IFTA conference features tech, labor, climate sessions

The 67^th Annual International Fruit Tree Association Conference and Tours features a full slate of education sessions, networking opportunities and tours of Washington orchards.

The event is Feb. 11-14 at the Yakima Convention Center in Yakima, Washington. Registration is available online. The conference theme is “Bridging the Gap Between Information and Action.”Education sessions focus on climate change, soil and nutrient management, precision crop load management, growing a labor-efficient orchard and technology. Education sessions feature information relating to the production of apples, pears, cherries and peaches. Several panels will feature growers, who will share their experiences.

The Carlson Lecture on Feb. 12 will be on “Smart, Specialized, Sustainable Orchards,” by Luigi Manfrini from the University of Bologna. The Wallace Heuser Presidential Lecture on Feb. 14 will be on “Labor in 2024 and the Turn Towards Automation,” by Stavros Vougioukas, University of California-Davis.

The IFTA conference starts with a welcome reception Feb. 11, but a pre-conference workshop that day on technology will feature precision orchard technology experts addressing:

• Imaging and crop load management
• Automated equipment, including harvest equipment
• Precision chemical application/smart sprayers
• Precision irrigation management

A post-conference cherry production tour will be on Feb. 15. There are separate registration fees for the pre- and post-conference events.

Recipients of the 2024 Young Professional Scholarship are:

• Jessica Foster, R & L Orchard Co., Aspers, Pennsylvania
• Greg Kugel, Kugel Farms LLC, Berrien Springs, Michigan
• Sam Lutz, Lutz Family Farm, Berwick, Nova Scotia
• Claire Rasch, Genesis Ag, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Travel information to the event is available on IFTA’s website. For more information, visit ifruittree.org/events.