To assist new vegetable farmers, UMass Extension is conducting a Sustainable Vegetable Production course. This course is designed for beginning farmers wishing to gain an understanding of horticultural fundamentals and strategies and their relation to environmental quality.  Attendees will learn about sustainable approaches to commercial vegetable production, making environmentally appropriate decisions related to plant selection, plant maintenance, and pest and nutrient management. Topics are based on current research and information emphasizing environmental stewardship, Best Management Practices (BMPs) and integrated pest management (IPM). Participants will develop an understanding of how proper management practices impact natural resources such as soil and water. This program focuses on the management of vegetable rotations as a whole, and is intended for first-time farmers.

This 60 hour course is a comprehensive certificate short course taught by UMass Extension Specialists and University of Massachusetts faculty. Cost: $675, includes all materials. Classes run 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM daily. Register early, as space is limited. Registration deadline: October 24, 2012.

 For a complete schedule and to register online, go to

http://extension.umass.edu/landscape/education/green-school-sustainable-vegetable-production-track

Certificate: Certificate is optional.  For those wanting a certificate it will be awarded upon achieving a passing score based on an average of daily quizzes. It is not necessary to take the daily quizzes if receiving the certificate is not desired.

Location: Holiday Inn, 265 Lakeside Ave., Marlboro, MA
Dates: October 31 - December 12, 2012; meets twice/week, 9 am to 3:30 daily

For more information, contact UMass Extension at (413) 545-0895 or eweeks@umext.umass.edu or Dr. Frank Mangan fmangan@umext.umass.edu