NCAT Offers Free Webinar on Grafting Fruit Varieties for Organic Production; Developing Regional Crops

Regionally and locally adapted fruit crops aren't just a treat for the palate.  Developing them would fill a number of needs from providing a boon to organic fruit growers to helping detail-oriented farmers and nurserymen make a decent on-farm income.

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) Horticulture Specialist Guy Ames will present a webinar addressing what it takes to develop fruit that's adapted locally and regionally - and he'll get hands-on with a discussion of grafting, budding, cuttings, and other forms of asexual fruit propagation.

The webinar, which is being offered by NCAT free of charge, will have plenty of time for participants to ask questions - general or about their own operations. And Guy will respond to any questions that aren't answered during the webinar in the days following via email.
As a horticulture specialist at NCAT, Guy provides farmers, especially fruit growers, with the best information available to empower them to be the most environmentally sound growers they can be while maintaining a sustainable income.
He has a B.A. in History and English and
an M.S. in Horticulture. In the past, Guy has been a professional nursery man and orchardist as well as a technical writer in the area of sustainable fruit production. In addition, he was a public school English teacher for 10 years.

Guy has had a busy year. Recently he and NCAT Specialist Robert Maggiani finished work on a new ATTRA publication, "Plums, Apricots, and Their Crosses: Organic and Low-Spray Production."  It focuses on organic and reduced-spray management options for disease and pest problems of plums, apricots, and their crosses (pluots, apriums, etc.). It also relates progress in broadening the practical climatic adaptability of the apricot. The publication discusses adding these fruits as specialty crops for small-scale, diversified farms and identifies marketing opportunities.

 "Plums, Apricots, and Their Crosses: Organic and Low-Spray Production" is available to be downloaded free of charge on the NCAT ATTRA website at www.attra.ncat.org

The upcoming webinar will be recorded and archived on the ATTRA website as well.

Click here to register https://attra.ncat.org/grafting_fruit

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Since 1976, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has been helping people by championing small-scale, local and sustainable solutions to reduce poverty, promote healthy communities and protect natural resources. In partnership with businesses, organizations, individuals and agricultural producers, NCAT is working to advance solutions that will ensure the next generation inherits a world that has clean air and water, energy production that is efficient and renewable, and healthy foods grown with sustainable practices. More information about its programs and services is available at www.ncat.org or by calling 1-800-ASK-NCAT.