Mar 10, 2020

Small Fruit Production Risks Management program continues at MSU

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, and the Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) are inviting blueberry growers to attend the second session of the Small Fruit Production Risks Management program.

This second session will be offered on Friday, March 13, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ottawa County Fillmore Complex, Boardroom, 12220 Fillmore St., West Olive, Michigan.

During this session, USDA Farm Services Agency Field Officers will discuss in depth the USDA-FSA Tree Assistance Program. And how blueberry growers may access resources available through this program for removal/replanting Blueberry Stem Gall Wasp affected fields or damaged by extreme winter temperatures (polar vortex).  In addition, MSU Extension small fruit Educators will provide growers with information on options for removal/replanting damaged blueberry fields. Information includes an analysis of the situation of Michigan’s blueberry fields and potential solutions to improve Michigan’s competitiveness, and maintain farm sustainability and employment.

This educational session is part of a seven-week (a once a week 4-hour sessions) training program designed to delivering knowledge and assistance to deal with Production Risks associated with climate change, new invasive insect pests and secondary pest outbreaks, Environmental issues and market uncertainties.

The agenda for this meeting is:

• Removal/Replanting insect and winter damaged blueberry fields
• The USDA-FSA Tree Assistance Program, how to access resources available for blueberry growers.
• Financial Risk Management: acquisition/management of agricultural credit

 In addition, to provide assistance and information to deal with those production risk issues, growers attending this session will receive 2 RUPs.

We try to make this training opportunity available to all our small fruit industry, especially to small limited resources and minority growers. Thus, for those growers with langue barriers, this training will be bilingual, English/Spanish, and one-on-one assistance upon request.

There is a $30 recuperation fee for the entire 7-week training program. This registration fee covers handouts and refreshments.

We are providing a reduced number of scholarships for those unable to cover the registration fee. However, those unable to cover the $30 fee still need to register online.

Online registration is required to calculate the exact number of handouts and refreshments.

Please, register online at:

https://events.anr.msu.edu/OttawaSmallFruitProductionRisk2020/

 If unable to register online, please register at the door.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Ottawa County Extension at 616-994-4580 by 3/12/2020 to make arrangements. 

– Carlos Garcia-Salazar, Small Fruit Educator, MSU Extension Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute