Cal Poly to Host Sustainable Agriculture PCA Conference Dec. 6-7, 2004 in San Luis Obispo

In brief: A conference on sustainable pest management, sponsored by Cal Poly's Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium in collaboration with California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), is set Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 6 and 7, 2004 at the Veterans' Hall, San Luis Obispo. Featured speaker is Gary Zimmer, author of the best-selling book, "The Biological Farmer."

• Download registration form, agenda and other information (PDF 736K)
• Register online, CCOF site
• Press release (below)

Cal Poly, California Certified Organic Farmers Collaborate; Best-Selling Author to Speak

October 25, 2004
Contact: Hunter Francis
Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium
Horticulture and Crop Science Department
Phone: (805) 756-5086

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly’s Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium (SARC) will collaborate with California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) to co-host a conference on sustainable pest management Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 6 and 7, featuring a full-length conference on Monday, and on-farm workshop with renowned agricultural consultant, Gary Zimmer, author of the best-selling book “The Biological Farmer” on Tuesday.

Participants will learn about the latest developments in organic and sustainable pest management at the main conference on Dec. 6. Presentations will focus on organic regulations, materials and production practices, and ecologically beneficial winegrape, olive and vegetable production practices that can be used as part of a comprehensive IPM strategy and will be of benefit to conventional and organic growers alike.

Day 2 (Dec. 7) will be a field day led by Zimmer, with workshops held in vineyards and working farms in Southern San Luis Obispo County. This all-day learning event is entitled “Sustainable Farming Practices For Improved Pest Management” and will focus on effective pest control strategies using natural methods at Rutiz Farms and Laetitia Vineyards in Arroyo Grande. Participants will study soil tests and current management practices under Zimmer’s guidance and work together to develop recommendations for enhanced nutrient and pest management on the two sites.

The conference is sponsored by California Certified Organic Farmers, and co-sponsored by Cal Poly’s Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium. Registration for the full 2-day conference is $175 before Nov. 15; $225 thereafter. Participants may also enroll separately for either day. Cost is $125 for the Dec. 6 session and $50 for the Dec. 7 session if postmarked before Nov. 15. Fees will be $150 and $75 respectively after Nov. 15. Students and Cal Poly faculty with valid I.D. can register for $35 for Dec. 6 and $20 for Dec. 7. Fees include meals and parking; accommodations are not included.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has approved a total of 14 Continuing Education units, including three Laws and Regulations units for PCAs, for the two days (eight units for Day 1, six for Day 2). Approval of CEU credits has also been applied to for Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs). For details, visit “PCA Conference” or call Hunter Francis at (805) 756-5086.

About Gary Zimmer:
For the past 25 years, Zimmer has evaluated agricultural practices as a consultant on his family farm, and as president of Midwestern Bio-Ag, a biological farming consulting company located in Blue Mounds, Wisc. He operates the Bio-Ag Learning Center, where biological farming practices and agricultural products are field-tested. He authored "The Biological Farmer: A Complete Guide to the Sustainable and Profitable Biological System of Farming.” For more information, visit his Web site.