LEWISTON — University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Association are hosting a Maine Vegetable and Fruit School, March 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the University of Southern Maine Lewiston Campus, 51 Westminster Street.

Topics include pest management for beans, lettuce and carrots; weather monitoring and pest management; potato disease identification; crop insurance; alternative berry crops; and food safety. Additionally, the event will feature a virtual visit to Tougas Farm in Northborough, Massachusetts, where owner Mo Tougas will share experiences and insights on diversifying growing practices. Presenters include experts from UMaine Extension as well as representatives from Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Pesticide applicator training credits and Certified Crop Advisor credits are available.

Cost is $45 and includes lunch. Register by March 22 on the program webpage. Walk-ins are welcome but lunch will not be guaranteed for those participants. In case of bad weather, check the University of Southern Maine weather hotline announcement at 207.780.4800.

For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Stephanie Wright, 207.933.2100; stephanie.wright@maine.edu.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension:

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.