Billed as the most comprehensive multi-county educational program targeting Southeast Texas agriculture, the Southeast Texas Urban Ag and Farm Safety Summit is scheduled Sept. 22-23 at the Gerald D. Young Agriculture Sciences Education Center, 5801 Katy Hockley Cut Off Road, Katy.
The event begins at 8 a.m. each day and is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and coordinated by the Harris County Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
The cost is $50 for individuals and $80 for couples. Registration is required at https://tx.ag/SETexasUrbanAg. The cost covers breakfast and lunch on both days along with educational materials. A tradeshow will feature over 40 vendors from around Southeast Texas.
“We are building off the success of last year’s summit where we attracted more than 200 individuals,” said Shannon Dietz, AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Harris County. “This year we have many highlights, including field trips to the Coastal Prairie Conservancy on Thursday and Prairie View A&M University Goat Research Center on Friday if attendees choose to participate.”
For those who choose to attend the classroom portion of the summit, five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units are offered for current pesticide license holders.
“Educational tracts in vegetable gardening, equine and beef nutrition and management, farm start up, and hay and pasture management taught by Texas A&M AgriLife specialists and industry leaders will also be available,” she said.
GAP audit program
In addition to the tours on Sept. 22, Dietz will lead a special signature educational training program covering the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Good Agricultural Practices, GAP, audit program. GAP audits are voluntary audits verifying that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled and stored to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards.
“This program ensures food safety and best management practices by producers and packers providing a safe, wholesome product for consumers,” Dietz said. “This training program will allow producers to learn more about certification and adding value to their operations.”
Keynote speakers
On Sept. 22, the noon keynote speaker will be Larry Boleman, Ph.D., longtime AgriLife Extension state beef cattle specialist and retired as associate vice chancellor for strategic outreach and initiatives with Texas A&M AgriLife. For Sept. 23, the lunch keynote speaker will be Audra Smith, attorney, El Campo, who will speak on agricultural topics including wills and estate planning, oil and gas leases, and eminent domain.
The summit will adjourn at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 23.
For sponsorship opportunities, call the AgriLife Extension office in Harris County at 713-274-9050.
