Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** beyond peat is a project…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** beyond peat is a project developed to coordinate national efforts to advance the U.S. Horticulturalindustry that relies on peat-based substrates to produce specialty crops. Peat moss has long been a primary component of soilless substrates due to its optimal properties. However, recent poor weather conditions have limited the harvest, resulting in harvests under quota in recent years, lowering supply. In addition, added demand for peat moss through new crops shifting to soilless culture (i.e., small fruits, ornamental trees, vegetables, medicinal products) has further strained the supply chain. To continue to move forward, new materials need to be developed to extend the peat supply and ensure that the specialty crops industry continues to grow. The beyond peat team will develop substrate materials out of regional biomasses and agfibers that can be used in place of peat or as amendments. Moreover, the team will develop deployment protocols for how to use these substrate materials, specifically with tradition and stratified substrate systems. Finally, the team will assess the social, economic, and environmental concerns assocaited with new substrate materials and shifting our substrate practices.