Cal Poly Co-Hosts Ninth Annual Organic Pest Management Conference

Cal Poly and California Certified Organic Farmers will host the ninth annual Sustainable Pest Management Conference at the San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall on Dec. 3 and 4.

The conference agenda addresses hot topics in California integrated pest management including light brown apple moth and other invasive pests; spotted wing drosophila; Asian citrus psyllid; and upcoming changes in water regulations.

The first day of the conference highlights innovative strategies for comprehensive pest management using sustainable and certified organic management practices. It also includes a keynote address by Mary Ann Warmerdam, current director of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, titled “A Conversation with DPR; Exploring Current Regulatory Issues.”

The second day, which will be held at Cal Poly, includes a half-day workshop focused on soil and water testing. Workshop participants will receive hands-on instruction from industry experts on how to assess the need for, sample and evaluate the results of basic soil and water tests. This workshop will be ideal for anyone wanting to improve their understanding of agricultural soil and water basics and prepare for any upcoming changes to the Ag Waiver from the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

The conference is open to anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, including pest control advisers, growers and agricultural consultants. Participants can gain a greater understanding of the latest developments in effective, sustainable pest control.

Continuing Education Units are available for pest control advisers – 9.5 total, which includes 7.5 units for Dec. 3 and 2 units for Dec. 4. For Certified Crop Advisers, 12 CEUs have been approved. Twelve “Ag Waiver” units were also approved by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Conference registration is $175 for Dec. 3 and $90 for Dec. 4, or $240 for both days, and includes parking, meals and materials. Student rates are also available.

For more information or to register, visit www.ccof.org/pcaconference.php, call 831-423-2263, or e-mail ccof@ccof.org.