EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University and Macomb Community College are coordinating to present a “Trends in Agriculture” workshop this fall. The event is slated for Nov. 7 at MCC’s Center Campus, University Center, in Clinton Township.

Macomb County borders Detroit on the north side. The workshop will feature morning and afternoon sessions with a variety of keynote lectures and smaller breakout sessions for specific interests. This area of the state is known for its many greenhouse and horticultural operations.

MSU professors and experts will talk on topics ranging from turf grass and greenhouse production, to community food systems. The event will feature a panel discussion with agriculture leaders from Macomb County discussing the local impacts of agricultural practices.

“The diversity of experts and topics discussed ensure that anyone who attends will have a truly unique and meaningful experience,” said Kelly Millenbah, associate dean and director of the Office of Academic and Student Affairs in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Several members of the MSU faculty will conduct sessions, including Dave Schweikhardt and John Whims, professors in its Department of Agricul-tural, Food and Resource Economics. Both will deliver keynote addresses and Schweikhardt will lead a session on the impacts of the recent farm bill.

In addition, Jeremy Moghtader, organic farming specialist at MSU, will lead a breakout session on current trends in organic farming.

The program will run from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. At 8:30 Schweikhardt will deliver a keynote on current trends. After that there will be sessions on organic farming, greenhouse horticulture, turf grass, lawn maintenance and landscaping. Then there will be a panel of local experts to discuss local issues in agriculture; that is slated for 11:30 a.m. Lunch will take place between 12:15-1 p.m.

Associate Director of the MSU Product Center Whims will give a keynote on economic development. Following that will be sessions on cottage food laws, community food systems, value-added agriculture and the farm bill. The sessions will be repeated later in the afternoon. There will be a wrap-up session at 4 p.m.

Among the other experts slated is Kristen Getter, MSU specialist in the Department of Horticulture. She’s responsible for developing and implementing outreach programs in floriculture and supporting the commercial greenhouse industry in eastern Michigan.

Amy Frankmann is slated to be on hand. She’s the executive director of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Assoc. and has been working in this industry for 26 years. She is involved in member services, public policy, legislative issues and regulatory issues.

She serves as the green industry’s link to state, regional and national agencies and organizations. Several other experts from MSU are scheduled to participate as well. Macomb County farmers Randy Russ, Kyle Ottenbacher and George VanHoutte have also confirmed they will participate in sessions.

Cost to attend the program is $40. To register, visit http://bit.ly/trendsinag

The fee includes a light breakfast, break snacks and lunch.

On-site registration is $50.