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Vegetable Growers Conference Planned

The second annual Appalachian Regional Horticulture Conference will take place Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon.

Co-sponsored by Cooperative Extension, Risk Management Agency, United States Department of Agriculture and Appalachian Sustainable Development, the conference will provide hands-on education for new and experienced growers raising fruits and vegetables on a commercial scale.

Break out sessions cover a wide range of topics including vegetable variety selection, organic certification, crop insurance for small farms, and insect pest and disease management techniques.  The cost of the conference is $25 for both days and $15 for either Friday or Saturday. 

A highlight of this year’s conference will be an Organic Growers School, designed for people raising organic produce for both direct markets and in larger quantities for wholesale markets.  Many experienced organic producers will be among the presenters, including David Stern, who raises nearly 50 acres of certified organic produce in upstate New York.

Stern will share his experience and techniques that have enabled him to successfully raise and market a wide range of organic produce.  Courses in the organic school will range from an introduction to organic production for new growers, to more advanced topics on weed management, cover crops, and pest and disease control. There will also be Friday evening sessions on garlic and sweet sorghum production.

To register for the conference or for more information, call ASD at (276) 623-1121 or Dr. Allen Straw at (276) 944-2200. 

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