Plant Breeding Workshop from Growing Farmers, New York State

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A Plant Breeding Workshop will be hosted by the Growing Farmers Initiative in New York State at the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture on Saturday, November 19th, 2011 from 10AM to 2PM. Cost is $10.

The farmer’s role as plant breeder has taken a dramatic turn in the last century of our agricultural history.  Through the advances in science, technology and specialization, this role was lifted from the hands of the growers.  While this shift was necessary in the development of our global food system, farmers do not need to relinquish their understanding and participation in the process.  As we are well on our way into the 21st century, new potentials and concepts in plant breeding are rapidly developing.  The fast changing, politically fueled topic has turned many conservatively minded farmers away from pursuing their rights in this area.

This workshop is meant to reengage the diversified farming community in order to better serve the outcome of this century’s agricultural future.  In this four-hour course, we will cover the basics of plant anatomy, genetics and seed saving through discussion and active participation.  We will identify the value of this knowledge as it relates to diversified systems as well as the boundaries that have been set by specialized industry.  In order to move forward in the most integrated manner, we will discuss ways to bridge the gap between tradition and technology and facilitate active participation between farmers and plant breeders.

Co-presented by Stone Barns Vegetable Farm Manager Jack Algiere and Cornell Plant Breeder and novice farmer Michael Mazourek

Click here to register.