Atascadero, California—Sustainable Ag Expo is a three-day educational seminar held November 12th– 14th, 2018, highlighting the latest in farming research, resource issues, and business trends related to sustainable agriculture for farmers, ag professionals and pest control advisors.
This year’s featured speaker is Dr. Michael McCarthy, of the South Australia Research and Development Institute. Dr. McCarthy is a world-renowned expert on the use of rootstocks to mitigate abiotic stresses, wine-grape clonal selection, soil management, the development of regulated deficit irrigation and partial root zone drying, the use of mulch for vineyard floor management and reclaimed water use. He is also a professional grape grower in the Barossa Valley where he puts theory into practice in his own vineyard.
“It is an honor to have Dr. Michael McCarthy speak at the Sustainable Ag Expo this year,” exclaims Craig Macmillan, Technical Program Manager of Vineyard Team. “Dr. McCarthy’s cutting-edge research on drought-resistance, climate change and plant breeding is practically-oriented with real-world advice that benefits growers around the world.”
California farmers face many challenges. To meet these challenges, the Sustainable Ag Expo brings together experts from academia, government and industry for sessions on “Big Picture” topics such as: safety and labor regulations, invasive pests, climate change, irrigation system efficiency and maintenance and vertebrate pest management. Other sessions delve into detailed technical, scientific and practical information on topics such as Integrated Pest Management, pesticide safety, powdery mildew, mealybugs and red leaf disease.
The expo features a robust lineup of more than three dozen exhibitors, with time during extended session breaks and at Monday’s Exhibitors’ Showcase where attendees have an opportunity to learn more about sustainable ag-related companies and the products and services they offer.
Conveniently held starting on Veteran’s Day and continuing through Wednesday, the Sustainable Ag Expo offers three-day and one-day passes. Registration includes access to program seminars, entrance to the exhibit hall and significant DPR and CCA continuing education (CE) hours. Enjoy beverages, pastries, and lunch each day, and wine and appetizers at Monday evening’s Exhibitors’ Showcase. One-day passes are $155 for Vineyard Team members and $180 for non-members. Three-day passes are $410 for Vineyard Team members and $460 for non-members. Visit www.sustainableagexpo.org for tickets and more information on the 3-day event.
Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information contact Kyle Beal Wommack at kyle@vineyardteam.org or (805) 466-2288.
About Vineyard Team, host of the Sustainable Ag Expo:
Arising from growers’ interest to educate and guide themselves towards sustainable winegrowing practices, the Vineyard Team has become an internationally recognized leader in the sustainability movement since 1994.
Not only has the organization influenced sustainability initiatives within the winegrowing community, Vineyard Team programs have influenced efforts in other crops as well. Recognized by governmental, environmental, and community organizations, the Vineyard Team’s sustainable winegrowing programs are always leading the way in innovation. Visit www.VineyardTeam.org for more information.
