Nov. 2, 2010 – Organizers of a university-led tour this past April through
California’s Spring Trials are currently deciding whether or not to plan
another trip in 2011 and need your input.
Nov. 2, 2010 – This past April, a university-led bus trip through California’s Spring Trials was organized for the first time and was a huge success for 36 participants. Included were growers, horticultural professionals, students and faculty from throughout the U.S and Canada. The organizers for this event are deciding whether or not to plan another trip in 2011 and need your input.
The California Spring Trials, previously called the “California Pack Trials,” are a one-of-a-kind venture for growers and other horticultural professionals. With more than 20 different locations scattered throughout California, guests can visit each of the major horticultural companies that supply plant materials and supplies and get a first-hand look at the products that are available to the floriculture industry.
This past spring, for the first time, a tour of several of the main stops along the Pack Trial route was organized by floriculturists Dr. Mark Bridgen and Dr. Neil Mattson of Cornell University and Dr. Roberto Lopez of Purdue University. The trip was an intense, educational, and very entertaining way to visit several of the key Spring Trial locations. The itinerary was jam-packed with the days beginning early and continuing at a fast pace late into the evening. 
The cost, at just $510 (US) per person, included hotels, bus travel, lunches and some breakfasts. Attendees arrived on a Friday and stayed at a designated hotel near the San Jose Airport. Then the journey began on Saturday and continued until the end of Monday near Los Angeles.
During the 2010 trip, the group followed a northern and central route and visited Syngenta Flowers/Goldsmith Seeds, Speedling (along with exhibitors Thompson & Morgan, GreenNex USA, Hem Genetics, MasterTag, Plant Source International, and Schoneveld Twello), Sakata Seed, Dummen USA, Greenheart Farms, Jiffy along with their exhibitors Northern Innovators, Skagit Gardens, and Florist de Kwakel, PlantHaven, Ball Horticultural Co. (along with PanAmerican, Ball FloraPlant, Kieft Seeds, and Selecta), Green Fuse Botanicals, GroLink and Suntory.
Participants in the 2011 Spring Trials Excursion will travel from southern to northern California visiting numerous locations during the three days with experienced guides in a comfortable medium-sized luxury bus and spend the nights in first-class hotel accommodations along the route. During the evenings, participants can dine alone in high-quality restaurants or spend their time with other horticulturists and professionals from around the country. Participants need to arrange their own transportation to and from California, but a travel agency is available to assist with these reservations.
Are you interested in a group trip to the 2011 California Spring Trials from March 26-28, 2011?
All greenhouse growers, floriculture professionals, and academics are invited to attend. It is an opportunity to meet fellow growers, breeders, extension personnel, and other plant company representatives to share ideas, update your understanding of what’s happening in our industry, and travel with trained professionals.
For further information, contact Dr. Mark Bridgen at mpb27@cornell.edu or 631-727-3595. We want to hear from you!
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