Vermont Pesticide Certification Meetings Spring 2024e

Registration is now open for pesticide applicator meetings provided by the University of Vermont Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program. Approved credits by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets and may be applied to all New England participants under cooperative agreement.

  • March 19: Agricultural Pesticide Applicator Meeting updates on pest management and pesticide safety practices in agriculture for certified applicators (virtual via Zoom)
  • April 9: Initial Pesticide Certification Meeting review of the Northeast CORE Manual followed by the Vermont Pesticide Applicator CORE Exam for new applicators (in-person)

See below for details.

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Agricultural Pesticide Applicator Meeting

March 19, 2024

9am-1:30pm Virtual via Zoom

Please register at: https://go.uvm.edu/vtaa24. Registration fee is $30. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Updates on pest management and pesticide safety practices in agriculture for certified applicators. Agenda will include Regulatory Updates, Rodenticide Use Standards, Vermont Pollinator Rule FAQs and Best Practices, Avoiding Herbicide Resistance in Weed Management, Worker Protection Standards Review, Respirator Safety & Fit Testing.

This program will provide Vermont and New York recertification credits. In order to receive credits you must log in individually and answer poll questions during the meeting. Those seeking NY credit must submit a copy of their applicator ID by March 15 and check-in for roll call prior to start of meeting.

Visit sarah.kingsley

Sponsored by UVM Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program and Vermont Agency of Agriculture

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. Any reference to commercial products, trade names, or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended.

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Initial Pesticide Certification Meeting

April 9, 2024

9am-4pm

In-Person Interactive Sites: Rutland, Brattleboro, St. Johnsbury, Burlington

Please register at: https://go.uvm.edu/core24. Registration fee is $40. After April 1, Late Registration is $60.

Review of the Northeast CORE Manual and inserts followed by the Vermont Pesticide Applicator CORE Exam for new applicators. This review is for anyone in the state of Vermont who uses, supervises, recommends, or sells pesticides and/or trains Worker Protection Standard pesticide handlers/agricultural workers.

This program does not provide recertification credits. It is necessary to study the CORE manual and regulations before the review to have all the knowledge necessary to pass the exam. A passing score of 75% is required. CORE manuals and required inserts (pdf downloads) must be obtained in advance from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets at https://go.uvm.edu/vaafm-manuals

Visit sarah.kingsley

Sponsored by UVM Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program and Vermont Agency of Agriculture

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. Any reference to commercial products, trade names, or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended.

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Vermont Agriculture Hall of Fame Awards Nominations are open!

Since 2002, more than 100 farmers, producers and people dedicated to supporting Vermont’s working landscape have been inducted into the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame! Each new year brings new nominations throughout Vermont’s Agricultual landscape. Nominations do not carry over from previous years if not selected, but we invite you to resubmit nominations again this year if compelled.

You may nominate one individual per category. Nominations will be accepted until 5pm Friday March 8th.

Please submit between 500/1000 words regarding your nomination and keep in mind that the judging panel may not be familiar with the nominee.

There are 3 categories:

Emerging Leader: This category highlights those who are stepping up to become the next generation of agricultural leaders in Vermont. Age 40 or younger (born after June 1, 1984), these individuals demonstrate a deep commitment to Vermont’s working landscape and are poised to lead our Ag community into the future. They are remarkable for their service, youthful energy, and dedication to Vermont agriculture.

Ag Innovator: Those in consideration for this category have demonstrated a fresh and forward-thinking approach to agriculture. They are making or have made a significant, positive impact on Vermont, in areas such as but not limited to: growing the local economy, promoting stewardship and conservation, improving community health and nutrition, developing new tools and practices, and using alternative models in business and land ownership. They are notable for their unique perspective and unconventional approach. (Age is not a factor for consideration in this category.)

Lifetime Achievement: This category recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to the advancement, improvement, or development of Vermont agriculture over the course of their long career. Nominees shall have played an active role in Vermont agriculture for at least thirty years.

The Vermont Ag Hall of Fame organizing committee encourages nominations from and of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

Quick pollination survey

Good afternoon:

https://forms.office.com/r/iNJXAT2t8e

There is a lot of discussion around pollinator health and protection happening at several levels around the state. In order to answer any questions that I expect may come my way, I have pulled together a very quick, short survey for apple producers. This will not be used for any publications and data are collected anonymously, I just want to make sure I answer correctly as a representative for the industry. This should take 1-2 minutes, you can have it done before lunch break is over and you get back to pruning.

https://forms.office.com/r/iNJXAT2t8e

Thanks,

Terry

Upcoming Events – Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium Winter Sessions

Just a reminder, the Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium Winter Sessions are in full swing.

Details are below:

  1. January 24 – "New Options for Chemical Thinning" – Dr. John Cline, University of Guelph
  2. January 31 – "Strawberry Breeding and Cultivar Update" – Dr. Beatrice Amyotte, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
  3. February 7 – "Use, Efficacy and Cost of Reflective Ground Cover in the Orchard" – Dr. Macarena Farcuh, University of Maryland
  4. March 6 – "Mass Trapping for Japanese Beetle" – Dr. Jaime Pinero, University of Massachusetts
  5. March 13 – "How to Effectively Engage with the Press" – Dr. Jessica McBride, University of Connecticut
  6. March 20 – "BioControl, Forecast Models and Apple Scab – Finding the Sweet Spot" – Dr. Kerik Cox, Ms. Liga Astra

Use this link for registration and more information. Registration for each session is required.

128th Annual UVM Fruit / VTFGA Meeting – February 14th, 2024

The 2024 Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association and UVM Fruit Program Annual Meeting will be Live and In-Person on February, 14, 2024 in Middlebury, VT. Online registration is live at this link: https://go.uvm.edu/24uvmvtfgamtg.

