Compiled by Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension
(802) 656-7534, vernon.grubinger@uvm.edu
https://www.uvm.edu/extension/horticulture/commercial
The Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association’s annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at the DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center in South Burlington, Vermont.
You can find the agenda and additional information on our website https://vvbga.org/farm-dashboard/2024-annual-meeting.
To register for the Annual Meeting go to https://vvbga.org/user/register and log in to your VVBGA account or create an account. Renew your membership and then pre-register for the Annual Meeting. The fee is $50 per day, per person, for VVBGA members. The non-member fee is $60 per day, per person. Please contact vvbga@uvm.edu to pre-register as a non-member, or if you need financial assistance.
Pre-registration closes on January 26, 2024. Add $10 per person for walk-in registrations. All registrations include morning coffee with snacks and a hot buffet lunch.
If you need overnight lodging, please make your own room reservations by contacting the DoubleTree Hotel. Ask for the VVBGA room rate of $109. There are also other nearby lodging options.
VVBGA member dues for 2024 are the same as in 2023: $70 per farm or $80 if paid after January 31. If this poses a barrier to participation, a lower payment can be selected, no questions asked. Go to vvbga.org to pay membership dues, register for the annual meeting, sign up for CAPS produce safety program, and/or donate to the VVBGA’s research and education fund.
Commercial membership in the VVBGA is $100 per company or organization, per year. Membership includes a ¼ page ad in the Annual Meeting booklet if submitted by December 29. Go to: https://vvbga.org/commercial-membership to join, register for the Annual Meeting, sign up for an ad in the Annual Meeting booklet. and/or to request an exhibitor table--but space is limited.
Questions? Vern Grubinger, UVM Extension, 802-656-7534, or vernon.grubinger@uvm.edu.
UPCOMING WEBINARS ON CROP INSURANCE.
These webinars will be recorded.
Crop Insurance. An Introduction for New England Vegetable and Berry Growers.
Jan.16, 10am-11am. Register at:
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nlC8JUAcQnGtoWgBRlvU8A#/registration
This workshop is for those with little to no prior experience with insurance and wondering what the options are and if they are right for your farm. Or for those looking for a refresher or updates. We will hear about Farm Service Agency’s Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and Risk Management Agency’s Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro-Farm Revenue Protection Programs.
Crop Insurance. Demystifying the How and Why Behind Each Program.
Jan. 18 10am-noon. Register at:
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZibjxknoRCC76fZ8EKc40w#/registration
A deeper dive into NAP, Whole-farm revenue protection, and Micro-farm revenue protection programs to help you decide which program is right for your farm. Regional experts from FSA and RMA will provide tips and tricks on how to be successful applying for coverage and getting a claim, including what records you need to keep and why. We will do our best to answer questions during a facilitated Q&A.
PRODUCE SAFETY INFORMATION RESOURCES GALORE
Want to build a better handwashing station, safely dispense sanitizers, or properly repair cracks in a concrete floor? Maybe you need to do a better job cleaning that brush washer, barrel washer, or washing machine? Or maybe you’re contemplating renovating or building a pack shed. These topics and much more are addressed by SCRUB project’s set of fact sheets, SOPs, case studies, videos and more at https://blog.uvm.edu/cwcallah/scrub-project-resources/