Oct 24, 2008

Washington Fruit Growers’ Meeting Dec. 1-3 in Yakima

The 104th annual meeting of the Washington State Horticultural Association (WSHA) will be held Dec. 1-3 (Monday through Wednesday) at the Yakima Convention Center in Yakima, Wash.

The meeting is a three-day educational gathering of tree fruit growers and shippers that serves as a forum for producers to discuss the latest trends occurring within the tree fruit industry. This year’s meeting theme is “Celebrating Tree Fruit: Opportunities for the Next Generation.” To bring the theme into focus, the following keynote speakers will address attendees:

Ed Seifried, professor of economics and business at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., will present the 29th annual Batjer Address on Monday, Dec. 1, at 9:30 a.m. It’s titled “Sustainable Profits in a Global Economy.” He will look into the future of our nation’s economy and offer insights about the remarkable financial crisis and subsequent government recovery plan of 2008.

Speaker of the State House Rep. Frank Chopp will discuss labor, water, budget and other issues on Monday during the Leadership Luncheon. Additional Washington state legislators have been invited.

Jay Brunner from the Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center will talk Tuesday afternoon about new strategies for pest control and discuss emerging technologies that can help protect crops safely and profitably. This session includes information about Guthion alternatives and special focus on two products registered in 2008 for codling moth and leafroller control.

The WSHA banquet will take place Tuesday, starting with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The first 200 attendees will receive a copy of “Orchard Bloom,” a print by Wenatchee artist Jan Cook Mack. A number of industry awards will be presented.

Look for this year’s NW Hort Expo, formerly known as the Trade Show. The free-to-attend event has more than 120 vendors and will be held at the Yakima SunDome. A free lunch will be served Tuesday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..

A full program guide listing meeting events, Spanish language sessions, a registration form and lodging information is available on the WSHA Web site, www.wahort.org.