This program provides IPM training to growers and farm workers starting from basic concepts of Integrated Pest Management to more complex subjects like the use of pest control tools, and the utilization of degree-days to predict the biology of insects. It also offers recertification credits for those in need of renewing their MDA Private Pesticide Applicator licenses. Training will be conducted in collaboration with MSU Extension, MAES-TNRC personnel, the Department of Plant Pathology, Department of Horticulture, Department of Entomology, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and the MDA Pesticide and Plant Pest Management division. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of training. Enrollment fee is $250.00 and covers all educational materials (binders with presentation handouts with notes), lunch and coffee breaks.

Good Agricultural Practices for Food Safety in Blueberry Production
March 26-28, 2009 there will be a three-day workshop on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Food Safety in Blueberry Production at the same TNRC location from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This three-day training will introduce growers, shippers and farm workers the concept of Good Agricultural Practices and how to apply it at the farm/packing level.

Topics to be discussed include basic concepts of food safety and subjects specific to blueberry production, including how to conduct your own GAP audit and how to develop a Hazard Analysis and Control Point.

During the summer, those concepts will be applied on a one-day hands-on practice at a collaborator farm/packing facility. Training will be conducted in collaboration with MSU Extension, MAES-TNRC personnel, the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and the MDA Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. Enrollment fee is $275.00 and covers all educational materials (binders with presentation handouts and notes, lunch and coffee breaks).Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of training.