bamboo researchers needed

Connie Falk (cfalk@nmsu.edu)
Mon, 11 Sep 1995 09:51:22 -0600

An independent bamboo producer in western New Mexico contacted me about
putting together a western region SARE grant proposal to further his private
work in bamboo production. He has successfully started several varieties of
bamboo on his property. The bamboo which he has grown is apparently dense
and strong, appropriate for building materials. In the Southwest,
alternatives to wood for the Southwestern style ceilings (lots of latillas)
would be a resource conserving material. His idea is to promote an
alternative building materials industry based on bamboo.

Which brings me to my question. Are there any specialists at any western
land grants that would be interested in helping put together a SARE grant
proposal on bamboo production? Tentatively both farm production and
marketing objectives would be included. My background is in ag economics
and I could help put the structure of the proposal together, but would need
some PI(s) from agronomy/horticulture area. We could grow varieties at
different sites, and conduct strength tests on them. I would think a multi
state effort would have more possibiltiy of being funded. I can send more
information soon. The bamboo producer, Kyle, is sending me additional
information, but I thought I would put out some feelers first.