Cooperative extension to host produce conference

PALMER — The annual Alaska Produce Growers Conference Feb. 1 at the Palmer Depot will highlight information for small-scale growers.

Palmer Cooperative Extension Service agent Steve Brown said the conference is geared to individuals who sell vegetables, fruits and other produce at farmers markets.

Bill Campbell of the Plant Materials Center in Palmer will provide an update on potato research and diseases. Other topics will include organic and conventional fertilizer recommendations, soil analysis, food safety at farmers markets and easy website creation for small farms.

Craig Smith, an agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will talk about the agency’s high tunnel and nutrient management programs and Dr. Petra Illig of Anchorage will provide an update on Rhodiola rosea, focusing on the first harvest of the medicinal roots in Alaska.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service will host the conference, which will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a reception following. See the full agenda linked from bit.ly/1ekL9a2 and register online at bit.ly/ces-workshops. The cost of $35 includes lunch.

For more information, contact Steve Brown at 745-3639 or scbrown4@alaska.edu.