Join UVM pathologist Ann Hazelrigg, and entomologists Vic Izzo and Scott Lewins, for a field walk to learn about, identify and discuss solutions for this year’s pests and diseases, including integrated pest management (IPM) techniques. This workshop will be hosted at the certified organic mixed vegetable farm Bear Roots Farm in Williamstown and is geared toward commercial organic vegetable growers.

This workshop is free to attend for commercial growers. Pre-registration required.

Hosts: Karin Bellemare and Jon Wagner own and operate Bear Roots Farm, an organic mixed vegetable farm in Williamstown, VT. They also own and operate The Roots Farm Market, one of the main avenues of sale for their vegetables, in addition to a year-round CSA, in Middlesex, Vermont.

Instructors: Ann Hazelrigg is the the director of the Plant Diagnostic Clinic, a statewide resource for commercial growers, Master Gardeners, home gardeners and the general public to identify disease, insect and weed samples and make recommendations for control based on integrated pest management (IPM) principles. She also oversees the Master Gardener Program, the UVM Pesticide Education and Safety Program and the Extension E-IPM program.

Vic Izzo is an agricultural entomologist and lecturer in the Plant and Soil Science Department where he focuses upon agricultural pest insects and innovative strategies for their control within organic systems. Vic is also a research associate and educational coordinator in the Agroecology and Livelihoods (ALC) Collaborative at UVM, a transdisciplinary research lab dedicated to using Participatory Action Research methods.

Scott Lewins is the Entomology Extension Educator with UVM Extension Northwest Crops & Soils Program, Extension Coordinator with the ALC, and Lecturer in PSS. Scott has worked with a multitude of growers within the region in various systems with a focus on sustainable pest management, particularly, the development of appropriate IPM tactics for northeastern organic growers.