UPDATED! Farmers' market producers invited to pest management workshops

CORRECTION: A news release dated May 4 listed the wrong date for the workshop in Conway. The correct date is June 10.

Workshops on environmentally responsible and effective pest management for farmers' market producers and other small acreage farmers will be held at three locations in May and June.

The workshops will be held in Monticello May 18, in Conway June 10 and in Fayetteville June 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at each location. The workshops are sponsored by the University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, based in Poteau, Okla.

Elena Garcia, extension horticulture specialist with the Division of Agriculture, said the workshops are free, but space is limited, and advance registration is required. Contact Carolyn Lewis, 479-264-0905, calewis@uark.edu, to register.

The location and workshop materials will be provided to those who register. Lunch and educational materials are provided by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“Whether you use organic or conventional practices, this workshop can help you evaluate your pest management program,” Garcia said. The workshops will include classroom presentations and hands-on sessions in the field, she said.