January 2004
Organic production short courses offered in January, February
In response to increased interest in organic pear and strawberry production, the University of California is coordinating short courses in Ventura on Jan. 30 for strawberries and in Rohnert Park on Feb. 17 for pears.
"Organic farming is one of the few bright spots in agriculture today, showing an estimated 20 percent per year increase over the last five years," said Sean L. Swezey, director of the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP), a course sponsor. "We're happy to be able to offer these courses to California growers."
Swezey will be among the presenters at both short courses, which will feature information on the latest research, organic regulations and certification, economics, marketing and pest management. Presenters include UC Cooperative Extension farm advisors and specialists, California Department of Food and Agriculture personnel and industry representatives.
The strawberry short course will also include information on soil-borne diseases and powdery mildew management, gray mold management, methyl bromide alternatives, weed and insect management, and planting varieties.
Rachel Elkins, UC Cooperative Extension Lake County director/pomology farm advisor and organizer of the organic pear short course, said that pear acreage in California has dropped since 1999, but interest in organic produce may help farmers looking for other economic niches.
"Organic production may be one of the options that can help farmers diversify their marketing options," Elkins said.
The pear short course will also include information on tree nutrition, vertebrate management, and postharvest and food safety.
To register for the $25 strawberry course (includes lunch and materials), contact farm advisor Oleg Daugovish by Jan. 27 at odaugovish@ucdavis.edu, (805) 645-1454, or fax (805) 645-1474. California Department of Pesticide Regulation continuing education hours are pending.
Registration for the pear short course is $40 before Feb. 3 ($50 after), and includes materials, refreshments and lunch. For more information, contact UC Cooperative Extension, Lake County, celake@ucdavis.edu, (707) 263-6838.
Meeting brochures with registration forms for both courses can be downloaded from SAREP's Web site at http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/organic/courses.htm. The short courses are sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension, the UC Organic Farming Research Workgroup, and SAREP.
Media Contacts:
Lyra Halprin, (530) 752-8664, lhalprin@ucdavis.edu
