Topsfield Fairgrounds To Host Agricultural Conference

DANVERS, MA — The public is invited to a free agricultural conference coming to the Topsfield Fairgrounds this month.

Northeast Harvest, a Buy Local Program representing nearly 400 farms in Essex and Middlesex counties and supported by the Essex Agricultural Society, will host the event on March 13 beginning with a breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and concluding with Topsfield Fair General Manager giving a talk at 3:30 p.m.

The schedule session is as follows:

9 a.m. – Noon: Worker Protection Standard (WPS) - This training includes information about pesticide residues, potential health effects of pesticide exposures, and how to avoid bringing pesticide residues home. WPS is intended to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from the risks of prolonged pesticide exposure. Agricultural workers and pesticide handlers must receive training before they begin work and every 12 months. Presented by Laurie Manning from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and Andrea Szylvian from the EPA. (3 PACE Credits)

12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.: BEE-ing More Friendly Towards Pollinators - An interactive presentation discussing ways to bee more friendly towards pollinators when managing landscapes for work and pleasure. Attendees will be introduced to the biology and natural history of the Northeast region's common wild and managed bees and learn best management practices. The program will also feature an update on local and national honeybee health. Presented by Dr. Kim Skyrm, Chief Apiary Inspector for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and East Director for the Apiary Inspectors of America. (1.5 PACE Credits)

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Hate Ticks? - This workshop covers the mysteries behind tick biology and ecology, the history of tick-borne disease in America, empowering protection methods, and anti-tick landscaping. Ticks are a re-emerging threat to human health in New England, but the key is awareness and education, not fear. The diseases ticks carry can have life-changing consequences. Understanding tick biology holds the key to preventing tick bites and disease. Presented by Blake Dinius, insect researcher. (1 PACE Credit)

3:30 p.m.: Wrap Up - James O’Brien, Northeast Harvest Executive Director, Essex and Middlesex County buy local organization. O’Brien oversees the buy local program with its mission to connect the farmers with the consumer. He has been the General Manager of the Topsfield Fair for the past 18 years, the oldest continuously operating county fair in America and ranks in the top 50 USA fairs.

Registration is required to attend the conference and can be done by calling Dawn at 978-887-5000 or emailing her at dawn@topsfieldfair.org.

Space is limited.

Contributors to Northeast Harvest Agricultural Conference, include: Essex Agricultural Society, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1 (New England), Apiary Inspector of America (AIA), Boston Honey, Holliston Chickadee Hill Farm, Rowley, Chris’ Farm Stand, Haverhill/Peabody, Herrick Farm, Rowley, Ipswich Shellfish Fish Market, Ipswich, Mann Orchards, Methuen, Neptune Harvest, Gloucester, Northeast Nursery, Peabody, and A&B Insurance, Westford.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)