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An International Workshop on Precision Agriculture Technologies
February 23-24, 2012
Precision agriculture technologies allow corrective agricultural practices to maximize profitability, increase crop productivity, minimize environmental impacts, and ultimately lead to a more sustainable agriculture industry. The precision agriculture research program (PARP) integrates agrochemical, technological and ecological approaches to develop an innovative approach to site-specific crop management for high value crops. To date the wild blueberry industry has been heavily involved in this research. This program has been successful in attracting and retaining HQP at NSAC. All HQP work on the scientific principles and applications of variable rate technologies (VRT), and have the opportunity to interact with industry and government at various levels. The resources and capabilities of this research program have created a unique program that does not exist elsewhere in eastern Canada. Dr. Zaman and his research group wish to develop further research collaborations with industry, academia and government personnel to improve the financial resources available for infrastructure and technical support required to test PA technologies. The workshop and ongoing collaboration with industry, academic and government personnel following the workshop will play a pivotal role in the development of this sector opportunity in North America.
The Event
The PA Research Program at the NSAC, led by Dr. Qamar Zaman will host a two day workshop on the NSAC campus. Workshop participants will include individuals from high value crop producers, academia, industry, government and non-governmental organizations that work on or interested in the sustainable development and adoption of PA technologies. It is estimated that there will be 75 participants at the event. This will be an inaugural event for the NSAC PAPR and its related sector participants.
Goals
The overall goal is to advance the sustainable development and adoption of PA technologies. The focus will be on how to integrate these technologies into current production systems so proper management decisions can be made to improve crop productivity and reduce agrochemical use. This workshop will facilitate the opportunity to create needed research collaborations for the PARP at NSAC. Collaborations with industry, academia and government personnel will play a pivotal role in the development of this sector in North America. PA has the potential to make a significant difference to the viability of the agricultural sector, provide new economic opportunities, and provide food security.
Objectives
To learn about the collective experience of PA technologies, in particular what has been successful in comparable jurisdictions of North America.
To provide a networking/learning opportunity for workshop participants.
To address the economic and environmental issues associated with the development/adoption of PA technologies.
To provide regulatory officials with the most current information on best practices for this emerging sector.
Basic
Agenda for the workshop: Click here
View the poster.
Workshop Registration: Click here
OR
Contact:
Qamar Zaman, PhD
Associate Professor and Precision Agriculture Research Chair
Department of Engineering, NSAC
Tel: 902.893.5426
Email: qzaman@nsac.ca
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