2011 Mid-Atlantic Convention Set for February 1-3

Dr. Schwarcz is Director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society, a unique enterprise with a mandate of demystifying science for the public, the media and students. Dr. Schwarcz also teaches a variety of courses in McGill's Chemistry Department and in the Faculty of Medicine with emphasis on health issues, including aspects of "Alternative Medicine." He is well known for his informative and entertaining public lectures on topics ranging from the chemistry of love to the science of aging. Using stage magic to make scientific points is one of his specialties.

The day before the main convention opens, three special workshops will offer growers in-depth presentations on Diagnosing Vegetable Problems, Farm Transition – Bringing in the Next Generation, and Bee-ing Sustainable. The Diagnosing Vegetable Problems workshop will give growers insight in dealing with disease, insect, weed, weather and other potential problem areas in vegetable production. The Farm Transition workshop will feature estate planning attorney Mark L. James and Penn State Extension farm succession specialists and is designed for everyone involved in a family farm transition process. The Bee-ing Sustainable workshop will enable growers to enhance the pollination of their crops by encouraging native pollinator populations on their farms.

Another special session at the convention will be "Técnicas de Producción de Frutas y Hortalizas." This half-day session on February 2nd is designed especially for Spanish speaking workers in the fruit and vegetable industries. It will feature various relevant fruit and vegetable production presentations in Spanish.

The Mid-Atlantic Convention has been jointly sponsored by the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association, the Maryland State Horticultural Society and the New Jersey State Horticultural Society for the past 33 years. Penn State University, University of Maryland and Rutgers University Cooperative Extension plus the National Peach Council all assist in organizing the three days of educational sessions. The convention has become one of the premier grower meetings in the Northeast.

Many pesticide applicator update training credits are available to Pennsylvania growers attending the sessions. The program covers nearly every aspect of fruit, vegetable, potato and berry production.  Commercial growers should not pass up this terrific educational opportunity.    

Six or more concurrent educational sessions will be offered on all three days of the convention. Besides the plenary session for the keynote address, the opening day will feature sessions on Tree Fruit, Sweet Corn, Direct and Wholesale Marketing, High Tunnels, Organic Vegetables, Pesticide Safety, Onions, Snap Beans, General Vegetables, Cole Crops and Labor.  

On the second day, sessions on Roadside Marketing, Post-harvest Handling, Greenhouse Production, Tomatoes, Tree Fruit, Peaches, Small Fruit, Potatoes, and Wine Grapes plus workshops on Cut Flower Design and Business Management Software will be featured.  

The convention will close on the third day with sessions on: Peaches, Tree Fruit, Small Fruit, Vine Crops, Pumpkins, Agri-tainment, Web-Based Marketing, Cut Flowers, Leafy Greens, Equipment for Reduced Tillage and Herbs. 

Registration is required for all persons attending the convention trade show or educational sessions.  Registration with any of the four sponsoring organizations allows one to attend any of the sessions although there are additional charges for the pre-convention workshops and meals. For further information, go to www.mafvc.org or call 717-677-4184 or 717-694-3596.

Maureen Irvin, State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania, and

Bill Troxell, Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association