The Citrus Expo and Vegetable & Specialty Crop Expo is coming to you this year! The popular annual event will be virtual to present information to growers that they need in a safe way against the backdrop of COVID-19.
On Aug. 19–20, the 2020 seminar program will debut online at VSCExpo.com at 9:30 a.m. Attendees will be able to enjoy videos of the research presentations from their computers or cell phones.
Some of the topics University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are planning to speak about in the vegetable and specialty crop program include:
- Emerging technology for vegetables
- New strawberry varieties for Florida
- Cover crops and fumigants for weed control in vegetables
- Mexican competition and the Florida fruit and vegetable industry
- Fumigant alternatives for nematode management in vegetable and specialty crops
- Tomato brown rugose fruit virus and resistance-breaking tospoviruses in tomatoes
To view the complete seminar schedule, including speakers and topics, click here.
Those who attend the seminars as they debut online will be eligible to win one of four $200 gift cards from Bass Pro Shops. Additionally, those who view the seminars will have the opportunity to earn continuing education units (CEUs) toward the Florida restricted-use pesticide license and the Certified Crop Adviser designation. Stay tuned to find out how many CEUs will be available for each.
In addition to the vegetable and specialty crop seminar program, growers can take advantage of a full citrus seminar program. Both educational sessions contain a wealth of information relevant to all growers and industry members.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the UF/IFAS researchers who have worked hard to plan and prepare the citrus, vegetable and specialty crop seminars.
AgNet Media Inc. is also excited to offer the third annual general session at the virtual event. We invite all growers to attend the general session where topics of broad interest and impacting all types of growers will be addressed.
During the general session, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Director of Cannabis Holly Bell will update on the state’s hemp program. Bell’s hemp talk was a hit at last year’s Expo, and we are excited to welcome her back to the event. She’ll discuss how the Florida hemp program is becoming the role model for the country.
Additionally, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner will speak on the impacts of imports from Mexico.
This year’s Citrus and Vegetable & Specialty Crop Expo offers plenty of flexibility since the seminar videos will remain online through the end of this year. It will be easier than ever to get the critical information you need. Those interested need to preregister to gain access to the programs. There is no cost to register.
We’ll see you online Aug. 19–20!
Written by Ashley Robinson