Introduction of Conference Sponsors: EMCO CAL - bring strawberry experience from 45 world countries to Ukraine
Sponsor of specialized forum "Key aspects of modern technologies of strawberries production. Modern orchards growing technologies" Ekland Marketing Company of California, Inc. (EMCO CAL) specializes in the introduction of new strawberry varieties and the transfer of production and marketing technologies appropriate for high value horticultural crops. From its base in Chico, California (USA), the company has introduced new strawberry varieties and appropriate agricultural technologies to producers in over forty-five countries of Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Starting from 2006 EMCO CAL started its operations in Ukraine and is planning to gradually expend its activities in this country over the next five years. In Ukraine, EMCO CAL works closely with Yalex (also participants of the Conference), a strawberry production and marketing company based in Adana, Turkey. Yalex has established an intensive horticultural and farming operation near Cherkassy. Together, the two companies provide access to proven technologies and the latest strawberry varieties that can revolutionize strawberry and small fruit production in the Ukraine.
New strawberry varieties demand a systems approach to production and marketing. Growers must change their traditional cultural practices as well as the harvest and post-harvest management of the fruit if they are to reap the benefit of the tremendous genetic potential of the new cultivars. The introduction of a new variety presents the grower with both an opportunity and a challenge. Understanding the requirements of the new variety and conforming the cultural practices to meet those requirements unlocks its profit potential for the strawberry producer.
EMCO CAL provides on-site technical assistance to clients and farmer organizations in both developed and developing agricultural regions. The company has proven expertise in the practical adaptation of applicable and sustainable agricultural technologies to widely different production environments. Commercial strawberry cultivars require intensive management and the application of sound farming practices in order to achieve high yields of quality fruit. The company draws on the years of experience of individuals who have extensive business, marketing and production experience in strawberry production and in international marketing.
EMCO CAL manages the international strawberry variety development programs for:
1) The Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Plant City, Florida, (University of Florida)
2) California Giant, Inc., a proprietary program based in Watsonville, California.
3) The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland, Australia.
In 2007 the company will bring two new, private proprietary variety programs into the international market.
EMCO CAL invites all interested strawberry growers from Ukraine and other countries in the region to participate) in the Third International Conference "Fruits and Vegetables of Ukraine 2006 - Open Market" and discuss opportunities for further cooperation with the Company.