Long Island Ag Forum To Focus on Latest Issues, Technology

Once again, the Long Island Agricultural Forum will bring together growers and agri-businessmen to discuss new ideas and technology.

Now in its 33rd year, the forum will be held on Jan. 16 and 17 at Suffolk County Community College's eastern campus. 

The two-day conference will include topics focusing on topics specific to Long Island's agricultural and horticultural industries. The forum also affords farmers the opportunity to accrue pesticide recertification credits.

Registration is $30 per person. After January 10, 2014, the registration fee will be $45 per person. For more information or a registration form, call Linda Holm at 631-727-7850, ext 341, or click here  for a complete schedule. 

A special offer is also available: If more than one person from a farming operation attends, the first person will be charged $30, and each additional person will be charged $20. The offer expires Friday. 

Topics on the agenda include a weather station network to enhance crop production and pest management; "The Affordable Care Act — What It Means to Your Business," Long Island pesticide strategy and WPS initiatives; compliance and labor law updates from the New York State Department of Labor; and "2013 Survey Results — the State of Suffolk County Agriculture."

In addition, the two-day conference will feature small group sessions specific to issues related to potato and vegetable production, viticulture, greenhouse and nursery production, sustainable agriculture, tree fruit production, livestock and poultry harvesting and marketing and environmental  landscaping and gardening.

Friday afternoon will feature a special session on plant biotechnology. Special lunch sessions will focus on New York State Department of Labor updates and loan opportunities: and the Farm Service Agency.

Call 631-727-7850, ext. 341 for information and registration.