Speaker: Eric Sideman, Organic Crop Specialist, MOFGA

Place: Portsmouth Public Library – Hilton Room, 175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH

Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Fee: Free and open to the public

Many home and community gardeners have taken up growing vegetables in recent years. This rewarding pursuit comes with it’s own set of challenges. Those vegetables we find so delicious can be equally attractive to a wide range of insects. Understanding the difference between beneficial insects and destructive pests is often difficult. This presentation will cover the identification of pests and diseases common to growing vegetables. Organic methods of prevention and management will be also discussed, with a special focus on identifying and preventing Late Blight.

Some of you may already know Eric Sideman through his informative Pest Reports for MOFGA. Eric earned a BS in agriculture from Cornell University, an MS in biology from Northeastern University and a PhD in Botany from the University of New Hampshire. He moved to Maine in 1982 to teach biology and ecology at Bates College. In 1986 he moved on to MOFGA to become what some call “the nation’s first Organic Extension Agent.” He provides technical support for farmers and gardeners, serves as staff scientist for MOFGA, plans and produces educational events for MOFGA and Cooperative Extension, and serves on various agricultural committees for the Maine Department of Agriculture and the University of Maine. From 1997 to 2002 Eric served a term on the National Organic Standards Board, an advisory board to the USDA National Organic Program. Eric has recently moved to New Hampshire, just over the border from Maine, and now MOFGA has a great opportunity to give support to farmers and gardeners a long way from Unity.

Space is limited. To RSVP or for more information, please email debra@seacoasteatlocal.org.