Vernon Economic Development is partnering with DATCP to host a workshop for producers, "Post Harvest Handling for Vegetable Production Quality and Success" at the VMH community rooms from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on January 7, 2010.   Cost is $20 per person and includes all workshop materials, lunch, and refreshments.

Fresh fruit and vegetable growers are invited to join farmers/educators Atina Diffley and Laura Frerichs for an in-depth look at the tools, techniques, and philosophies used to pack quality produce with long shelf life.  Areas covered include pre-harvest considerations; respiration and harvest; cooling, cleaning, packaging, and sorting produce; pack areas, storage, delivery and marketing. Hands-on activities will include creating post-harvest plans for various crops and trouble shooting videos of post-harvest operations.

Award-winning organic vegetable farmer Atina Diffley will lead the workshop, drawing from her extensive experience in vegetable farming and agricultural consulting, in partnership with Laura Frerichs, co-owner/operator of certified organic fresh-market vegetable farm Loon Organics, farm consultant, and regular educational presenter.