California’s complex water issues will get a comprehensive review at the Sixth Annual Sustainable Ag Expo, Nov. 15-16, in Monterey, Calif., at the Embassy Suites. Registration is now open, with early registration discounts at http://bit.ly/aA70ml.

The schedule outlining planned sessions is available at www.vineyardteam.org/events/schedule.php, where additional information on the speakers and trade show can also be found. Among planned sessions are updates on using the USDA 9-Step Process to Develop a Conservation Plan, presented by Margy Lindquist, from the US Department of Agriculture, and Changing Surface Water Pesticide Regulations with Patricia Matteson, California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Organized by the Central Coast Vineyard Team, the Expo combines a popular tradeshow with seminars featuring dynamic speakers on crop-specific and general topics facing vineyards and row-crops. Continuing education credits, including laws and regulations hours, are available for PCA, PA, CCA and Water Quality.

The trade show will be featured in a single location this year, and share the ballroom with the Expo’s general sessions. Decision makers representing more than 125,000 acres of vineyards and row-crops are expected to attend the event.

“Water issues are high on everyone’s list of concerns right now,” said Kris O’Connor, executive director of the CCVT. “Beyond water, changing pesticide regulations, innovative metrics for measuring sustainability and soil health and nutrition are just a few of the topics addressed this year.”

The conference evolved from a growing awareness, said O’Connor, that farmers of varied crops faced similar challenges as they explored sustainable practices. “As farmers have come together to explore these issues, a lot of common ground and common answers have been found,” she said.

Sponsors and trade show exhibitors include Western Farm Press, Dow Agro Sciences, Deerpoint Group, Inc., Vintage Nurseries, Monterey Ag Resources and Oro Agri. Additional sponsors include EcoLogistics and California Fresh Fruit.

Special room rates are offered with early registration for the Embassy Suites in Seaside. Book online at http://bit.ly/aE1GJN or call 831-393-1115. The Sustainable Ag Expo room block will remain reserved until mid-October, with rates beginning at $124 per night.

More than 300 attendees are expected in Monterey for the Sustainable Ag Expo.