Greenbrier County Program to Cover Tomato Production, Economics, Marketing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia vegetable producers and Master Gardeners are invited to participate in a free educational session at Pam and Kirk West’s farm near Lewisburg from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23.

The Wests will share the results of their on-farm research project comparing high-tunnel cultivation to field production of heirloom tomato varieties. The farmers received a 2007 specialty crops grant from the W.Va. Department of Agriculture to conduct the project.

Pam West will lead the discussion and a tour of the farm and provide tomatoes for tasting.

John McCutcheon, WVU Extension Service agent in Greenbrier County, will welcome participants and discuss gardening for local markets and home use. Brian Wickline, WVU Extension agent in Monroe County, will talk about local collaborative marketing efforts.         

The economics of high tunnel production and field production methods will be covered by Tom McConnell, WVU Extension specialist in farm management.
                                   
“Trends in Raising Vegetables or Raising ‘Trendy’ Veggies” is the topic of a talk by Lewis Jett. The WVU Extension commercial horticulture specialist will reveal some “discoveries” he’s made at farmers’ markets in the region. Jett also will answer questions about tomato diseases and pests.

Saving seeds from heirloom tomatoes and vegetables will be discussed by Donna and Mike Miles, local Master Gardeners.

To get to the farm from the Interstate 64 bridge at Lewisburg, take U.S. 219 north for 5.7 miles, turn left on Savannah Lane and follow the signs posted along the route (Unus and Carroll Hill roads).

For more information about the evening, contact the Greenbrier County WVU Extension Service Office at (304) 647-7408 or Lewis Jett at (304) 293-6131, ext. 4240.

—WVU-ES—

jab—08/17/07

Last modified August 23, 2007
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