We’re excited to announce a series of workshops in North Carolina next month co-hosted by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. John Navazio of Organic Seed Alliance and Washington State University will lead three workshops, titled: On-farm Variety Trials, Seed Production, and Plant Breeding — A Primer for North Carolina Organic Vegetable Growers. (See below for dates.)
Learn more and register today.
Participants can expect to learn the following at each workshop:
• Principles of designing, conducting and evaluating on-farm variety trials using basic scientific methods.
• How to choose appropriate varieties, including which crop traits to consider for assessment, and how to integrate these trials into current production.
• Basics of reproductive biology, harvest timing and seed cleaning using vegetable crop examples that are best suited for seed production in the varied climates of North Carolina.
• Classical breeding methods to enhance variety adaptation to cultural practices and environmental and/or market challenges.
All workshop times are from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cost is $10 per workshop and includes all workshop materials, snacks, and beverages.
March 17, 2014 | Goldsboro, North Carolina
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems
Main Farm Complex (Service Building)
Click here for directions
March 18, 2014 | Greensboro, North Carolina
North Carolina A&T State University
Coltrane Hall (Godfrey Room)
Parking for workshop available at House of Prayer for All People Church, 101 South Dudley Street, Greensboro, NC
March 20, 2014 | Mills River, North Carolina*
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center
455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC
Click here for directions
*The Western North Carolina organic broccoli stakeholders meeting and presentation of 2012 – 2013 participatory broccoli variety trial results will follow the March 20th workshop from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
While open to anyone, content will be aimed at growers who have strong baseline knowledge in vegetable production. We also welcome Extension personnel and those providing technical assistance in the agricultural field.
Contact the following people with questions:
Registration: Anna Dobbs with Carolina Farm Stewardship Association by email or at 919-542-2402.
Workshop content & day-of support: Eric Soderholm with Carolina Farm Stewardship Association by email or at 252-482-0696 (o), 301-221-7119 (m)
These workshops are made possible thanks to funding from a USDA Specialty Crops Block Grant administered through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
