Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/744696
www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER NOVEMBER 2016 53 evidence to support the agricultural practice, he said. This can happen in face-to-face exchanges or on social media. "The diffi cult person probably won't be infl uenced by the farmer, but other passerby readers will," he said. "They will appreciate the grower who is extending compassion and expertise, and that will help them make up their minds."Our individual farmers have the power to fi x these misconceptions, and should become comfortable operating as reputable sources, whether that's in person or on social media," he said. "This is how we'll make a difference and take back this conversation." • Leslie Mertz, Ph.D., is a freelance writer based in Gaylord, Michigan. RICHARD LEHNERT/GOOD FRUIT GROWER FILE PHOTO The Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo will be held at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. ONLINE To learn more about the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO, visit www.glexpo.com The essential resource Win an iPAD! Send name and address to ipad@goodfruit.com and enter our drawing. We'll also send you our popular eFlash newsletter with news and essential grower information. 2017 Empire State Producers Expo January 16-19, 2017 Join us for the Expo at the Oncenter in Syracuse, NY and the Becker Forum hosted at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool. Visit our website to register www.nysvga.org and to see the complete program, lodging information, and directions. For more information visit www.nysvga.org or email NYSVegetableGrowers@gmail.com e 2017 Empire State Producers Expo will take place on January 17-19 at the OnCenter Convention Center in Syracuse, NY. is annual show combines the major fruit, ower, vegetable, and direct marketing associations of New York State in order to provide a comprehensive trade show and educational conference for New York producers, as well as neighboring states and Eastern Canada. In years past, over 100 presentations were given by Cornell Cooperative Extension personnel and highly regarded speakers from across the country. Panel discussions feature some of the top industry experts and growers in New York. Between educational sessions, attendees can visit the trade show featuring over 150 commercial vendors and non-pro t exhibitors. • 2017 Becker Forum: Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)/Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Training. e New York State Vegetable Growers Association in conjunction with the Produce Safety Alliance (a collaboration between Cornell University, FDA and USDA) are pleased to announce that one of the fi rst producer trainings to meet the requirements of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) will be off ered during the Becker Forum on January 16, 2017 in Liverpool, NY. is 7-hour training will provide the required training for farms to meet the Produce Safety Rule. • Berry Grower Protected Culture Workshop on Tuesday, January 17. • GAPs Day 2 - Writing Your Own Food Safety Plan Workshop on Tuesday, January 17.