Specialty Crops
Mission
We provide a variety of resources, both online and in-person, to raise awareness about specialty crops, their potential, nutritional value, health benefits, and positive environmental impact. Our programs empower underserved and underrepresented communities with practical knowledge on cultivating specialty crops for personal consumption and income generation. This helps ensure food security, fosters success in crop production, enhances product quality, and promotes environmentally sustainable practices.
Programs
Native Plant Outdoor Laboratory (NPOL)
Located on LU campus, the NPOL consists of several garden beds with more than 100 native plants, herbaceous and woody, which also can be found on prairies, savannas, wetlands, and woodlands. It was created as an educational tool in 2009 to offer an easily accessible place where visitors can identify and enjoy native plants and their pollinators all year. The NPOL provides samples of beautification that can be adapted in farms and gardens.
FINCA EcoFarm (Families Integrating Nature, Conservation and Agriculture)
Finca is a small but highly diversified farm that can provide subsistence for a family, and excess production is sold at local venues or transformed into value-added products for consumption. The FINCA EcoFarm, located on campus in Jefferson City, is open to visitors to see more than 50 native plants. Field days, seminars, and workshops are organized throughout the year or upon request.
Dining Wild
SCP teams up with chefs, farmers, market vendors, volunteers, LU Extension staff, and non-profit organizations to host these outreach events. Dishes and beverages are prepared with at least one native edible and local crops for attendees to sample. The events usually include a lecture by a guest speaker, garden tours, and Exhibits.
Native Plant Academy
This six-to-eight-week program provides tools and education on native plants including identification, propagation, landscaping, culinary uses, and the potential to generate income. Classes are offered online and in-person for a hands-on experience, and those who complete the program receive a participation certificate. This program provides the tools to those seeking to pursue a career in native plant landscaping, farming, education, or the floral industry. The Native Plant Academy is done in collaboration with the Missouri Prairie Foundation.
Information and Resources
- Resources
- Workshops
- Conferences
- Social Media
- Trainings
- Publications
Talk to a Specialist
Nadia Navarrete-Tindall, PhD
State Extension Specialist
Specialty Crops Program/Native Plants
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension
306 Allen Hall, 900 Chestnut Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
P: (573) 681-5060
E: Navarrete-tindallN@LincolnU.edu