Sep 8, 2006

Seminar To Address Energy IssuesSource: OFA

OFA – An Association of Floriculture Professionals is sponsoring an outreach education program on energy options and energy-saving production technologies later this month. The 1-day seminar is being produced in cooperation with the Oklahoma Greenhouse Growers Association. It will take place Sept. 27, 2006, in Stillwater, Okla.

Paul Thomas and Forrest Steglin from the University of Georgia will provide attendees with an overview of alternative energy sources (i.e., solar, wind, wood, used oil, etc.) and discuss the practical and financial aspects of the technologies.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to work through case studies to learn how to assess their own greenhouses’ energy risks and calculate current costs and potential savings. Thomas and Steglin will discuss a basic energy audit and provide spreadsheets and calculators for figuring out greenhouse energy costs. They also will discuss federal and state incentives and policies that growers can use to their advantage.

The cost to attend is $60 for OFA and OGGA members and $70 for non-members. Additional information on the outreach program is available by calling OFA at (614) 487-1117.