CDFA schedules fertilizer conference

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA) will host their 26th annual fertilizer research conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Seaside, California, on October 23-24.

The event also includes a pre-conference farm tour on October 22. This conference brings together industry professionals and academic researchers to learn about the latest research and innovative management practices for fertilizing materials.

This year’s conference agenda includes information on nitrogen and irrigation management, as well as micronutrients, drone technology, pest management, cannabis fertilization, grower decision making processes, and more.  A poster session will showcase ongoing research projects across California.

A pre-conference farm tour highlighting efficient management practices will be held on October 22, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. The tour will depart from Embassy Suites in Seaside, and attendees are scheduled to visit Huntington Farms and Tanimura & Antle. The tour will focus on the farms’ efforts to implement best management practices for nutrients and irrigation. The farm tour registration is an additional $25.

Early registration for the conference is $190 for both days; currently enrolled students pay $120 for both days. Late registration begins on September 25, and fees are $220 for both days; students pay $130 for both days. Continuing education units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisers, Pest Control Advisers, and Central Valley growers are being applied for the three days.

To view the agenda, register online, and see the approved CEUs, please visit the conference website:www.cdfa.ca.gov/IS/ffldrs/frep/FREPConference.html.

For more information about the 2018 conference, please contact program staff at frep@cdfa.ca.gov or (916) 900-5022.

Over the past 26 years, FREP has funded more than 220 research projects focusing on nutrient and irrigation management in California cropping systems. For more information please visit the database of completed and ongoing research at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/frep.