2008 Week of Blueberries

To further explore production and marketing issues for California blueberries, University of California blueberry researchers hosted workshops and field days during "A Week of Blueberries" May 19-22, 2008. The various events were co-sponsored by the UC Small Farm Program, the Hansen Trust, UC Cooperative Extension, and USDA Risk Management Agency.

Presentations:

More presentations from the Week of Blueberries will be added as they become available.

• Acidifying blueberry soil (629 KB)
  A look at soil pH, soil ammendments and organic materials.
  -Ben Faber, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor in Ventura County
• Thrips Management in Blueberries (1.18 MB)
  Early results from research of integrated pest management options for citrus thrips in blueberries.
  -David Haviland; UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor in Kern County
• Fresh Produce Marketing Trends: Implications for Blueberries (420 KB)
  Examines the use of fresh produce in food service markets and opportunities for fresh blueberries.
  -Roberta Cook, UC Cooperative Extension specialist at UC Davis
• Overview of Florida's Commercial Blueberry Industry (7 MB)
  Review of blueberry production practices in Florida, including varieties, maintenance and diseases.
  -Jeff Williamson, University of Florida IFAS Extension horticuluralist

View the video:

UC ANR staff filmed and produced a video about Blueberry Field Day and the Small Farm Program's work with blueberries. Watch the 6 minute video.

Find out more:

Many of the week's presenters have their own web pages, with more information about their work with blueberries.

• Mark Gaskell, UC Small Farm Program advisor in Santa Barbara County
  Organizer; Presented May 19, 20, 21, & 22
• Manuel Jimenez, UC Small Farm Program advisor in Tulare County
  Organizer; Presented May 21 on "Review Blueberry Research Trials"
• Ben Faber, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor in Ventura County
  Organizer; Presented May 19, 20, 21 & 22 on "A Review of Materials for Organic Blueberry Production"
• David Haviland, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor in Kern County
  Presented May 21 on "Insect Management in California Blueberries"
• Roberta Cook, UC Cooperative Extension specialist at UC Davis
  Presented May 21 on "Projecting the Future for California Blueberries"
• Jeffrey Williamson, University of Florida extension horticulturalist
  Presented May 19, 20, 21 & 22 on "Florida Blueberry Production Practices"
• David Brazelton, owner of Fall Creek Farm & Nursery, Inc.
  Presented May 21 on "Bringing Good Ideas Back to the Farm"
• Pilar Banados, professor, Catholic University of Chile
  Presented May 21 on "Blueberry Production in South America. History, Current Production and Future"

Agendas

Need a copy of the agendas?

• Blueberry Field Day, May 21 at Kearney Agricultural Center
• Week of Blueberries, event summaries May 19-22, statewide