Grape growers will hear from industry experts on such key topics as pest management, labor law, water conservation, soil mapping and crop load management at California State University, Fresno’s Innovative Grape Growing Solutions scheduled 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 20.

The annual workshop is presented by Fresno State’s viticulture and enology program, the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance with support from several industry partners. The workshop will meet in the Grosse Industrial Technology Building Room 101 on campus.

The program’s presentations by industry experts include:

  • Optimizing spray applications by Dr. Andrew Landers, a pesticide application technology specialist from Cornell University in New York.
  • California agricultural employment law updates by representatives from the Sutton-Hatmaker law firm.
  • Setting raisin market prices from the perspective of the Turkish Consulate’s Office.

Participants may obtain 3.0 hours of continuing education credit through the California Department of Pesticide Regulations. Event sponsors include Constellation Wines, the Raisin Bargaining Association and Sun-Maid Growers of California. Additional support is provided by Allied Grape Growers, the California Grape & Tree Fruit League, E & J Gallo Winery, West Coast Grape Farming, Inc., and The Wine Group.

The Department of Viticulture and Enology and the Viticulture and Enology Research Center, part of the university’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, are recognized worldwide for hands-on approach to learning and a history of serving the grape and wine industry.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Advance registration by Tuesday, Jan. 12, is encouraged The workshop is open to the public for $25 per person. Growers and individuals who are members of the sponsoring organizations or agencies may register for $10 each. Registration includes presentations, lunch and a vineyard and equipment session in the Fresno State vineyards.

The Grosse Industrial Technology Building is at 2255 E. Barstow Ave., just east of Cedar Avenue. Attendees must purchase a parking pass at any parking dispenser on campus for $3. Parking is recommended in Lot Q on Barstow across from the Grosse IT building. Detailed program and registration details are available online at http://jcast.csufresno.edu/ve

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