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On behalf of the National Citrus Nursery Association (NCNA) and the California Citrus Nursery Society (CCNS), we are excited to invite you to our joint conference, taking place November 19th - 20th, 2024. This event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, and regulatory representatives to discuss the latest advancements and challenges facing the citrus nursery industry.

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This conference is made possible by the USDA's PPA 7721 Project, which is funding the event as part of its broader efforts to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the U.S. citrus nursery industry. The project titled "Enhancing U.S. Citrus Nursery Sustainability: Collaborative Stakeholder Alignment & Engagement" is focused on fostering alignment within the citrus nursery sector across multiple states. The goal is to bridge knowledge gaps, promote best practices, and ensure the production of clean, disease-free citrus nursery stock. This conference will serve as a key platform to bring together stakeholders, including growers, researchers, regulators, and industry representatives, to discuss critical issues and build a stronger, more collaborative future for the citrus nursery industry.

​Scroll down to see the program for this year's conference and register!

Conference Outline:
Tuesday, November 19:
•    Location: Lindcove Research and Extension Center, 22963 Carson Ave., Exeter, CA 93221
•    Activities: Meeting Day - Engage in a full day of talks and panel discussions featuring leading experts on topics such as pest control, risk management strategies, and advancements in citrus nursery production.
 

Wednesday, November 20:
•    Location: Visalia, California (various sites TBD)
•    Activities: Join the CCNS-NCNA Field Tour to visit local facilities and gain insight into best practices in citrus nursery operations.
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Conference Draft Schedule:

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Tuesday, November 19, 2024

• 7:00 AM: Registration and Breakfast

• 8:00 AM: Introductions

• 8:30 AM: Winter Citrus Nursery Production: Controlling Light and Temperature for Optimal Growth - Title TBC

  • Speaker: Kim Bowman, USDA, Fort Pierce, Florida

  • Topic: Latest research findings on enhancing budbreak and citrus tree growth in winter nurseries using supplemental LED light.

• 9:15 AM: Predictive Analytics and Insect Monitoring Technology - Title TBC

  • Speaker: FarmSense Representative (TBC)

  • Topic: Utilizing FarmSense's FlightSensor™ for real-time automated insect monitoring to enhance pest detection and management in nurseries.

• 10:00 AM: Break

• 10:30 AM: Modeling Data Analysis for Risk Management in Citrus Nurseries - Title TBC

  • Speaker: Robert Clark, Data Analysis Expert, EcoData Technology

  • Topic: Presenting a preliminary simulation-based approach to evaluate the molecular diffusion model for citrus nursery pest risk management. Clark will demonstrate how data from greenhouse inspection logs and insect monitoring can be incorporated to validate and refine the model, with insights from his team's expertise in pest management, including Asian Citrus Psyllid.

• 11:15 AM: Leveraging Insurance Programs for Citrus Nurseries - Title TBC

  • Speakers: Claire White, USDA Risk Management Agency RMA

  • Topic: An in-depth look at the RMA protected culture insurance program and how nurseries can best utilize it as part of their risk management strategy.

• 12:00 PM: Biocontrol Strategies for Asian Citrus Psyllid - Title TBC

  • Speaker: Alexander Aksenov, University of Connecticut

  • Topic: Developing a novel, low-cost lure device using graphene-based materials to release scent compounds that can attract or repel Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP). This technology supports an "Attract and Kill" strategy, offering potential applications for integrated pest management (IPM) in citrus nurseries.

• 12:45 PM: Lunch

• 2:00 PM: The Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC) Program - Title TBC

  • Speaker: Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort - TBC

  • Topic: Discussing a potential national compliance agreement or labeling program for online citrus sales, and how nurseries can add value with USDA-certified products.

• 2:45 PM: USDA-APHIS Interstate Protocol Revisions Update - Title TBC

  • Speaker: Daniel Murphy, USDA-APHIS - TBC

  • Topic: Updates on proposed revisions to the USDA-APHIS protocols based on public comments, and how nurseries can adapt to these new requirements.

• 3:30 PM: Break

• 4:00 PM: Citrus Nursery Industry - Present and Future: Panel Discussion - Title TBC

  • Moderator: NCNA/CCNS Board Member - TBC

  • Topic: A discussion of key priorities identified during NCNA meetings, focusing on national-level challenges and opportunities for the citrus nursery industry. Topics will include regulatory issues, strategies to enhance industry sustainability, enforcement mechanisms, and opportunities for diversification and innovation.​

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The event promises to foster collaboration, share critical insights, and promote industry-wide best practices, bringing together stakeholders to strengthen the citrus nursery sector across the United States.​
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Registration Instructions