Northern Piedmont Specialty Crops School

March 5, 2010: Northern Piedmont Specialty Crops School from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm in Roxboro, NC. The school is designed to explore the art and science of growing and marketing specialty crops and will feature many ideas for specialty crop growers to be successful in their ventures. This year’s school will feature growing in high tunnels to gain earliness in the spring and to extend the season in the fall. The talks will be given by leading experts in their fields. Steve Moore, with the NC State University Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, will start the program by discussing design, construction, and thermal performance of high tunnels. Dr. Lewis Jett, West Virginia University Vegetable Specialist, will discuss growing tomatoes and specialty melons in high tunnels. Dr. Reza Rafie and Chris Mullins of Virginia State University will describe their experience with growing red raspberries and blackberries in high tunnels. Carl Cantaluppi will give a brief update of his variety trial results with asparagus and seedless table grapes. The cost of the one-day school is $25.00 for the first person of a family or business and includes lunch. The cost is $15.00 for each additional family member or business associate, which also includes lunch. Pre-registration is needed to guarantee a seat and lunch. The program includes agenda, directions, pre-registration form, and a list of local motels. View the program brochure. For more information, contact Carl Cantaluppi at 919-603-1350.