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FARM INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM - VA
WESTON A. PRICE FOUNDATION
INFORMATION ALERT
February 15, 2006
Forum for Rural Innovation:
New Approaches for Agriculture and Rural Prosperity
Winchester, VA
March 10, 2006
This is a reminder about the excellent forum on March 10 on new
approaches for Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. Its program is most
interesting, and should be of value to anyone attending.
Pre-registration by March 3 is required.
This forum should be of interest not only to farmers and others in
agriculture, but also to members of the general public concerned about
the future of independent family farming. These new approaches should
be of interest.
The second annual Forum for Rural Innovation will be held Friday, March
10, 2006 at the Best Western Lee-Jackson Motor Inn & Conference
Center in Winchester, Virginia. The purpose of the Forum is to showcase
replicable innovative ideas, projects or programs that enhance farm
or rural business profitability, conserve farm land and natural resources,
or develop new
approaches to rural prosperity that are viable in an expensive
farmland-upscale consumer environment.
The Forum will feature a series of presentations, with an emphasis
on farming for high-profitability by using innovative and sound business
approaches particularly suited to the Mid-Atlantic region. Topics have
been chosen to present practical examples of successful innovative operations
that could be adapted to area farms. The program will feature some of
the
most progressive and recognized farmers and researchers in the United
States.
Forum topics will include:
"The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences' Role in Fostering
Innovative Agriculture," Dr. Sharon Quisenberry, Dean of the College
of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Virginia Tech. Dean Quisenberry
will highlight educational and research efforts at Virginia Tech and
Virginia Cooperative Extension to explore innovative and sustainable
agriculture.
"Innovative Horticulture Production Systems," Steve Bogash,
Commercial Horticulture Educator, Penn State Cooperative Extension.
Various forms of horticulture production including high tunnel, Haygrove
tunnel, and others are commercially available. Hear a comparison of
"why" in selecting these production systems, and opportunities
in cut flower production,
vegetable production, small fruits, and other niche crops.
"Effective Farmers Markets Promotions," Bernadine Prince,
Founder and Co-Director of FRESHFARM Markets. FRESHFARM Markets operates
six producer-only farmers markets in the DC metro area. What makes these
markets work so well? Learn how management and public education of food
and farming
issues make these farmers markets the markets of choice.
"Livestock Marketing - From Hobby to Big Business," Dr. David
S.
Redwine, DVM, Co-founder of Scott County Hair Sheep Association. The
Scott County Hair Sheep Association is a model of livestock marketing
opportunities. Learn the history, marketing strategies, and current
production methods of this group of Southwest Virginia farmers to supply
a meat marketing niche.
"High Value Horticultural and Forestry Crops Program," Dr.
Jerzy Nowak, Head of Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech. Dr.
Nowak's presentation will describe the Horticulture Department's role
in a multidisciplinary research program aiming at commercialization
of a wide range of high-value horticultural crops and sustainable production
of bio-energy and bio-products.
"Innovative Marketing and Agritourism Approaches," Kate Zurschmeide,
Great Country Farms, Bluemont, VA. The goal of Great Country Farms is
to offer a way for everyone to experience farm life and enjoy the benefits
of its bounty. CSAs, U-pick, weddings, picnics, Pumpkin Chunkin, Strawberry
Jubilee, and a farm animal barnyard are just the beginning of this innovative
farm operation.
"Endless Summer Harvest: A New Way of Making GREEN," Wallace
E. Reed, Jr., Managing Director & Grower, Endless Summer Harvest,
associated with the U.S. Botanic Garden specializing in Tropical Plants.
Endless Summer Harvest is a
successful local farm that hydroponically grows added value crops of
gourmet lettuces, specialty greens and culinary herbs, pesticide free
in a year round controlled environment. They don't make money from high
quality lettuce greens, they make money from satisfied customers. Come
and learn about the future of farming here and now, today- in Loudoun
County.
"Off Season Strawberry Production in Unheated Greenhouses,"
Dr. Fumiomi Takeda, Research Scientist, USDA/ARS, Kearneysville, WV.
Dr. Takeda will present production issues and opportunities including
cultural practices, pest management, and pitfalls associated with strawberry
production in unheated greenhouse structures.
"Container Production of Trees," Louis Nichols, Bellwether
Farm,
Purcellville. Containerized production of Christmas trees and landscape
nursery trees can reduce growing time of Christmas trees by 40%. Learn
production techniques to reduce labor and increase production of Christmas
and shade trees.
In addition, exhibits by agricultural suppliers, businesses, and
support agencies will be featured the entire day. Area agricultural
businesses are encouraged to participate with exhibits and displays.
A registration fee of $35.00 per person will include the forum
program, morning refreshments, and buffet lunch. Registration
information is available on-line at http://www.loudounfarms.org/
or by calling (703) 777-0426. Pre-registration by March 3rd is required.
The Forum for Rural Innovation is a cooperative educational effort
by the offices of Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Economic Development
in Loudoun, Fauquier, Clarke, and Frederick counties of Virginia, and
Jefferson and Berkeley counties, West Virginia, and the Potomac Headwaters
RC&D.
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