Advanced Workshop Takes Sustainable Tomato Growers to the Next Level

The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is pleased to offer a workshop, “Advanced Sustainable Tomato Production,” featuring researchers and veteran growers from across Ohio. Scheduled for Friday, October 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Wooster, Ohio (Wayne County), this session is designed for experienced growers looking for the most up to date and innovative strategies to improve their tomato management techniques from seed to harvest.

“This interactive workshop will give experienced tomato producers a variety of tools to improve efficiency and increase the quality of their product,” said Renee Hunt, OEFFA’s Program Director.  “Growers can expect higher yields and lower production costs as a result, while using the sustainable and organic methods that already allow them to demand a premium price for their tomatoes.”

Held at Shisler Conference Center, the workshop will provide information on field and high tunnel systems. Topics include variety selection, grafting, and management of nutrients, diseases, and pests. An all-star speaker line-up will include grafting and high tunnel expert Matt Kleinhenz, entomologist Celeste Welty, vegetable pathologist Sally Miller, Pat Licciardelli of Seedway, and Mike Laughlin of Northridge Organic Farm.

“We are delighted to be able to bring together so many experts to benefit Ohio’s tomato growers,” said Laura Wies, OEFFA’s Special Projects Coordinator.  “The collective knowledge of the presenters and the audience in the room is sure to boost any producer’s bottom line.”

The cost for the workshop, which includes lunch, is $85 for OEFFA members and $100 for nonmembers. Registrations, which should include name, address, phone, email, and a check, can be mailed to OEFFA Tomato Workshop, 41 Croswell Rd., Columbus OH 43214. For more information, please contact Laura at (614) 421-2022 Ext. 206 or laura@oeffa.org.