One Day Seminar Helps Producers Get Growing in 2010

The Illiana Vegetable Growers School designed to help growers better manage their operations -- big or small -- will be held on January 5, 2010 in Schererville, Indiana.

"There will be something for everyone, whether they're growing vegetables for grocery stores and restaurants or direct selling at farmers markets and roadside stands," said Liz Maynard, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service regional horticulture specialist. "Participants will learn the latest on insect and disease control, irrigation systems and new marketing opportunities."

Maynard said this year's Illiana Vegetable Growers School, sponsored by Purdue Extension and University of Illinois Cooperative Extension, will have a concurrent session in the afternoon. Participants will have the choice of learning about marketing opportunities or irrigation systems for vegetable crops.

Also on the program is Kris Thomas, Indiana State Department of Health food scientist, who will explain Indiana's new rules about selling homemade food at farmers markets and roadside stands.

"Growers need to understand the new rules," Maynard said. "Participants may learn about new value-added opportunities that exist or that they don't meet the criteria or qualifications to sell homemade goods."

The school will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (CST) at Teibel's Restaurant, located at U.S. 30 and U.S. 41. Pre-registration, which is $23.00 per person and includes lunch and materials, is encouraged by December 29, 2009 to ensure a meal. Registration will be accepted at the door for $25.00 per person.

A registration form with the complete agenda is available at the Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Connection Web site http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fruitveg/ and then click "Events," or the PDF version is downloadable at http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fruitveg/events/ IVGS_Brochure_2010_1117.pdf. Individuals with registration questions should call the Purdue Extension office in Lake County at 219-755-3240.

Those wanting additional information about the program may contact Maynard at 219-785-5673, emaynard@purdue.edu, or Gene Matzat, Purdue Extension educator in LaPorte County, at 219-324-9407, ematzat@purdue.edu.