Fumigation Training

Another opportunity for training and testing for the new fumigant labels.  This training will be held on March 28th from 9 am - 3 pm at the WNC Regional Livestock Market in Canton.  This training is a collaboration between the NCDA&CS and Cooperative Extension to provide live 'in person' training and testing to get growers in compliance with the new fumigation labels.  To learn more about this opportunity click here.


As a reminder, you can take this training on-line on the EPA Soil Fumigation Toolbox.

Winter Vegetable Conference Next Week!

The premier vegetable conference for western NC is happening next week in Asheville.  The 45th Annual Meeting of the NC Tomato Growers Association and Winter Vegetable Conference and Trade Show will take place Feb 20 and 21st at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville. 

This conference is the largest gathering of vegetable growers in the area and attracts growers not only from WNC, but also TN, GA, SC and VA.  The trade show includes over 55 vendors. The educational program is chosen by the growers and highlights the research done by vegetable specialists in NC and throughout the Southeast.  You can view the educational program here.

As a special treat, Dr. Paul Shoemaker will give a talk "On the History of the Tomato Production in WNC".  Dr. Shoemaker is a professor emeritus in Plant Pathology at NCSU and owner of Holly Springs Farm in Henderson County.  

In addition, we will be live-streaming the  FDA Listening Session on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in Raleigh.

Finally, following the luncheon on Thursday, TriEst will be offering a training on the new fumigation regulations and on-line training site.  To learn more about these changes or to take the on-line training, visit the EPA's Soil Fumigation Toobox.

Don't miss out on this great event!

Pre-registration is no longer available, but you can register at the door.  All are welcome.

Fumigant Label Changes: Learn about them on January 29

Soil Fumigant Phase 2 Labels have taken effect.  These new labels have some significant changes that will impact all growers who utilize soil fumigants.  To learn more about fumigants and implementation of the labels visit the EPA's Soil Fumigant Toolbox.

On Tuesday January 29th, the NC Cooperative Extension Service in collaboration with Southern States and the NC Department of Agriculture will hold a meeting on the new fumigant labels.   This meeting will begin at 8:30 am and will be held at the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Office located at 94 Coxe Ave in Asheville.

Below you will find the agenda for this meeting.

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8:30 am – 9:00 am	Breakfast and Introduction
9:00 am – 10:00 am	What you need to know about the changes in Fumigant Labeling for 2013 Bruce Nicely – NC Pesticide Inspector Charlie Clark – NC Pesticide Inspector
10:00 am – 11:00 am	RUP Record Keeping and Storage Sue Colucci Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture
11:00 am – 11:30 am	Questions

Reminder to All Agriculture Fumigant Users

In addition to the fumigant label changes that we were required to follow last growing season the new “Phase Two” changes will be in effect for the upcoming year.

 These changes include:

1. Buffer Zones and Posting
2. Emergency preparedness and response measures
3. Training required for at least one certified applicator supervising the application (at this time the training must be completed online until further notice)

Changes to label last year are still in effect:

1. Fumigant Management Plans (FMP’s)
2. Good Ag Practice Requirements (GAP’s) which includes requirement for yearly respirator fit testing

Visit the EPA website-  www.epa.gov/opp00001/reregistration/soil_fumigants/   

to view the “toolbox”  for information on all label requirements

Online training for the new required certified applicator training can be completed at:

www.epa.gov/fumiganttraining      

at this site go to   

Soil Fumigant Training for Certified Applicators  to begin the training.

Fumigation Workshop, Fit-Testing June 20th

Big changes are coming for fumigant application. These changes affect not only strawberry growers, but producers of other fruits and vegetables. As a result, ALL GROWERS that may be affected by the changes in fumigant application are invited to the 2011 Strawberry Pre-Plant Meeting sponosored by The NC Strawberry Growers Association and NC Cooperative Extension.

Prior to the meeting we will be offering respirator fit-testing and medical clearance at a very reduced price for NC residents. Click here for more information. Don't miss this opportunity to save money and get up-to-date!

Individuals interested in this opportunity MUST have medical clearance for respirators from their physician or complete the questionnaire (see flier for more information).

Fit-Testing will be scheduled throughout the afternoon. You MUST make an appointment with Robin Tutor at 919.880.4225 or tutor@ecu.edu or Barb Gallagher at 910.567.7159 or bgallagher@commwellhealth.org.

Where?: The fumigation workshop and fit-testing will take place at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Reserach and Extension Center located at 455 Research Dr. Mills River, NC

What time?:
Fit-testing will be scheduled thorughout the afternoon on a first-come, fisrt-served basis. See above on how to schedule your appointiment.

6 pm Dinner sponsored by Crop Production Services Group discussion on concerns about fumigation

Gwen Minton from the NCDA&CS will guide us through Fumigant Management Plans.

Please RSVP to the Henderson County Cooperative Extension Office by June 16 to let us know you are coming for dinner. 828.697.4891