An ed session focused on a systematic approach to managing pests in organic agricultural systems and an interactive workshop offering insights into research by the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) and the UC Organic Agriculture Institute (OAI) have been announced as part of the educational program for the upcoming Organic Grower Summit (OGS) 2023 presented by Western Growers and OPN, slated for November 29-30 in Monterey, California.
"Roadmap to an Organic Sustainable Pest Management Future" will feature three industry experts discussing the ins and outs of organic pest management. Moderated by Gina Colfer, Sustainable Solutions PCA/CCA at Wilbur Ellis, the session will include panelists Kim Horton, agronomy manager at Taylor Farms; Mathew Grieshop, director for the Cal Poly Center for Organic Production and Research; and Jo Ann Baumgartner, executive director at Wild Farm Alliance.
Left to right: Gina Colfer, Kim Horton
"A working group of 33 agricultural and urban industry members has been working to pave the way for California to develop the Roadmap for a Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) future," said Colfer. "The SPM Roadmap builds on the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) but with a broader consideration for environmental protection, human health, social equity, and economic vitality. The organic industry is poised to be the industry leader in this next phase for an SPM future."
A 90-minute ed session, "Understanding Evolving Production Challenges for Organic Growers," will showcase findings from OFRF's California Organic Research Agenda report as well as ongoing research at the University of California's OAI.
The session will be moderated by Brise Tencer, executive director at OFRF. Panelists for the session will include Dr. Shriya Rangarajan, a postdoctoral scholar with the OAI; Darryl Wong, executive director of the Center for Agroecology; and Larry Jacobs, president of Jacobs Farm del Cabo.
Left to right: Brise Tencer, Dr. Shriya Rangarajan, Larry Jacobs
"Both OFRF and OAI regularly connect with organic growers to understand their evolving needs and the tools and practices that best support organic growers," said Tencer. "Session attendees will hear from organic farmers and researchers about the value of farmer knowledge networks and the transformative power of researcher-producer collaborations."
The sixth annual Organic Grower Summit provides information vital to organic growers and producers as well as an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the production of organic fresh food.
Highlighting the event is a sold-out trade show floor featuring soil amendment, ag tech, food safety, packaging, and equipment exhibitors who will have the opportunity to connect with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
OGS 2023 will be held November 29-30 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California. Further details on the educational program, including session topics and speakers, will be released in the coming weeks. For more information, please visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.
For more information:
Matt Seeley
Organic Produce Network
Tel.: +1 (831) 884-5092
Matt@organicproducenetwork.com
www.organicproducenetwork.com