Over 30 growers, academics, experts, and extentionists will present at the innovative conference
Atascadero, Calif., — The Sustainable Ag Expo, a multi-day educational conference and tradeshow is thrilled to announce Dr. Marc Fuchs of Cornell University will be the featured speaker at the November 2017 event in San Luis Obispo, California. With over 250 scientific publications on virus diseases of fruit and vegetable crops he is a widely respected expert in the field. Through the three-day conference, Dr. Fuchs will address a variety of topics including Grapevine Red Blotch associated Virus (GRBaV) along with the biology of plant virus damage, transmission and management. In addition to Dr. Fuchs, over 30 growers, academics, experts, and extentionists will present and share at the innovative conference providing continuing education, the latest research, and promote social responsibility for all farmers, without regard to the crop grown, at the San Luis Obispo event November 13 – 15, 2017.
Throughout the three-day event in November, Dr. Fuchs will take the stage multiple times. His featured talk on the first day of the conference will be an in-depth look at the biology of plant viruses and the management of these diseases. Additionally, Dr. Fuchs of Cornell University will discuss a current wine industry topic of Grapevine Red Blotch associated Virus (GRBaV) to share the latest knowledge of its biology, how it spreads, its vectors and management suggestions. He will also speak about the new tools and protocols available to produce the cleanest vine material possible and the role growers play in this system.
“There are a dozen economically important viruses of grapes that lower yields, reduce quality, and short the lifespan of the vineyard,” according to Dr. Craig Macmillan, Technical Program Manager for Vineyard Team. “This topic is relevant and timely as we are in a period of replanting vineyards due to disease, so Dr. Fuchs’ work contributes to the effort to keep vineyards productive longer.”
The annual Sustainable Ag Expo provides farmers, ag professionals, and pest control advisors an opportunity to learn about and discuss the latest in farming research, resource issues, and business trends related to sustainable agriculture. Not only does the conference feature pathologists, weed specialists, entomologists, and extentionists from Cornell University, Kearney Ag Research and Education Center, and UC Davis, the three-day ag expo will also include presentations and panel discussions from farmers and consultants. This expansive mix provides an excellent platform to share the latest research, while offering practical approaches to sustainable farming. In addition, the conference offers generous continuing education hours for PCA’s and CCA’s.
In its 13th year, the Sustainable Ag Expo curates an innovative and educational conference that highlights the latest scientific and technical information to growers, pest control advisors, and other agricultural professionals interested in and committed to sustainable farming across a range of crops. The informative content of the expo is designed to foster conversations on the most pressing issues in the field including pests and diseases, natural resource conservation, technology adoption, and regulatory compliance.
“To bring a resource such as Dr. Fuchs to the Expo is why we do what we do,” said Kris Beal, Executive Director of the Vineyard Team. “Providing our attendees with accurate, relevant and solution based speakers who bang the drum on the importance of sustainability from land to the workplace continues to make us a louder force among the farming industry as a whole.”
Bringing together researchers, academics, policy experts, and growers, the Sustainable Ag Expo has become the premier agricultural conference to address environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainable farming. Registration is now open for the three-day Sustainable Ag Expo taking place at the Madonna Inn Expo Center in San Luis Obispo, California November 13 – 15, 2017. To secure a seat and for more information, visit www.sustainableagexpo.org or call 805-466-2288.
About the Sustainable Ag Expo
The Sustainable Ag Expo is a three-day educational conference bringing the latest scientific and technical information to growers, pest control advisors, and other agricultural professionals interested in and committed to sustainable farming across a range of crops. Cultivated in 2004, the Sustainable Ag Expo aims to produce insights and conversations surrounding the most pressing issues in the field including pests and diseases, natural resource conservation, technology adoption, and regulatory compliance. To learn more about the Sustainable Ag Expo, please visit www.sustainableagexpo.com.
About the Vineyard Team
Formed in 1994, the Vineyard Team is a nationally recognized 501c3 dedicated to protecting valuable resources for farms and communities. The organization includes a diverse mix of farmers, winemakers, and industry partners who are passionate about sharing and educating each other, and consumers, on new and innovative ideas about sustainable farming practices. The Vineyard Team holds a strong focus on science and education, and informs decision makers on important issues such as resource conservation, best management practices, and industry concerns. To learn more about the Vineyard Team, please visit their website at www.vineyardteam.org.
