Spray Safe registration opens

Registration is now open for the sixth Ventura County Spray Safe event. This year's keynote speaker will be Brian Leahy, director of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

The event will be on Tuesday, March 20, in the Agriculture Building (Santa Cruz Hall) at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura.

Program

7:30-8:30 a.m.: Registration

8:30-11:50 a.m.: Presentations

11:50 a.m.-12:45 p.m.: Lunch (provided)

12:45-1:30 p.m.: Speakers

Spray Safe is intended to prevent pesticide-exposure incidents and improve communication among growers, agricultural chemical applicators and farm employees. Originally developed by a coalition of farmers, pest control advisers, applicators and labor contractors concerned about drift incidents in Kern County, the program is being embraced by growers throughout California as a way of better protecting the health and safety of farmers, field crews and neighboring residents.

Since our inaugural Ventura County event in 2009, the program has grown steadily in popularity, more than 500 people attending each of the subsequent sessions. Attendees learn about pesticide safety, application technology, regulatory issues and other topics during a half-day program of guest speakers, demonstrations and breakout sessions. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be provided.

The event is free, but advance registration is required. To register, you must download the form here, fill it out, and fax it to (805) 987-3874, or email it to spraysafe@farmbureauvc.com. The deadline is Tuesday, March 6.

The Spray Safe planning committee could not make this event happen without the financial support of Ventura County's agricultural community. To offset the approximately $20,000 it costs to conduct each event, we rely on the generosity of farm owners, pesticide applicators and advisors, supplier representatives, and anyone concerned about the industry's future.