The research and outreach program of the UVM North American Center for Saffron Research and Development, led by Plant and Soil Science Research Professor Margaret Skinner and Professor Bruce L. Parker, has been in the news a lot in recent months. Since 2015, scientists at the Center have been conducting research on the potential of saffron as a high-value crop to support small, diversified farmers.
Eating Well Magazine highlighted their work in January 2022, featuring several Vermont growers and the UVM work. In November 2021, an article featuring the UVM saffron research came out in Modern Farmer.
Each time saffron gets in the news they receive hundreds of inquiries, and several new growers express their interest to try their hand at saffron for the first time. These growers represent a diverse group including former dairy farmers, retirees with land who want to generate income to supplement their retirement income, and vegetable farmers who want to expand the range of their crops.