Foundation Accomplishments

• Twenty seven donors contributed a total of $20,555 to the Foundation. Since the organization has no paid staff, almost 95 % of the donated funds were used to support programs in Lithuania. In addition, individual Foundation Board members provided $19,121 in non-reimbursed organization expenditures.

  

• Organized and conducted the Auksuciai Agricultural Conference at Siauliai University during the month of July. This program involved Lithuanian and American university research scientists, Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture representatives, Lithuanian farm organizations and agricultural business representatives. The program focused on the development and marketing of crops best suited to small farming enterprises and how to utilize farmer associations and cooperatives to build markets for existing crops. Financial support for the event was provided by the University of California Davis, Office of Outreach and International Programs; Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture; U.S. Embassy in Lithuania; and the Lithuanian Foundation Inc.

• Five Foundation board members, at their own expense, made trips to Lithuania to oversee the farming and research operation, handle governmental issues and assist in the development of the public events associated with the Farm Field Day and the Agricultural Conference.

• Updated Website: www.aukfoundation.org; developed new Five-Year Strategic Plan; published 2003 Annual Report and distributed periodic News Releases on activities.

• Retained Lithuanian Legal Counsel to ensure compliance with Lithuanian law and to assist with land transfer and use issues.

• Provided $ 18,000 in support to the Lithuania based Auksuciai Farm and Forestry Center.

Auksuciai Farm and Forestry Center (Auksuciu Ukio ir Misku Centras) Accomplishments

• Organized and conducted the Auksuciai Farm Field Day in Mid-July. Local farmers, agricultural educators and governmental representatives, including the Lithuanian Ambassador to the US, were given an overview of the research program and were then taken on a tour of the research plots. They were shown examples of new crops, and given suggestions as to how they might perform under local farming conditions. Participants were shown how modification of traditional farming practices, reduced use of fertilizers, and herbicides and the use of integrated pest management practices can result in greater income to the farmer.

• Published 2003 Research and Education Report showing results of experiments and trials conducted during the year with various vegetable, grain and forage crops.

  

• Developed Research and Education Plan for 2005 focusing on new crop introductions, pest management practices, cultural practices and long term impacts of farming practices.

• Conducted intensive research on blueberry varieties, expanded commercial planting of asparagus and began development of its market acceptance.

• Developed and circulated an announcement of position of Assistant Director for Research and Education. This person is to be responsible for day-to-day research activities at the farm site.

  

• · Hired a new full time farm assistant, three Siauliai University students to work in the summer with the research plots and two students to serve as farm watchmen during the winter months.

• Improved fire pond, graveled road and planted several thousand seedling trees in areas where timber had been cut.

• Arranged educational visit in December to California for a Lithuanian Farm Center (Centras) board member, including visits to University of California research facilities, to the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources and to commercial farming operations.

Foundation/Centras goals for 2005

• Begin construction in Lithuania of a Farm Center building, to be completed by fall. This building will be used to hold meetings with farmers, house researchers, and conduct lab research.

• Secure financial support from grants or other sources to hire a Center Assistant Director for Research and Education. In the interim utilize the services of University of Siauliai graduate in Ecological Science to perform the duties of Research Assistant.

• Secure funding to bring the Center Research Assistant to California to observe the operations of University Research Programs and for training in management of research activities.

  

• Retain professional assistance for the Foundation in the development of a research grant proposal for submission to the USDA Science and Education Competitive Grant Program.

• Hold a Board of Directors meeting in February 2005 in Lithuania of the Auksuciai Farm and Forestry Center.

• Develop an Auksuciai Foundation International Research Advisory Committee.