The Meeting Agenda as well as a registration/membership form for those who want to pay by mail/check are available at https://go.uvm.edu/24uvmvtfgaagenda.

Please register at your earliest convenience, meeting registration is $10 less per person of purchased before February 4. This helps us plan for lunch and coffee hour and gives a better sense of planning for the meeting overall.

*** To request a disability-related or any other accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Terence Bradshaw at (802)-922-2591 by 2/7/2024 so we may assist you.***

Registration questions should go to James Bove: jbovevt

Program questions please email me: tbradsha

-Terry

Where trade names or commercial products are used for identification, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is implied. Always read the label before using any pesticide. The label is the legal document for the product use. Disregard any information in this message if it is in conflict with the label.

The UVM Tree Fruit and Viticulture Program is supported by the University of Vermont Agriculture Experiment Station, UVM Extension, USDA NIFA E-IPM Program, and USDA Risk Management Agency.

UVM Extension helps individuals and communities put research-based knowledge to work. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.

Free Farm Succession and Transfer Webinar Series

The “Farm Succession Planning Webinar Series” is for farmers to learn about key issues, tools and resources to help them make informed decisions and take action steps towards transferring their farm to the next generation of their family or a non-family successor. Farmers will learn from professionals who can help in the process and from other farmers. Topics include retirement, financial, and estate planning, taxes, legal entities, and determining goals for retirement, business transitions, and your land. All generations, including family and non-family members, who may play a role in your farms future are encouraged to attend.

This series is organized by info for more information.

2024 New England Fruit Consortium Webinar Series

The New England Fruit Consortium, made up of Extension partners from throughout the region, is hosting an educational webinar series this winter. Topics include: apple thinning; strawberry cultivars; reflective mulches; Japanese beetle management; public relations for farmers; and advanced apple scab management.

Sessions are still shaping up, but the listing and registration information can be found at:
https://ag.umass.edu/fruit/news-events/northeast-extension-fruit-consortium

Please mark your calendars and preregister for any sessions of interest to you.

VT Agency of Agriculture 12/18 Virtual Listening Session

Please consider attending and sharing information about the Vermont Agency of Agriculture virtual listening session on Monday, 12/18

Vermont Agency of Agriculture holding virtual Listening Session 12/18

When: Monday, 12/18 from 12:30 – 2pm (drop in/out as needed)

Where: Virtual – please register here to receive link

Who: All producers, processors and agricultural-adjacent organizations are encouraged and welcome to attend; legislators have been invited to attend as well

Structure: Agency of Agriculture staff will facilitate conversations around: The 2023 growing season/flooding; needs and priorities for business viability; feedback and input for Agency presence and programming; other items as they arise

Future opportunities: This virtual session is part of a pilot series of opportunities for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture to be more accessible to the agricultural communities and hear their needs, priorities, experiences and feedback. The session on December 18th will be followed by 9 in-person sessions across the state in Jan – March of 2024, co-hosted with some of our non-profit and Natural Resource Conservation District partners. Learn more here!

Can’t make it or want to give feedback? Use this form to share your thoughts, priorities and/or input on how these opportunities could and should be shaped in the future

Questions or feedback? Please reach out to Sarah McIlvennie directly at sarah.mcilvennie or 802-261-5866

Thanks,

Abbey

Abbey Willard (she/her)

Agricultural Development Division Director | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

116 State St., Montpelier Vermont 05620 | http://agriculture.vermont.gov

Tel:802-272-2885 |

Access Flooding Disaster Response and Recovery Resources for Agriculture.

Sign up to receive our weekly Ag Development e-newsletter updates on marketing opportunity, events and grants!

Important survey for UVM Fruit Program

In the past year, the UVM Fruit Program completed a redesign of its website as part of the UVM Commercial Horticulture site reorganization. The funding for that work is wrapping up and we will report changes in grower satisfaction in our final project grant report. Please complete this short survey at your earliest convenience:

https://go.uvm.edu/23uvmfruitsurvey

In a twist of institutional planned obsolescence, please ignore the odd urls on the site that begin with legacy.drup2.uvm.edu, as the university overall is in the process of a full site redesign. That will affect top-level content (the UVM banner and search boxes at the top) but our site should remain unchanged after they complete that work.

Thanks so much and we wish everyone happy and restful holiday season.

Best,

Terry

VFN webinar Dec. 13 : Agritourism business planning

Wednesday, Dec. 13: Business Planning for Agritourism Enterprises
with Lisa Chase and Zachary Smith of University of Vermont Extension

Business planning is critical for any type of enterprise, and agritourism is no exception. Hosted by Vermont Fresh Network and University of Vermont Extension, this webinar will cover key steps for business planning and introduce you to a new online tool. In this webinar, we’ll provide a general overview of business planning for agritourism, and we’ll share resources and next steps. For farms in Vermont, we’ll let you know how to receive one-on-one support and guidance for your agritourism business plan. We’ll also discuss an online training series open to all that will take place in February and March for those who would like to develop a business plan this winter with guidance from Extension business planning experts. To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Amber Hunt at 802-656-7530 or Amber.Hunt so we may assist you.
Register here

We’ll be posting the videos of the last two webinars, and will be sharing those with you all.

-Tara

Tara Pereira (she/her)

Vermont Fresh Network

Executive Director

tara

o:802-434-2000

c:802-999-6137

www.vermontfresh.net

www.diginvt.com

Want to discover new food and farm adventures? Visit diginvt.com for events, trails, place profiles, and feature articles!

DigInVT is a program managed by the Vermont Fresh Network