# Real-World Solutions Highlight First Biocontrols 2015 Conference and Tradeshow

Author: Jim Steadman
Published: 2015-01-30
Canonical URL: https://www.cottongrower.com/cotton-news/real-world-solutions-highlight-first-biocontrols-2015-conference-and-tradeshow/

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Real-world solutions and practical experience from some of the most successful growing operations and influential advisers and biocontrol suppliers in the U.S. highlight the [**agenda for the first-ever Biocontrols 2015 Conference and Tradeshow****S**](http://www.cvent.com/events/2015-biocontrols-conference-trade-show/custom-19-c3c7c675e6d04a77a8b904f7cfee8219.aspx)[M](http://www.cvent.com/events/2015-biocontrols-conference-trade-show/custom-19-c3c7c675e6d04a77a8b904f7cfee8219.aspx), March 3-5, 2015 in Fresno, CA.

[![BioControlsInArticle](https://files.greenhousegrower.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/BioControlsInArticle.jpg)](http://www.cvent.com/events/2015-biocontrols-conference-trade-show/custom-21-c3c7c675e6d04a77a8b904f7cfee8219.aspx)

The event is being organized by Meister Media Worldwide in conjunction with the Biopesticide Industry Alliance. An expected 6-10 Continuing Education hours will be offered to Pest Control Advisers (PCAs). Growers and PCAs also receive a [**specially-priced registration**](http://www.cvent.com/events/2015-biocontrols-conference-trade-show/custom-21-c3c7c675e6d04a77a8b904f7cfee8219.aspx).

Registration includes a complimentary cocktail reception on the evening of Tuesday, March 3; full-day Conference and Tradeshow access on Wednesday, March 4; and a half-day of Conference and Tradeshow on Thursday, March 5.

**Grower Case Studies**

Topping the Biocontrols 2015 marquee are presentations on “Driving Crop Quality and Productivity Using Biocontrols” by representatives from two of the largest produce growing organizations in the country: **Paramount Farming Co**., and **Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic.**

**Brad Higbee**, director of Entomology Research at Paramount, and **Gerald Davis,** organic agronomist for Grimmway, will reveal practical experiences and tips on implementing a biocontrol program in produce crops to improve both on-farm productivity and the quality of the crop.

Joining them in this module spanning two intensive 45-minute sessions will be **Greg Gaffney**, president of **Bio Ag Services**, specialists in IPM biological control; and **Lloyd Traven**, an innovator in the use of beneficial insects in his greenhouse ornamentals operation, **Peace Tree Farm**.

**Hands-On Crop Workshops**

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to split into focused workshops on Annual and Permanent Crops with deeply knowledgeable academics, consultants and biocontrols suppliers.

Leading the Annuals session will **Suzanne Wainwright-Evans** of **Buglady Consulting** and **Dr. Surendra Dara** of **University of California Cooperative Extension**.

On the Permanent crop side will be expertise from **Kenneth B. Johnson** of **Oregon State University**, **Johan Pienaar** of **Valent BioSciences,** and **Carlos Reyes** of **Marrone Bio Innovations**.

**A Fully Immersive Experience**

Biocontrols 2015 attendees also will be fully immersed in key issues surrounding the use of biocontrols, including:

- Regulatory, consumer and global trends – with an opening presentation by **Brian Leahy**, director of the **California Department of Pesticide Regulation**.
- Incorporating biocontrols in an IPM program in trying Western growing conditions – a valuable session led by consultant and PCA **David Holden** of **Holden Research and Consulting** and **Randy Dodds** of **Brandt Consolidated**.
- Managing Maximum Residue Levels and buyer-supplier relationships – featuring the deep expertise of **Robert McNally**, director of the **Office of Pesticide Programs, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (BBPD), EPA**; and **Cindy Baker Smith** of **Amvac Corporation.**
- Using biocontrols in sustainability initiatives – with a closing “view from the customer” from **Georgiann Miller** of foodservice supplier **Sysco**.
- A comprehensive tradeshow of leading biocontrols suppliers and other allieds ready to discuss products and innovations for 2015.
- **Ready for the 2015 production season?** There will be no venue comparable to Biocontrols 2015 this year where you can become fully up to speed on the state of biocontrols in just a few short, highly efficient days. [**Pre-registration**](http://www.cvent.com/events/2015-biocontrols-conference-trade-show/custom-21-c3c7c675e6d04a77a8b904f7cfee8219.aspx)for the event is available now.