Agriculture Industry Events/Workshops

November
6 & 7	The Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association Annual Convention, Courtyard by Marriot in Marlborough, MA.
13	Northeast Biochar Symposium 2009, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Campus Center Auditorium Biochar is a carbon-rich soil amendment that enhances soil fertility, sequesters carbon to help reverse global warming, increases renewable energy production, and creates jobs. The Symposium will highlight current biochar research and technological advances and provide vital information to public officials, researchers, farmers and landscape professionals, green industry businesses, and sustainable energy professionals. The symposium will provide a forum for the exchange of research findings, help to gain national media attention and stimulate discussion on biochar. It will also establish a Northeast Biochar Research Consortium. Registration for individuals is $95 before October 30 and $130 afterward. Student registration is $55, $90 after October 30. There is an optional dinner with an additional fee of $35. For more information and to register, go to: www.nsm.umass.edu/biochar09.
December
2	Extending the Research, Holiday Inn, 195 Westgate Dr., Brockton, MA. UMass Ext. and Plymouth Cty Cooperative Ext. are sponsoring an important daylong symposium for Green Industry professionals and municipal employees with horticultural responsibilities. Landscapers, arborists, garden center personnel, foresters, tree wardens, and state and town agency personnel that work in the areas of pest management and public relations will all benefit from this program. For almost 100 years, UMass Ext., in collaboration with USDA and local Cty Govt, has conducted applied and basic research that addresses the needs of citizens, businesses, and public agencies in MA. This Ext. Conference, “Extending the Research” will highlight some of that research that is currently relevant to the Green Industry. UMass faculty and Ext. specialists, along with staff from the MDAR, will present updates on the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Winter Moth, Mile-a-minute vine, non-invasive weed control, new invasive turf pests and much more, to prepare Green Industry professionals to meet the challenges of the 2010 growing season. Six pesticide contact hours available for categories 29, 36, and Applicators License. 1 MCA, 1 MCH, 2 MCLP, and 5 CFE credits available. ISA credit has been requested. For a registration form or to register online to umassgreeninfo.org/programs/conferences. A copy of the agenda is available online by clicking "To register by mail with check or PO#: Download registration form" under the description.
2	"10+ Marketing Strategies & Tips to Consider When Selling Farm Produce" Workshop - 8:30 - 3:30pm at the Rockingham Cty Nursing Home Auditorium in Brentwood (William Sturtevant Way - off North Road), NH. Are you looking at potential farm markets for next season? Or are you wondering how to juggle different markets in one season? To tackle these questions, the University of NH Ext., Rockingham Cty has organized a day long workshop to discuss different aspects and types of markets, branding, pricing, profitable crops as well as crop and revenue insurance. Speakers are Richard Bonnano (Pleasant Valley Garden, Methhuen, MA), Josh Jennings (Meadow's Mirth, Stratham, NH), John Moulton (Moulton Farm, Meredith, NH) and Bill & Anna Spiller (Spiller Farm U-Pick, Wells, Maine). Michelle Chambers from "Red Tomato" will talk about the importance of branding to engage and empower customers. Pricing farm products and cost of production will also be presented. Michael Sciabarrasi, Extension Professor, Business Management Specialist UNH Cooperative and David Tuttles from Tuttle Farm in Wells Maine will also be speakers. The Pros and Cons of Crop Insurance will also be discussed. Details at www.extension.unh.edu or contact Deb Stevens at 679-5616.
3	USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Program - 12:45pm to 4:45pm, Cape Codder, Hyannis MA. Sponsored by: UMass Extension, UMass Department of Nutrition and the MDAR. Recent contamination outbreaks for tomatoes and spinach have raised concerns about the safety of fresh produce. UMass Extension, the UMass Department of Nutrition and the M Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) are pleased to present a USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Program for growers and other fresh produce handlers as a workshop option for the MA Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. This training begins at 12:45pm. Non-members of the Farm Bureau can participate in the Bureau’s luncheon and hear their keynote speaker prior to the GAP training. If you are interested in doing so, please register directly with the Farm Bureau for this option. The cost for this GAP training is $35.00. The deadline for registration is November 25, 2009. Registration at the door will increase to $50.00. To register or have questions, please contact Shirley Mietlicki-Floyd at 413-545-4420 or mietlicki@umext.umass.edu or John Conners at 508-881-4766 or john@mfbf.net.
12	Winter Gatherings for Western MA Farmers and Ag Commissions, Deerfield Town Hall - Saturday, 8:30 to 3:30pm. Sessions will include (1) General Roundtable for Ag Commissions, (2) Panel Discussion on Hot Current Agricultural Issues, Laws, Regulations, and News, and (3) Panel Discussion and Informational Displays on Sources of Funding, Technical Assistance, Incentives, and Information for Farmers on Marketing, Conservation Practices, and Farm Energy Programs.
15 - 17	The New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference and Trade Show will be held this at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH. The conference will include 27 educational sessions over 3 days, covering major vegetable, berry and tree fruit crops as well as various special topics. A farmer-to-farmer meeting after each morning and afternoon session will bring speakers and farmers together for informal, in-depth discussion on certain issues. The trade show will feature over 100 exhibitors. This conference gathers the best speakers from within our region and across the country to tell you about the latest innovations and advances in the fruit and vegetable industry. Almost every session includes both farmers and research or extension personnel, so you are getting the “best of both worlds.” For program details and registration information, go directly to the New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference website. For information contact: Frank Mangan, fmangan@umext.umass.edu.
2010
January
9	Winter Gatherings for Western MA Farmers and Ag Commissions - Saturday, 8:30 to 3:30pm. Hancock Shaker Village and the Hancock and Pittsfield Ag Commissions will host the 7th gathering for Western MA Ag Commission members, farmers and interested friends of agriculture. Sessions will include (1) General Roundtable for Ag Commissions, (2) Panel Discussion on Hot Current Agricultural Issues, Laws, Regulations, and News, and (3) Panel Discussion and Informational Displays on Sources of Funding, Technical Assistance, Incentives, and Information for Farmers on Marketing, Conservation Practices, and Farm Energy Programs.
13, 14, 15, 19 and 20	The 9th annual NOFA Course in Organic Land Care, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Tpke., Newburyport, MA. This 5-day intensive course trains and accredits professionals to practice organic land care (caring for land without the use of synthetic pesticides or soil amendments). Recommended for landscapers, designers, municipal and parks employees, horticulturists, master gardeners and entrepreneurs. Visit www.organiclandcare.net for more information or call Kathy Litchfield at (413) 773-3830 or email: kathy@nofamass.org.
16	Northeast Organic Farming Association, MA Chapter - 23RD Annual Winter Conference - “Food From Farms For Families” - Worcester Technical High School, Worcester, MA. Joel Salatin to present keynote speech and all day seminar “Introducing Livestock to your Farm” Over 40 workshops on organic farming, gardening, landscaping, and sustainable living. Lively exhibit area, NOFA/Mass Annual Meeting, great children and teens program, potluck lunch!
February
3 - 5	New England Grows, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, www.NewEnglandGrows.org
April
8	Agriculture Day at the State House Where: Massachusetts State House For more information on reserving a bototh, contact Lisa Damon, lisa.damon@state.ma.us, 617-626-1731. "Save the Date" flyer [PDF]

To submit Ag industry workshop/event dates, email Rick LeBlanc, at richard.leblanc@state.ma.us.
Consumer events listed at www.mass.gov/agr/events/index.htm