May 13, 2008

Central San Joaquin Valley grape growers will learn about the latest technologies and sustainable vineyard practices to improve quality and to manage operations more economically at a workshop at Fresno State on Friday, Dec. 7.

The Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VERC) at California State University, Fresno will host the Wintertime Grape Issues Pruning and Sustainable Workshop from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

There will be presentations by industry experts and researchers, and demonstrations of mechanical pruners, precision sprayers and innovative weed management tools and equipment in the university vineyards.

The workshop is presented in collaboration with the Fresno State’s Department of Viticulture and Enology, the Central California Winegrowers Association and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Funding also is provided by the Wine Institute, the California Association of Winegrape Growers and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The workshop is representative of Fresno State’s commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development in higher education. Earlier this month, university President John D. Welty signed the Talloires Declaration, a 10-point action plan for incorporating sustainability issues into teaching, research and outreach programs at universities worldwide.

Workshop fee is $10, which includes parking and lunch. A $5 discount is available to members of the Central California Winegrowers Association. RSVPs are requested by Saturday, Dec. 1.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Viticulture and Enology Building (2360 E. Barstow Ave.). Continuing education credit through the state’s Department of Pesticide Regulation will be available for pest control advisers and private applicators.

To RSVP, call 559.618.1856 or email info@ccwinegrowers.org.

Proposed workshop topics and presenters:

• “Air Quality Successes and Challenges for the Central Valley,” Johnnie Siliznoff, USDA-NRCS

• “Volatile Organics from Pesticides – Regulations and Management Considerations,” Randy Segawa/Pam Wofford, state Department of Pesticide Regulation

• “Solar Energy Systems for Central Valley Agriculture,” Dan Mello, El Solutions

• “Reducing the Greenhouse Gas Footprint from Vineyards,” David Smart, University of California, Davis

• “Vine Mealybug – Status, Management and Research,” Kent Daane, University of California

• “Insurance Updates and Issues for Growers,” United Valley Insurance

• “Pruning for Quality in Wine Grapes,” Dr. Robert Wample, Fresno State

• “Winery Views – Pros and Cons of Mechanical Pruning,” panel discussion