Nov. 20, 2009
Contact: Hunter Francis
Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium
805-756-5086; wfrancis@calpoly.edu
Jane Baker
CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers)
831-423-2263, ext 27
California Agriculture Secretary Kawamura to Speak
SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly and California Certified Organic Farmers will host the eighth annual Sustainable Pest Management Conference in San Luis Obispo on Dec. 4 and 5.
The conference agenda addresses 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 will address “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 will include 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 four 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 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 (California Certified Organic Farmers), a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1973 and is one of the nation’s oldest and largest third-party organic certifying agencies. For more information on CCOF visit: www.ccof.org
###