BioSolutions Conference and Expo Expands To Help Meet Needs of Growing Interests
The crowd takes notes during the opening educational session at BioSolutions 2023 Conference and Expo.
Photo courtesy of Meister Media Worldwide
Nearly 300 ag industry members descended on Reno, NV, in late February for this year’s BioSolutionsSM Conference & Expo, getting the latest information on the explosive biologicals sector. The unique event has come a long way from the initial edition eight years ago in Fresno, CA, when it was known as the BioControlsSM USA Conference & Expo.
For example, due to popular demand, a fourth break-out session, based on type of crop, was added. In addition to the three from past years — fruit, vegetable, and greenhouse — a cannabis track was included. Some growers — who made up about one-third of attendees — snickered about such a session, but the program itself was very serious. Topics included: battling botrytis biologically, research updates from Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, also known as, “The Buglady,” and how knowing your plant’s rooting environment can help you produce a better crop.
The plain-spoken Wainwright-Evans sought to dispel any notions among growers that cannabis is easy money despite the industry’s huge profit margins. It’s still farming, and the competition is intense.
“Cannabis is growing up and growing up quickly,” she told the audience. “If you’re not being economical, you’re going out of business.”
Prior to the main conference, many of the attendees enjoyed a bus tour to learn more about sustainable farming practices at local operations. After a trip to the University of Nevada Agricultural Station, the tour headed down to grain country for a look at how whiskey is produced, from farm to bottle. And, yes, there was tasting involved.
For more on what was seen and heard at the 2023 BioSolutions Conference & Expo, continue reading at GrowingProduce.com.
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