Global Horticulture Conference to take place at Oklahoma State University

Slated Nov. 17 at the Wes Watkins Center, the workshop is designed to allow participants to gain a better understanding and appreciation of horticulture and related disciplines through the world, said Mike Schnelle, OSU Cooperative Extension floriculture specialist.

“Horticulture from other countries around the world is so fascinating, and this conference is one way people can have an opportunity to learn more about it,” Schnelle said. “We’ve got many university and industry specialists who will be on hand to share their knowledge, expertise and research-based information on global horticulture.”

Registration, including lunch, is $80 and must be postmarked by Nov. 8. The Botanic Garden at OSU members, county Extension educators, Master Gardeners and students may register for $60. No walk-in or late registrations will be accepted. Online registration is available here. Select Horticulture Landscape, then click Conference Registration. Next, click 2016 Global Horticulture.

Schnelle said the conference will feature horticultural information from China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Mali, Kenya, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and more.

“We’ve got a lot of topics on the agenda, including what preparations are being done now in order to be able to feed a population of 9.1 billion by the year 2050. We’ll also talk about sustainable and regenerative agriculture, aesthetics and culture of Chinese landscapes, water, the role of women in horticulture, the Watoto Tribe and the global implications of OSU’s Greenseeder Hand Planter,” he said.

Kate Schecter, president and CEO of World Neighbors in Oklahoma City, will serve as the keynote speaker. World Neighbors is an international development organization striving to eliminate hunger, poverty and disease in the poorest, most isolated rural villages in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

In addition to horticulture, Barbara Brown, OSU Cooperative Extension food specialist, will be on hand to talk about Nicaraguan cuisine. Specialists also will provide information about various fruits and vegetables from around the world.

“This conference is chocked full of information and participants will go home with a wealth of knowledge regarding global horticulture,” Schnelle said.

For more information, contact Schnelle at 405-744-7361, or via email at mike.schnelle@okstate.edu.