Nov 6, 2009

Academic Experts Plan Spring Trials TripSource: Cornell University

Growers interested the California Spring Trials will have the opportunity to go on an intense, educational bus trip from April 9 to 13, 2010, organized by Drs. Mark Bridgen of Cornell University, Brian Krug of the University of New Hampshire, Roberto Lopez of Purdue University and Neal Mattson of Cornell University. The trip is designed specifically for greenhouse growers and other horticulture professionals.

The itinerary is jam-packed and fast-paced: The days begin early and continue late into the evening. Attendees should plan to arrive Friday, April 9, and will stay at a designated hotel near the San Jose Airport. On April 10, the group will visit Golden State Bulb Growers in Watsonville, Syngenta Flowers/Goldsmith Seeds in Gilroy, Speedling (along with exhibitors Thompson & Morgan, GreenNex USA, Hem Genetics, MasterTag, Plant Source International, and Schoneveld Twello) in San Juan Batista and Sakata Seed in Salinas.

Sunday, April 11, will begin at Dümmen USA in San Luis Obispo. After a short drive to Arroyo Grande, the group will visit Greenheart Farms. The last stop of the day will be in Santa Barbara, where the participants will visit Jiffy along with their exhibitors Northern Innovators, Skagit Gardens, and Florist de Kwakel.

On Monday, April 12, attendees will visit PlantHaven, followed by Ball Horticultural Co. in Santa Paula, where displays of PanAmerican, Kieft Seeds and Selecta varieties will be featured. Lunch will be hosted by Ball. In the afternoon, the group will visit Green Fuse Botanicals and GroLink in Oxnard. If time allows, the last stop of the day will be Suntory in Somis.

The cost of the trip will be $450 per person in a double room or $720 per person for a single room, which includes four nights’ hotel accommodations, bus transportation, lunches for three days and experienced guides. Participants should arrange their own transportation into San Jose on April 9 and out of West Hollywood on April 12, and cover their own dinner costs. Rates are based on 47 participants and will be adjusted slightly if minimum capacity is not met. The trip is subject to change and may be canceled if minimum capacity is not met.

Space is limited — register by January 29, 2010 to reserve a seat on this trip. A travel agency is available to assist with these reservations; for online reservations, click here and choose Event Registration for Pack Trial Excursion for Greenhouse Growers in the bottom left corner.

Contact Dr. Mark Bridgen at (631) 727-3595 or e-mail him for more information.