The Professional Education Program:
Dr. David Headrick, Director
(805) 756-5382
The Professional Education Program is a vehicle for exchanging information and expertise between Cal Poly and the community of food system professionals. The need for education in the professional community is high and, given the diminution of public extension resources, many in agriculture are looking for new options for technology transfer. Greater connectivity between research and field practices is sought. We intend to draw upon the vast production-oriented expertise at Cal Poly in developing programs to help meet grower needs using an interdisciplinary approach.
We have begun by focusing on sustainable pest management methods in cropping systems, particularly biological control, through our annual Pest Management Conference - co-sponsored with CCOF.
In the future, the SARC will develop professional programs not limited to pest management (e.g., in compost technology and nutrient management, and eventually including food purveyors and consumers). The SARC will collaborate with, complement and support similar state and federal programs aimed at grower training. |
