12th Annual Sustainable Ag Expo Addresses Environmental, Economic, and Social Aspects of Sustainability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., — The 12th Annual Sustainable Ag Expo continues to gain scope and stature as it brings together industry leaders from all aspects of the agricultural community to discuss a variety of topics ranging from groundwater to labor issues. Organized by the Vineyard Team, the Expo will be held on November 14-16, 2016 at the Madonna Inn Expo Center in San Luis Obispo, CA.

The Sustainable Ag Expo’s topics are appropriate for all crops vineyards, orchards and row crops – and all agriculture professionals. With general sessions, breakout meetings, peer-to-peer discussion, and a comprehensive industry trade show, attendees will gain invaluable exposure to the latest in farming research, resource issues and business trends.

“This event has continued to grow into a dynamic program that brings evolving information to the people that need it the most,” said Kris Beal, Executive Director of the Vineyard Team. “We’re able to bring researchers, government officials, and growers together in a format that encourages peer-to-peer discussion. That allows different perspectives to come to light and gives our participants practical information to take home and implement.”

Among the many notable speakers at this year’s Expo is Dr. Philip Martin, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis. A leading expert in the field of farm labor and migration, Dr. Martin is a highly regarded author and sought after consultant for US and international organizations. He will be one of the speakers in “The End of Farm Labor Abundance” session.

Another Expo session will center on the hot topics of water supply, storm water and greenhouse gasses. That panel will feature Erik Ekdahl, Director of the Office of Research, Planning and Performance at the California State Water Resources Control Board. Ekdahl recently served as Program Manager for the Board’s new Groundwater Management Unit responsible for developing and implementing the Board’s responsibilities under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

Other general session topics include “The Role of Vertebrate Predators in IPM,” “Next Steps in the Mechanization of California Agriculture” and “IPM Research in Strawberries.” Over 8.5 hours of DPR and 14 hours of CCA continuing education credits are available.

The Madonna Inn Expo Center is located in scenic San Luis Obispo, located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The city boasts a vibrant downtown, proximity to award-winning wine regions, picturesque cycling routes, and the nearby California Polytechnic State University.

Visit www.sustainableagexpo.org for more information on the event, including attendee registration, the schedule of events and lodging information. The Vineyard Team can also be reached at 805.466.2288.

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