FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 25, 2016

Contact: William Gee, Marketing & Communications Dept., 804-524-5005, wgee@vsu.edu

Ginger/Turmeric Field Day at VSU

Learn about the production, marketing, harvesting, cleaning and packaging of ginger and turmeric on Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., during a field day at Virginia State University’s Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA.

Ginger is a flowering, herbaceous, perennial plant; turmeric is a plant in the ginger family. Both are flavorful spices commonly used in cooking. “Both are also niche crops small farmers can produce for health-conscious consumers,” said Dr. Reza Rafie, horticulture extension specialist at Virginia State University.  “Each has medicinal properties that can be traced back over thousands of years.”

The field day will feature a culinary demonstration androundtable grower discussion. Registration fee is $10 per person. To register for this event, visit http://www.ext.vsu.edu/calendar, click on the event and then click on the registration link. If you’d like to register by phone, or if you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Agriculture & Natural Resources Program office at (804) 524-5960 / (800) 828-1120 (TDD) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss arrangements five days before the event.

Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M.Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.

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