis Gudaitis Agricultural Research and Education Center Building. This facility was graciously funded by his daughter Grazina Gudaityte-Liautaud. It will soon become a regional center of activities, seminars and events related to improving Lithuanian agriculture.

Posted August 8, 2006 by: The Auksuciai Foundation (USA),
2907 Frontera Way,
Burlingame, CA 94010 USA

E-mail: [ click here ]