By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Events for strawberry and greenhouse growers, as well as farm market enthusiasts are planned in conjunction with the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids.
The 15th annual Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo is being held concurrently with the state’s premiere show for fruit and vegetable growers.

Greenhouse education sessions will cover a variety of topics including disease and insect management, growing mixed containers, recycling plastic containers, eco-marketing, energy use and options, benchmark analysis to increase profits and research reports from Michigan State University (MSU).

One registration fee provides admission to the Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo and the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo, except for an OFA crop management workshop on Dec. 10, which requires a separate registration fee.

Prior to the opening of the show, the North American Strawberry Growers Assoc. (NASGA) is holding its annual meeting and conference in conjunction with the Expo. NASGA plans a one-day education program on Dec. 7 and is open to NASGA members who have paid their 2010 dues.. The cost of the program is $60 per person, including lunch. The association’s annual meeting will be held during the luncheon program.

Workshops during the NASGA conference include the “Fundamentals of Strawberry Production” and “Strawberry Plasticulture.”

David Handley from the University of Maine will discuss general strawberry culture, including plant growth, matted row production practices, varieties, and insect pest, disease and weed control in “Fundamentals of Strawberry Production.”

Growing strawberries on raised beds with plastic mulch and drip irrigation will be explored in “Strawberry Plasticulture.” Participants will learn how to use short-day strawberry varieties to extend the season for locally-grown, high-quality fruit. The discussion will explore how to use different plant types, growing dates and varieties together with intensive management of soil and crop nutrition. This workshop also will introduce growers to various strawberry production systems on plastic.

During the NASGA general session, participants will hear presentations about changes in U.K. strawberry production to meet the requirements of a sophisticated marketplace, what’s new in strawberry weed management and branding Quebec strawberries. A panel discussion will review June-bearing strawberry varieties.
A farm market bus tour on Dec. 7 will offer participants opportunities to visit seven of West Michigan’s top farm market and agritourism locations. Participants will be able to network with other farm marketers, learn new marketing tips, and see how different operations set up to maximize holiday season sales.

Bob Tritten, MSU Extension district fruit educator for Southeast Michigan and Ron Goldy, MSU Extension district vegetable educator for Southwest Michigan, will lead discussions on the bus between locations. The cost of the tour is $149 per person, which includes transportation to the farm market stops, lunch and snacks.
Visit www.GLEXPO.com for more information.