Community Calendar of Events

37th Horticulture Industries Show Conference

January 5-6, 2018 | 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

HIS 2018: Growing New Roots with Urban Agriculture Keynote Speaker: Cary Rivard Cary Rivard grew up working in his parents’ greenhouse business in Kansas City, MO, and received his BS in Agriculture Sciences and Biology from Truman State University. He received his MS and PhD in Plant Pathology from North Carolina State University and worked at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems while there. Cary is a Fruit and Vegetable Extension Specialist at Kansas State University in the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources, and is Director of the Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center located near Kansas City. His research program focuses on sustainable vegetable farming practices and current projects include: high tunnel production systems, vegetable grafting, annual strawberry production, no-till and minimum tillage systems, and reducing postharvest losses. He also coordinates the Growing Growers Kansas City farmer education program (www.growinggrowers.org) and is responsible for www.hightunnels.org. Growing New Roots With Urban Agriculture Friday, January 5th at 9:00 a.m. ​ What do you envision when you hear the term “Urban Agriculture”? Many of us think of space-age vertical farming systems, urban community gardens, or even a grey-haired hippy at the farmer’s market peddling dozens of varieties of beets. However, urban agriculture touches all of the horticulture industry in numerous ways. Consumers across the U.S. are looking to reconnect with the agrarian roots that provide resiliency in our society. Meanwhile, we are seeing symptoms of the disconnect that has arisen between our communities and our agricultural systems, particularly in urban areas. Similar trends can be seen in rural and peri-urban communities, and this issue will not go away as global urbanization continues. These challenges provide a wealth of opportunity for everyone working in horticulture. Opportunities to: capture new audiences and markets, add value to current enterprises, and even facilitate societal change all lay on our doorstep. This presentation will provide some real-life examples of projects in Kansas City and abroad that are working to grow new roots with urban agriculture. ​