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PREVIOUS PROGRAMS

Organic Strawberry Production + Other Small Fruit

Tues, April 5, 2005, 10 am to 3 pm, with Don MacLean, Thompson-Finch Farm, Ancram, NY, and Clifford Hatch, Upinngil Farm, Gill, MA, and Vern Grubinger, Director, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture + VT Veg & Berry News, First Lutheran Church, Albany, NY

$30 members - $35 non-members: Includes lunch catered by Spoonful.

Organic strawberries are a seasonal delight and fetch a pretty penny at the market because it takes such skill to produce them in abundance. Don MacLean of Thomson-Finch Farm in Ancram, NY, and Clifford Hatch of Upinngil Farm in Gill, MA are both successful growers, passionate about their work and known for being good teachers. At this workshop they will share their knowledge and experience in organic strawberry production as well as other small fruits. The workshop will specifically address issues of production methods, fruit quality and consistency, pricing and markets.

Vern Grubingerwrites a monthly column on vegetable and berry issues in Farmingmagazine, and a monthly column on organic farming in Growingmagazine, in addition to putting out UVM Extension’s Vermont Vegetable & Berry News, and championing the Vermont Vegetable & Berry Growers Association.Vern has much to contribute on the topic of organic small fruits. In this workshop he will focus on organic strawberry crop rotation.

A fourth speaker is yet to be announced to address issues of biological controls and integrated pest management. This workshop is intended for professional growers, however content will certainly be applicable to serious organic gardeners and lifestyle farmers.

To register call to reserve your place at 518-271-0744, ext. 3. Then mail your check payable to Regional Farm & Food Project, 295 Eighth Street, Troy, NY 12180.