The Pacific Northwest will welcome pear industry researchers, experts, growers and marketers from around the world to the 2017 Interpera Congress in Wenatchee, Washington on June 15 -16, 2017. This is the 10th meeting of this world-wide pear conference and the first to be held in the United States.
“It is an honor and an excellent opportunity to host the collaboration of world thought leaders in one of the premier pear growing areas in the world.” says Kevin Moffitt, co-host of the conference and president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest. “The attendees will learn about the latest innovations in new pear varieties, mechanization and growing practices with tours of high density and traditional orchards set in the beautiful valleys of the region.”
The two-day conference will feature presentations from world experts on topics like emerging pear varieties, high density planting, root stock, harvest and packaging house mechanization, integrated pest management successes, export trade flows, and successful practices for building demand for pears in consumer markets.
The first day of the congress will be held in the state-of-the-art Wenatchee Confluence Center culminating in a reception and dinner at the nearby Chateau Faire Le Pont winery and restaurant.
Highlights of the program field day include tours of orchards with high-density pear planting and an opportunity to see a leading fresh cut apple slicing operation. Lunch will be served in an orchard alongside the Wenatchee River.
The event is organized by the AREFLH, the Assembly of the European Regions Producing Fruit, Vegetables and Ornamental Plants www.areflh.org, and the USA pear industry including Pear Bureau Northwest and the California Pear Advisory Board. The most recent Interpera conferences were held in South Africa, Italy and Portugal.
For more information and registration visit the Interpera website.