2018 Empire State Producers Expo Set to Educate Area Farmers January 16-18

A January 18th Cornell session at the 2018 expo will help participants evaluate the many factors to consider when buying equipment.
A January 18th Cornell session at the 2018 expo will help participants evaluate the many factors to consider when buying equipment.

The 2018 Empire State Producers Expo is set to be held between January 16 and 18 at the SRC Arena in Syracuse, New York. The goal of the expo is to showcase the latest in fruit, vegetable and flower agriculture while educating attendees on developments in the industry.

In past years, more than 100 presentations have been given by Cornell Cooperative Extension personnel, as well as other industry thought leaders from across the country. This year’s panel discussions will feature top experts and growers from New York as well.

Some of the topics that will be addressed in educational sessions at the expo include “How Other Regions of the United States are Using H-2A,” “Fruit Quality – Fruit Finish Issues,” and “How Will the USDA Be Involved in Agricultural Labor Policy?” A few of the individuals who are scheduled to speak at the event include Kristi Boswell, special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture; Belen Ledezma, New York State Monitor Advocate; and Rick Zimmerman, representative of New York State Vegetable Growers.

In addition, Steve Gabriel of the Cornell Small Farms Program will be on hand to present a session on the profitability of woodland-cultivated shiitake mushrooms.

Specific fruits and vegetables that will be addressed include tomatoes, peppers, peas, beets, carrots, berries and cabbage. More information on the educational sessions, the location of the event, and how you can attend the expo can be found at nysvga.org/expo/information/