Workshop to focus on small fruits, high tunnels
By The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
-
- May 27 workshop will focus on small fruit production in high tunnel structures
- Speakers will cover multiple topics relevant to beginners and the experienced alike
- Field tours include blueberries, blackberries, grapes and strawberries
- Workshop includes organic production techniques
- Registration deadline May 22
(232 words)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Several varieties of grapes, blackberries and other fruit will be on display during the Small Fruits High Tunnel Production Workshop, scheduled for May 27 and presented by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
University researchers including Curt Rom, Elena Garcia, Donn Johnson and Jennie Popp, will discuss aspects of fruit production in high tunnel greenhouse environments. The morning portion includes classroom instruction on organic blackberry production, grapes, high tunnel modification and insect management; the afternoon includes discussion of budgeting and a “sustainability checklist,” as well as field tours of fruit research plots.
Garcia, an extension fruit specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said the workshop will address a wide variety of issues commonly encountered in high tunnel horticulture, including how to work with perennial plants and cover crops inside the structures, and how to reduce salt buildup in the soil, something commonly associated with using the structures.
“We want people to come and take a look at what we’re doing, and see if it might be something they want to do themselves,” Garcia said.
The workshop will be held at the University of Arkansas Food Science Department, rooms D1 and D2, 2560 N. Young Ave. in Fayetteville. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and the workshop is expected to conclude at 3 p.m.
The workshop is free, but participants must register by Friday, May 22. To register, contact Jo Salazar at 479-575-2603 or Salazar@uark.edu.
For more information about fruit production, contact your county extension office or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
# # #
Media Contact: Ryan McGeeney
Content Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
rmcgeeney@uada.edu
Related Links