Strawberry short course

Responding to the growing need for information about organic strawberry production, SAREP director Sean L. Swezey and the UC ANR Organic Farming Research Workgroup are coordinating the first UC program focused on organic strawberry production Feb. 27 and 28 in Salinas. UC and USDA researchers will be joined by industry speakers to cover issues including certification, economics and production. Course materials will draw from the forthcoming Organic Strawberry Production Manual.

"In response to cost and regulatory issues in the last few years, the California strawberry industry has been working to reduce pesticide use and seek alternatives to methyl bromide," Swezey said. "At the same time, organic strawberry production has been increasing-in 2002, more than 130 growers in 35 counties were growing organic strawberries valued at more than $9.5 million. This course is designed to meet the needs of growers and consultants, but may also be of interest to newcomers to the industry."

Simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided. The costs of the course is $125, which includes course materials, continental breakfast and lunch each day, and field trip transportation. To register for the course, contact UC Davis Extension, 1333 Research Park Dr., University of California, Davis, CA 95616-4852 or call toll-free (800) 752-0881. In Davis or Woodland call (530) 757-8777. Enroll in section 023AGR113. Scholarships to defray registration costs for limited-resource participants are available by contacting Kristen Rosenow, Ecological Farming Association, 406 Main St., Suite 313, Watsonville, CA 95076; (831) 763-2111. Funding for the course has been provided as part of a Buy California Initiative grant to SAREP from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.