Sep 16, 2011

Great Lakes EXPO exhibit hall will host more than 400 companies

Planning is well underway for the 2011 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO. We plan to have more than 400 companies located in the exhibit hall. Some of the types of companies that exhibit include seed, nurseries and packaging companies, chemical and fertilizer companies, equipment large and small, processing equipment, lending and leasing, insurance and investment companies as well as greenhouse-related products. There are also many private brand companies and entertainment exhibits for the farm markets. We have many state and federal agencies that also exhibit, updating the attendees on topics relating to regulations, programs and changes that are occurring.
In addition to the trade show, there are many educational sessions and special events.

The Industry Luncheon at noon on Tuesday brings together grower leaders and others with an interest in issues important to agriculture. The featured speaker will address some of these issues. You will have the opportunity to discuss others with those attending the lunch. Tickets for the luncheon are $25, and should be purchased through the EXPO’s pre-registration.

Tuesday afternoon will feature a crop pollination session that will include discussions on bees and their use in fruit and vegetable crop pollination. Dale Allen, conservation chief for the Michigan Farm Service Agency, will present details of the SAFE Program for Pollinators.

The Meet the Buyers Reception will be held late afternoon on Tuesday. The reception links growers with retail and wholesale buyers. Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), the MSU Product Center and the Michigan Department of Agriculture host this event. Previous receptions have brought together more than 200 farmers and industry representatives.

Wednesday education sessions include hoop houses and high and low tunnels for enhancing production and extending the growing season.

Thursday morning includes a session on Identifying and Enhancing Natural Enemies in Vegetable Crops and one on Soil Fumigation and Fumigation Management Plans.

How do soil fumigation plans affect you? Hear from EPA officials on what the current Phase 2 plans are that describe the plan and its required buffer zones and what is in their “tool box” to help you comply; from a consultant who has written plans and how he is dealing with them; and from a large applicator business which is trying to abide by the newly developed rules. This will be an opportunity for those who apply fumigants or have them applied on their farms to hear from the experts and ask them questions.

Watch for the pre-registration brochure coming to your mailbox in late September. Online registration will also begin in late September. Check the EXPO website for more details as they become available.