For Immediate Release

Dec. 3, 1999

Contact: Mark Looker (209) 549-8262 x 108

Mllooker@ainet.com

Dormant Pest Management Meeting set for Sacramento Valley almond growers

(Chico, CA) - - Sacramento Valley almond growers are invited to attend a Thursday, Dec. 16 meeting designed to highlight ongoing research work into a reduced risk system of almond production.

The meeting at the Chico State University Farm, Ag Mechanics Farm, Schouten Lane, Chico, is co-sponsored by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and the almond Pest Management Alliance (PMA.) The PMA is a cooperative project funded by a grant from the state Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to study a reduced risk system of almond production through use of alternative products and practices, on-site demonstrations and grower education.

The meeting, which runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., features sessions on:

• "Almond Pest Management Alliance Update" by Chris Heintz, Research Director, Almond Board of California.
• "Pesticide and Water Related Issues in Butte County" by Richard Price, Butte County Agricultural Commissioner.
• "Dormant Spray Runoff Studies in Glenn County" by Bill Krueger, UC Farm Advisor, Glenn County.
• "Economics of Dormant Alternatives," by Frank Zalom, Director, UC Statewide IPM Project.
• "Butte County PMA Results – Orchard Economics" by Joe Connell, UC Farm Advisor, Butte County.

Lunch will be served. Reservations can be made to the UCCE office at (530) 538-7201.

The Butte County PMA project is one of three projects funded by the grant. The other demonstration orchards are located in Stanislaus and Kern counties. PMA partners include the Almond Board of California, the Almond Hullers and Processors Association, the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Further information about the PMA project is available from PMA Project Administrator Mark Looker at (209) 549-8262 ext. 108.

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