Pest & Production Management Conference: NEWS RELEASES
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NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Shelley Estersohn 800-336-4743 communications@safnow.org Growers Get Expert Advice on New/Emerging Crop Issues ALEXANDRIA, VA - February 6, 2012 -— Growers can get advice on their most pressing crop issues during the SAF Pest & Production Management Conference in Orlando, Feb. 16-18. On Thursday, Feb. 17, expert facilitators will lead breakout sessions on new and emerging pests, weeds and diseases. Each session will include:
The 2012 P&PMC Breakouts are part of an in-depth program that includes 18 educational sessions addressing various elements of the conference theme, A World Without Boundaries - Critical Issues in Crop Management Today. Growers are encouraged to bring their specific crop questions and take advantage of this opportunity to get professional guidance. P&PMC program and registration details are available online at http://safnow.org/ppmc. Labor, Crop Health Concerns, Consumer Preferences, |
 Dealing with problems that cross between edible and non-edible crops, like the downy mildew on this basil leaf, is the focus of several sessions at the Pest and Production Management Conference in February. |
DEC. 5, 2011 — The international migration of pests, weeds and diseases, and their transfer between horticultural, ornamental landscape and agricultural crops, are hot topics on tap for the 2012 SAF Pest and Production Management Conference (P&PMC) this winter. "A World Without Borders: Critical Issues in Crop Management Today," is the central theme for the Feb. 16-18 event in Orlando, Fla.
Nearly 20 educational sessions include topics such as "Movement of Pests: From Production to Landscape and Back," "Diseases of Mixed Edible & Non-Edible Cropping Systems" and "Managing Exotic Pests." Other sessions focus on biological controls in landscapes, greenhouses and nurseries; important weeds and diseases; labor issues and product development.
Between presentations, attendees can browse new products, services and tools at tabletop exhibits. Early arrivers can sign up for a growing operations tour Thursday, Feb. 16 (for an additional fee).
P&PMC program and registration details are available online at http://safnow.org/ppmc. Companies sending more than one individual get a discount on the second registration.
For more information, contact Laura Weaver, 800-336-4743, lweaver@safnow.org.
Growers' Labor Concerns on P&PMC Agenda
 Making it easier to train workers is the topic of one session at the Pest & Production Management Conference. |
NOV. 30, 2011 — Two critical grower concerns — immigration law compliance and workforce training — are being addressed during labor-focused sessions at the SAF Pest & Production Management Conference, Feb. 16-18 in Orlando, Fla.
Greenhouses and nurseries are labor-intensive production systems. Most of today’s workers have little formal education in modern agriculture, but training them can be challenging due to socioeconomic and cultural issues. On Friday, Feb. 17, Carlos Bogran, Ph.D., of Texas AgriLife Extension Service, talks about breaking down those walls during the session “Removing Cultural & Language Barriers to Worker Education & Professional Development.” His session offers ideas to help growers arm workers with basic, key concepts on plant production and protection so they are better able to contribute to plant quality maintenance programs, help lower production costs and reduce production, environmental and health risks.
The following morning, at the session “Labor 101: Complying with Immigration Law,” attorney Monte Lake, of CJ Lake, LLC, walks attendees through the law’s basic requirements and current challenges. His presentation includes practical tips to help growers minimize problems with Immigration and Customs Enforcement audits of I-9 forms and “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration. He’s also reviewing the latest legislative and regulatory developments related to E-Verify and guest worker programs.
The info-packed P&PMC program includes nearly 20 expert-led sessions. Between presentations, attendees can browse new products, services and tools at tabletop exhibits. Early arrivers can sign up for a growing operations tour Thursday, Feb. 16 (for an additional fee).
P&PMC program and registration details are available online. You can also download the print brochure.
Consider registering more than one person from your organization – you’ll get a discount on the second registration. For more information, contact Laura Weaver, 800-336-4743, lweaver@safnow.org.