Researchers need organic farmers to help them test-grow broccoli to determine the best varieties for the mountains.

The majority of broccoli varieties currently available were developed for California and not East Coast growing conditions. N.C. State University wants to screen varieties for Western North Carolina.

Researchers promise getting involved will not take much time or effort, two commodities in short supply on most organic farms. A meeting is set for Feb. 9 in Mills River to determine varieties and factors to measure — farmers wanting to participate should plan to attend.

Emily_Bernstein@ncsu.edu or 828.684.3562.