By Clint Thompson
The Florida Ag Expo is a couple of weeks away for those interested in attending the annual event in Wimauma, Florida. The expo, scheduled for Nov. 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), provides pertinent information regarding specialty crop production in the Southeast.
Josh McGill, show director for the Florida Ag Expo, outlines what attendees can expect to see at this year’s event.
“We’re really looking forward to this year. It’s going to be the biggest tradeshow that this show has ever seen, and we’re excited about that. We’re still selling exhibits but right now we are looking at a pretty full show. We’re also real excited about this year’s seminar agenda along with the usual CEU talks in the afternoon,” McGill said. “It’s a good opportunity for growers to see firsthand the issues and then hear from the research on ways (scientists) are addressing it and ways (producers) can help mitigate it on their farm in the upcoming season.”
Event Details
The Florida Ag Expo will start with a general session in the morning beginning at 8:45 a.m. It will highlight various topics relevant to specialty crop production.
Scott Angle, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, will discuss how artificial intelligence and nutrient rate research will be game changers for the industry. Cathy Burns, with the International Fresh Produce Association; Jerry Parrish, with Florida State University; and Greg Fowler, with CNI, will provide outlooks for the industry and what growers can expect in 2023.
There will also be breakout sessions in the afternoon. One will be designated pest management and cover topics pertaining to weed and disease control using chemicals, biological and cultural methods.
The other will cover breeding programs at GCREC and highlight research efforts for resistance to neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberries. It will also outline strategies to protect against bacterial spot and target spot in tomatoes. Blackberry, artichoke and hops research will also be discussed.
Plans for the afternoon farm tour are still being finalized. Minor adjustments are being made following Hurricane Ian’s impact in the area.
Click here to register. Pre-registration closes on Friday, Oct. 28 at 11:59 a.m.