They come from all over the country. Last year, over 1500 growers, agribusinesses, researchers and extension agents gathered at the Oncenter in Syracuse, NY to further the advancement of fruit and vegetable agriculture.
The 2011 Expo promises to draw an even bigger crowd.
"The turnout last year was phenomenal," said Jeanette Marvin, Executive Secretary for the New York State Vegetable Growers Association. "But this year's schedule promises to be even stronger. We've added a general session featuring renowned farm management expert Bernie Erven."
"We are really lucky to get Bernie Erven," said Allison DeMarree, Cornell Cooperative Extension. "Bernie is the foremost speaker on farm labor and management and he is an excellent speaker."
The general will focus on "Preparing the next generation to take over the farm business."
Erven, an Ohio State University professor emeritus, is a recipient of the USDA Excellence in Teaching Award, and has twice received the Distinguished Teacher Award at Ohio State. Erven has been a professor and extension specialist in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at Ohio State since 1984. He also manages his own human resources consulting firm, Erven HR Services, LLC.
Erven will also speak on developing and using job descriptions and hiring the right person.
The 2011 Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo will be held January 26-27, 2011, at the Oncenter Convention Center in Syracuse, NY. The Expo provides growers with a multitude of educational opportunities, Association meeting and networking times, and a commercial trade show which offers the latest services, equipment and advances in the horticultural industry in New York State. Sessions conducted at the Expo include specific commodity sessions, focusing on a variety of crops including sweet corn, potatoes, tree fruit, berries, to name a few, as well sessions on direct marketing, soil health, research, food safety, labor, and more.
Mark your calendars now and save the dates in January in order to attend the Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo. You, and your farm business, will be glad you did!
The 2011 Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo is sponsored by the New York State Vegetable Growers Association, Empire State Potato Growers, New York State Berry Growers Association, New York State Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association, New York State Horticultural Society, Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Source: New York State Vegetable Growers Association Inc.