The way in which produce is produced, packaged, bought and sold has changed drastically from how it was just a short decade ago. Technology, particularly as it relates to information access, interpretation, and delivery, is become a major driving force in agriculture today. Growers and other businessmen can no longer compete in a high-tech world using yesterday’s technology. Those who try are soon left behind, and fall to the wayside.

The 2002 Symposium will feature speakers well versed in two of the more exciting aspects of the new technology available today: the INTERNET and GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS.

Dr. Dan Lineberger, a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, will discuss the use of the Internet as a tool in horticultural crop production. Dan’s work with the Internet is perhaps the most recognized and well respected of any horticulturist in the US today. Dr. Tim Righetti is a Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University. Tim is one of the leading authorities on the practical use of GPS in horticulture crops. The highlight of his presentation of GPS will feature an hour-long hands-on workshop.

One of the interesting things about the above new technologies is that they have applications for small and large producers alike. Costs of their use is no longer prohibitive, especially when considering the level of efficiency gained from their use.

We often hear producers say, “We cannot afford to take the time to attend educational activities such as the Symposium.” The truth of the matter is that you cannot afford to miss it! As advances in science and technology that impact the produce industry rapidly unfold, Continuing Education becomes more and more important.

A wise man once said, “You cannot win a race if you do not enter!” If you cannot keep up with the way your competition does business, there is no way you can beat him to the markets. Losing these races will take you out of the line-up for good.