GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Events for greenhouse growers as well as farm market enthusiasts are planned in conjunction with the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids.

For the fourth year, the 18th annual Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo will be concurrent with the state’s premier show for fruit and vegetable growers.  Greenhouse education sessions will cover a variety of topics.

Dec. 4 sessions include social media, enhancing the shopping experience, diagnostic skills, controlling downy mildew in impatiens and basil, Michigan State University floriculture research, controlling greenhouse plant diseases and managing the root zone.

On Dec. 5, participants can learn about the weekly email update Acres Online, LEAN greenhouse production, plant growth retardants on spring crops, greenhouse biocontrol, seedling plug production, insect management and lighting crops to accelerate flowering.

A “Farm Business Transitions Workshop” Dec. 6 is a forum where business and farm owners can meet with experts in the field of succession and estate planning specific to farms and small businesses. Discussions will include estate tax law, business structures to facilitate transfer, family communications, management functions and transfer, uses of balance sheets and who may help with a transfer plan.

One registration fee provides admission to the Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo and the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo, except for the MSU “Farm Business Transitions Workshop” on Dec. 6, which requires a separate registration fee.

A farm market bus tour Dec. 3 will offer opportunities to visit a variety of West Michigan’s top farm market and agritourism locations – all different than destinations in past years. Participants will be able to network with other farm marketers, learn new marketing tips and see how different operations set up to maximize holiday season sales.

While traveling on the buses between stops, there will be interactive discussions to share information and ideas with others. The cost of the tour is $155 per person, which includes transportation to the farm market stops, lunch and snacks. Visit
 www.bustour.greatamericanmedia services.com for more information about the tour, including descriptions of each of the host farm markets.

The expo is cosponsored by the Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Michigan Vegetable Council in cooperation with MSU extension. Registration is required and may be done at www.gl expo.com or by calling 734-677-0503.