FRESH APPROACHES TO FERTILIZING TECHNIQUES IS THEME NOVEMBER CONFERENCE IN TULARE

Sacramento, September 18, 2007- For the first time, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) teams up with the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA) to present “Fresh Approaches to Fertilizing Techniques,” a conference to be held November 27-28, 2007 at the Heritage Complex of the International Agri-Center in Tulare, California.  The event combines the 15th Annual FREP Conference with the WPHA Central Valley Regional Nutrient Seminar for a jointly formed agenda that spans two full days.

This year’s program is expanded in scope to appeal to a wider range of agricultural supply and service consultants; growers; and personnel from university extension, local, state and national governmental agencies. A panel of speakers will show how groundbreaking fertilizer research can be integrated into agricultural practices.  Presenters will provide general and technical information, current research data and practical applications for each of five key agricultural topics: 

Micronutrients 
Foliar fertilizer application
Water management and fertigation 
Plant nutrient and soil assessment tools
Manure management

“Through the partnership of CDFA and WPHA, we’re aiming to deliver the scientific findings of FREP in relevant ways that can be readily adopted by agricultural advisers and the producers they assist,” says Nate Dechoretz, Director of CDFA’s Inspection Services Division.

Certified Crop Adviser and Pest Control Adviser continuing education units are expected to be available.

Early conference registration, postmarked by November 1, 2007, is $65 per day or $110 for both days; fees are waived for currently enrolled students.  After November 1, registration fees are $75 per day or $130 for both days; students’ fee is $10 per day. 

Conference registration and additional information is available through the website http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/fflders/frep.html or by contacting:

California Department of Food and Agriculture
Fertilizer Research and Education Program
1220 “N” Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
E-mail: frep@cdfa.ca.gov; telephone: (916) 445-0444; fax: (916) 445-2171

The CDFA Fertilizer Research and Education Program coordinates and funds research and projects that advance the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use and handling of fertilizer materials.  FREP serves growers, agricultural supply and service consultants, university extension personnel, and local, state and national governmental agencies and organizations. 

Western Plant Health Association represents the interests of fertilizer and crop protection manufacturers and retailers, as well as biotechnology providers in California, Arizona and Hawaii. WPHA promotes environmental stewardship and sound agronomic practices, effectively communicates industry issues, engages in legislative and regulatory affairs and facilitates member and industry relations.

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