2019 Horticulture Industry Show to highlight pollinators
By Sarah Cato
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Oct. 1, 2018
Fast facts:
- 2019 Horticulture Industry Show set for Jan. 4-5
- Theme will be “People, Plants and Pollinators”
- Registration begins Nov. 1
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – From fruit enthusiasts to Christmas tree producers, there’s something for everyone at the 2019 Horticulture Industry Show.
2019 marks the 38th annual Horticulture Industry Show, where horticulture specialists and experts gather to present on a variety of issues in the field. The event typically sees around 200-300 attendees and has sections on commercial production, home gardening, farmers’ markets and everything in-between.
Amanda McWhirt, extension horticulture crop specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, is this year’s convention president. This year’s theme will be People, Plants and Pollinators and will feature keynote Ray Moranz of the Xerces Society.
“Our keynote speaker will talk about how all of the diverse meeting attendess can conserve pollinators ,” McWhirt said. “Then each section will have a speaker who will talk about how pollinators relate to that area.”
McWhirt said the 2019 conference will include some new features.
“We’re doing it a little different this year,” she said. “We’re going to have a pre-conference tour the Thursday before where we will tour the high tunnels at the University of Arkansas campus farm, discuss the basics of high tunnel management including how to set up irrigation and we will showcase the current research projects that are going on in the tunnels.”
“This is a very nice meeting during a slow time of year when people aren’t busy,” McWhirt said. “It’s a great opportunity for people to come up to Fayetteville and get refreshers on how to improve production, learn new practices and connect with other people interested in local foods.”
The Horticulture Industry Show is scheduled for January 4-5 at the Chancellor Hotel in Fayetteville, 70 N. East Ave. Registration will begin November 1. Those interested can sign up for the pre-conference tour at registration.
For more information visit: http://www.hortindustriesshow.org/.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to 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.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu