2026 CALIFORNIA NURSERY CONFERENCE

Growing Knowledge ~ Cultivating Connections ~ Shaping the Future of California Nurseries

October 27 - 29, 2026  ·  Modesto Junior College Ag Pavilion




Join the UC Nursery and Floriculture Alliance, CANERS Foundation, and IPPS Western Region of North America, for the 2026 California Nursery Conference, October 28–29, 2026, at the Modesto Junior College Ag Pavilion.

For more than 30 years, the California Nursery Conference has brought together nursery growers, academics, policymakers, landscape professionals, students, researchers, and allied industry partners to explore the latest developments shaping California horticulture.

The conference begins on Tuesday evening, October 27, with a Welcome Reception featuring networking opportunities, sponsor exhibits, and demonstrations showcasing the latest innovations and technologies serving the nursery industry. This relaxed and engaging event provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and make new industry connections.  Hosted by CANERS Foundation there will also be opportunities to make donations to support research and scholarships.

Wednesday, October 28, will feature a full day of educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, student research posters, and industry policy discussions covering topics such as pest and disease management, weed and water management, nitrogen and irrigation practices, climate and heat-spike resilience, greenhouse production technologies, California native plant propagation, autonomous inventory systems, and emerging regulatory issues. A bilingual Spanish/English breakout session will provide key disease, irrigation, and weed management content accessible to the broader nursery workforce. New this year will be a section for retail nurseries focused on integrated pest management, invasive pests, and understanding pesticides. The day will conclude with a special Evening Celebration Dinner at Generation Growers, Inc., honoring their remarkable 70th Anniversary and celebrating their contributions to California's nursery industry.

On Thursday, October 29, attendees will embark on a guided bus tour of local nurseries and greenhouse operations, offering a firsthand look at innovative growing practices, technologies, and successful operations in the Modesto area.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Wednesday and Thursday, with water, snacks, and a boxed lunch included during the tour. Whether you are looking to gain practical knowledge, stay informed on industry trends and policy developments, or connect with colleagues from across the state, the California Nursery Conference is a valuable opportunity to learn, network, and explore the future of California's nursery industry.

Agenda

Tuesday, October 27
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Featuring Presentations of New and Continuing Research Projects Funded by the CCNB Meeting is open to all and there is No Cost to Attend A box lunch will be included for all registered attendees
5:00 PM
5:00 PM
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Join the CANERS Foundation for an evening of networking, refreshments, and camaraderie before the conference begins. Meet fellow attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and industry partners while celebrating California's nursery community.
Wednesday, October 28
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
8:00 AM - 8:20 AM
8:00 AM - 8:20 AM
Kick off the conference with timely educational sessions exploring industry regulations, sustainable production, nursery management, and arboriculture. Then connect with researchers and experts during interactive posters and live demonstrations.
8:20 AM - 8:40 AM
8:20 AM - 8:40 AM
Explore how irrigation and nitrogen management plans have evolved, current regulatory requirements, and practical strategies to improve water and nutrient efficiency while preparing for future industry expectations.
8:40 AM - 9:00 AM
8:40 AM - 9:00 AM
Learn about California's evolving plastic regulations, implementation timelines, and what nursery businesses need to know to prepare for compliance while adapting to changing packaging requirements.
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM
Explore the growing demand for California native plants while learning about regulations, production challenges, available resources, and opportunities for nurseries and landscape professionals.
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM
Strong trees begin with strong nursery practices. Learn how production decisions influence long-term tree health, structure, and performance in urban and landscape environments.
9:40 AM - 9:50 AM
9:40 AM - 9:50 AM
Celebrate excellence in nursery research as CAN recognizes outstanding contributions advancing innovation, education, and the future of California's nursery industry.
9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
Network with colleagues while exploring student research posters and hands-on demonstrations featuring practical tools, research, and techniques for plant nutrition, irrigation, pest management, diagnostics, and greenhouse production.
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Learn how to identify local Phytophthora species, understand their biology, and implement integrated management strategies to reduce disease risk in nursery and greenhouse production.
Aprenda estrategias prácticas para identificar, prevenir y controlar los patógenos que afectan las plantas ornamentales en la producción de viveros de California.
10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
Aprenda a reconocer los riesgos de enfermedades causadas por el calor, implementar estrategias de prevención y cumplir con los requisitos de seguridad laboral de California.
11:10 AM - 11:30 PM
11:10 AM - 11:30 PM
Explore current approaches to preventing and managing plant pathogens through improved cultural practices, early detection, and integrated disease management strategies.
Conozca la biología, identificación y las estrategias de manejo integrado de las especies locales de Phytophthora para reducir la presión de enfermedades en la producción de viveros e invernaderos.
11:30 AM - 11:50 PM
11:30 AM - 11:50 PM
Protect your workforce by learning practical strategies for preventing heat illness, meeting California requirements, and creating safer indoor and outdoor working environments.
11:50 AM - 12:50 PM
11:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Lunch is included in the Both Day & Day 1 registration fees.
12:50 PM - 1:10 PM
12:50 PM - 1:10 PM
Learn to identify, prevent, and manage aloe and agave mite infestations using effective monitoring, cultural practices, and integrated pest management strategies.
12:50 PM - 1:30 PM
12:50 PM - 1:30 PM
Improve your diagnostic skills and learn practical techniques for identifying common ornamental plant problems while helping customers find effective solutions.
1:10 PM - 1:30 PM
1:10 PM - 1:30 PM
Review effective approaches for monitoring and controlling slugs and snails using integrated management practices that minimize crop damage.
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
Discover how fertility management influences plant health, pest pressure, and disease development, and learn practices that promote healthier, more resilient crops.
1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
Gain confidence interpreting pesticide labels, understanding product information, and making informed recommendations that support safe and effective pesticide use.
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM
1:50 PM - 2:10 PM
Learn three key management decisions that strengthen integrated pest management programs, improve pest control, and reduce unnecessary pesticide applications.
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM
2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
Discover how innovative agrivoltaic shade systems can improve crop production, optimize light management, and support sustainable nursery operations.
2:30 PM - 3:10 PM
2:30 PM - 3:10 PM
Learn about emerging invasive pests affecting California landscapes and how retail nurseries can identify risks, educate customers, and help prevent their spread.
Gain practical tips for identifying common lawn problems and confidently recommending integrated pest management and lawn care solutions to customers.
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM
Learn best practices for selecting pesticide products, improving tank mixes, and maximizing application performance while minimizing compatibility issues.
3:10 PM - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM
Learn how supplemental lighting can improve crop quality, increase production efficiency, and support consistent plant growth in California nursery systems.
3:50 PM - 4:00 PM
3:50 PM - 4:00 PM
4:00 PM - 4:10 PM
4:00 PM - 4:10 PM
Emma Volk, UCCE Production Horticulture Advisor
4:10 PM
4:10 PM
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Join us for an evening of networking and celebration at Generation Growers, Inc. as we honor their remarkable 70th anniversary.
Thursday, October 29
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join us for a full day exploring California's premier nursery operations and horticultural facilities. Enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, discover innovative production and sustainability practices, and connect with industry professionals.
4:30 PM
4:30 PM

Speakers

UCCE Environmental Horticulture Advisor, Controlled Environment Agriculture
Vice President & CEO AgSafe
Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension | Profesora de Patología Vegetal
Chair of the CANERS Foundation
UCCE Environmental Horticulture Advisor
Community Education Specialist, UC IPM
UCCE Urban Agriculture Technology Advisor
Principal Wood Architecture
Senior Education and Training Specialist, AgSafe
UCCE Plant Pathology Advisor | UCCE Asesora de Patología Vegetal
Extension Specialist for Nursery and Floriculture Crops, UC Riverside
UC IPM Writer/Editor
UCCE Area Integrated Pest Management Advisor
Environmental Horticulture Advisor
Executive Director, California Association of Nurseries
UCCE Environmental Horticulture Advisor
Community Education Specialist, UC IPM
UCCE Environmental Horticulture Advisor
Community Education Specialist, UC IPM
UCCE Production Horticulture Advisor

No records found.

Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Location

Location: Modesto Junior College Ag Pavilion, Eagle Street, Modesto, CA 95358