Central Coast Sustainability Conference Takes on Topics of Water Management, Animal Integration and Chemical Resistance in Agriculture
Love your evening glass of wine? Ever considered that it might be a finite “resource” with an end in sight? Here on the Central Coast, wine means water, and water is something that everyone – from farmers to residential communities – just can’t get enough of.
To address issues like the balance of water resources, the upcoming Sustainable Ag Expo will take place November 18 and 19 at the Madonna Inn Expo Center in San Luis Obispo, California.
Presented by the Vineyard Team, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable viticulture practices on the Central Coast since 1994, the Sustainable Ag Expo’s general session entitled “Balancing Water Resources in Expanding Communities” will take place on Monday, November 18, and will present tools and resources to help growers improve and document their responsible management of water and prepare for possible policy changes in the future.
Kris Beal, Executive Director, Vineyard Team
“Competition for limited water resources is bound to heat up as the demand for water grows,” said Vineyard Team Executive Director, Kris Beal. “Not only do growers need to achieve the highest water use efficiency for their farms, but they need to be engaged in the long-term conversations about sustainable basin management.”
During the session, Beal will outline the demonstration and education programs of the Vineyard Team’s water initiatives, alongside a distinguished three-person panel addressing topics specific to the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, statewide trends and case studies regarding groundwater management. The panel will include Paavo Ogren, Director of San Luis Obispo County Public Works; Paul Sorensen, Principal Hydrogeologist of Fugro; and Tim Quinn, Executive Director for the Association of California Water Agencies.
In addition to the general session on water management, the Sustainable Ag Expo will feature
- A Holistic Management session on the immediate and long-term benefits of integrating animals in orchard and vineyard operation – such as the use of raptors for rodent control or sheep for weed suppression. Held Tuesday, November 19, this session will provide attendees an overview of integrating animals into orchard and vineyard systems via the experience of top industry experts and farm managers.
- A general session to address the continuous challenge of chemical resistance to insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides by pests, diseases, and weed species entitled, “Managing Resistance by Pests, Diseases, and Weeds.” On Tuesday, November 19, three distinguished panelists from the University of California system will lead the discussion on best management practices for preventing and overcoming resistance development.
Staged in an accessible format under one roof at the Madonna Inn Expo Center, the 9th Annual Sustainable Ag Expo offers inventive presentations and an innovative trade show specifically targeted at farmers, agricultural professionals, and pest control advisors. The two-day educational meeting provides ample continuing education credits and an exhibitor showcase.
Since its inception, the Sustainable Ag Expo has focused on the latest trends in sustainability and hot topics in California agriculture. Visit www.SustainableAgExpo.org for more information, including attendee registration and the full schedule of events.
THE DISH by PSPR 