|
CCOF Press Releases
Press Release
November 23, 2009
For Immediate Release |
Contact:
Hunter Francis
Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium
(805) 756-5086
wfrancis@calpoly.edu
Jane Baker
CCOF Marketing Director
(831) 423-2263, ext. 27
jane@ccof.org
|
Download the pdf
Click here for print ready graphics and logos
Topical Pest Management Conference Agenda Attracts California Agriculture Secretary AG Kawamura as Keynote Speaker
(November 23, 2009) San Luis Obispo, CA – Cal Poly and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) will host the eighth annual Sustainable Pest Management Conference in San Luis Obispo on Dec. 4 and 5.
The conference agenda addresses the hot topics in California integrated pest management (IPM) including current insect threats to olives, the leafy greens marketing agreement (LGMA), new certification standards in sustainable vineyards and weed management without synthetic herbicides.
Day one of the conference concludes with a keynote address from AG Kawamura, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture Department. Kawamura on the subject of the “Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Pest Management in California Agriculture.”
The first day of the conference, which will be held at the San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall, also includes a seminar on biopesticides as legitimate products for use in IPM and certified organic production and another on the important role of micronutrient trace minerals in bolstering pest resistance as well as an Agricultural Commissioner discussion panel.
The second day, which will be held at the Cal Poly Crops Unit, includes a half-day, hands-on workshop focused on ants and mealy bugs. Information and exercises will include pest biology, identification and control. Recognizing key characteristics of the major species in these pest categories will help people improve identification skills.
The conference is open to anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, including pest control advisers, growers and agricultural consultants. Participants can gain a greater understanding of organic practices and standards and learn about the latest developments in effective, sustainable pest control. Twelve Continuing Education Units are available for pest control advisers, (eight units for Dec. 4 and an additional four units for Dec. 5). For Certified Crop Advisers, 11.5 CEU credits have been approved. Twelve “Ag Waiver” units were also approved by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Conference registration is $170 for Dec. 4 and $90 for Dec. 5 and includes parking, meals and materials. Student rates are also available.
For more information or to register, visit www.ccof.org/pcaconference.php, call 831-423-2263, or e-mail ccof@ccof.org.
# # #
About CCOF
CCOF certifies more than 2,100 organic farmers, processors, handlers, retailers, and private
labelers in 35 states and three countries. California. More than 350 CCOF supporting members are comprised of consumers, suppliers, individuals and businesses interested in furthering CCOF’s work.
About SARC
The Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium (SARC) is a program in the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences at Cal Poly State University,, San Luis Obispo dedicated to the advancement of sustainable food and agricultural systems. SARC initiatives have included curricula development, continuing educations programs, professional development seminars, and a supporting role in the establishment of the Cal Poly Organic Farm.
For further information on SARC visit: www.sarc.calpoly.edu
More information: About CCOF, CCOF History, CCOF Fact Sheets and Statistics .
CCOF Logos:
|
