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CCOF Press Releases
Press Release
October 31, 2005
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Jake Lewin
CCOF Marketing Director
(831) 423-2263, ext. 21
jake@ccof.org
4th Annual Pest Control Advisor Conference Addresses Organic Pest Control
October 31, 2005 (Santa Cruz, CA ) – California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Cal Poly’s Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium (SARC) have announced a slate of expert speakers, panel participants and topics for their annual two-day Sustainable Agriculture Pest Control Advisor (PCA) Conference in San Luis Obispo, CA, December 2-3, 2005. The conference features pest control experts, regulatory updates, farmers, agronomists, and microbiologists. Day 1 is a lecture format held at the San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall. Day 2, at Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo, features hands-on workshops addressing soil microbiology for pest control and improved fertility.
The conference will focus on certified organic regulations, materials, and production practices, but featured pest control methods and materials will be applicable to both organic and non-organic growers alike. Utilizing lectures, panels, and hands-on demonstrations, participants will gain a greater understanding of organic practices, standards, and effective natural pest control. The conference will feature tools for biologically-integrated pest control, information about the enhancement of soil microbial ecologies, landscape design to improve beneficial insect habitat, new research on plant immune systems, updates on important regulatory issues and expected changes in USDA certified organic regulations. A special panel presentation will discuss real-life experiences of PCAs with approved organic pesticides.
Up to 14 Continuing Education Units will be available for participants attending both days, including three Laws and Regulations Units. The conference fee is $150 for Day 1, and $65 for Day 2 for registrations postmarked before November 18. The cost is $175 and $75, respectively, thereafter. Registration includes parking, breakfast, lunch and refreshments. Students with valid I.D. can register for $35 for Day 1; $20 for Day 2.
Additional information and registration information is available at www.ccof.org/pcaconference.php, by calling 831-423-2263, or by emailing ccof@ccof.org.
 About CCOF
CCOF, a nonprofit organization formed by a group of grassroots activist farmers , is one of the oldest and largest organic certifiers in North America. CCOF’s purpose is to promote and support organic agriculture in California and elsewhere through:
• A premier organic certification program for growers, processors, handlers, and retailers.
• Programs to increase awareness of and demand for certified organic products and to expand public support for organic agriculture.
• Advocacy for governmental policies that protect and encourage organic agriculture.
More information: About CCOF, CCOF History, CCOF Fact Sheets.
About SARC
The Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium (SARC) is a program in the College of Agriculture at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. Its purpose is to advance sustainable food and agriculture systems through education, demonstration of sustainable agricultural practices, investigation and facilitation of collaborative efforts for sustainability, both on campus and in our community. Above all, the SARC is a network, or community, of individuals interested in sustainable agriculture. SARC programs provide a forum in which people share ideas on how to strengthen the sustainability of our food and agricultural system.
Sponsors
Become a Sponsor!
Download sponsorship information and sign up form. Contact Jake Lewin: 831-423-2263 ext.21 or jake@ccof.org |
