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Certified Crop Advisors and Pesticide Crop Advisors will have an opportunity to earn training and educational credit through a series of educational sessions at the upcoming Organic Grower Summit (OGS).
Certified Crop Advisors will receive CCA CEU training credit for attending four educational sessions during both days of the OGS, December 12-13 in Monterey CA. Pest Control Advisors have the option of completing two-hour PCA training, by attending the session “Pesticide Laws & Regulation Training,” Thursday, December 13.
The second annual OGS, a joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), brings together organic growers, producers and processors for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers.
Among the scheduled educational sessions that qualify for CCA CEU credits are:
- Scaling Up Healthy Soil Practices (Soil & Water Management CEUs: 1.5)
- Sustainable Investing in Your Organic Farming Future (Professional Development CEUs: 0.5)
- Technology is Not Just for Big Ag (Professional Development CEUs: 0.5)
- Managing Organic Production Systems to Promote Plant Health (Integrated Pest Management CEUs: 0.5)
- Safeguarding the Organic Brand (Professional Development CEUs: 0.5)
PCA training, in partnership with Santa Cruz Agricultural Commissioner’s office, is free of charge and offers two hours of training credits on Pesticide Laws & Regulations.
The PCA agenda will be as follows:
- Intro-county agricultural commissioner (CAC) staff Review of the 2018 season – what CAC inspectors were finding in the field – compliance, non-compliance, areas for attention and improvement (1/2 hr.)
- Compliance with Pesticide labeling – complying with CA food and Ag Code 12973 and understanding mandatory vs. advisory labeling statements (1/2 hr.)
- Pesticide Use Near School sites – CA Code of Regulations, Title 3, 6690-6692 – review of the state regulation which has been in effect since January 2018 (1 hr.)
Juan Hidalgo, Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner
“We look forward to sharing information on important regulatory updates for the continued success of organic agriculture,” shared Juan Hidalgo, Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner.
Attendee registration for OGS is $499, with discounts available for CCOF members and government and educational members. Registration to OGS is all-inclusive, and includes admittance to the opening reception, educational sessions, keynote presentations, breakfast, and lunch and trade show floor.
Attendees have the opportunity to purchase a ticket to a pair of additional activities: the 2018 CannaBus Tour from 8 am – 12 pm on Wednesday, December 12th and the CCOF Foundation Dinner on Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm. Further information is available at www.organicgrowersummit.com
Also, participating grower attendees have an opportunity to meet with a team of Costco buyers as part of a special "Meet the Grower" opportunity. This unique session provides certified organic farmers and grower representatives the opportunity to meet face to face with Costco organic produce, dairy, meat and wine buyers to discuss their operations and products.
Over 50 sponsors have confirmed their support of OGS. The tradeshow floor is nearly sold-out, with only a few exhibitor spaces remaining. Exhibitors include soil amendment, bio-pesticide, seed, packaging, food safety, ag technology, and equipment manufacturers who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
