Organic Strawberry Production Manual

Book excerpt: Strawberries are among the most important fruit crops in California—with organic production on the rise. Organic strawberry sales in California have grown from $2 million in 1997 to over $55 million in 2009. Grow your own delicious organic strawberries this year with the help of this detailed how-to guide. This useful manual, complete with detailed information on production, disease and pest management, postharvest handling, marketing, and the organic certification process, will help you feel ready and empowered to take on the challenges of organic growing. This manual is perfect for growers, pest control advisors, consultants, marketers, industry professionals, and others interested in the organic growing and certification process. Find useful tips on selecting plant varieties, managing crops, identifying and managing pests and diseases, making the switch from conventional to organic growing, pursuing organic certification, and much more. With more than 100 vibrant photos, 35 informative illustrations and tables, and input from more than 20 University of California researchers and industry experts, this guide is a must-have for all individuals interested or involved in the organic strawberry industry.