IDFTA European Tree Fruit Study Tour July 6-18, 2001

The IDFTA has organized a 13-day Tree Fruit Study Tour to Europe, July 6-18, 2001. We will visit three of the most important fruit districts in Europe: the Loire Valley in France, the Bodensee (Lake Constance) district in southern Germany and Switzerland and the South Tyrol district in northern Italy. Each has a unique climate, tree and pest management practices and market strategies. France, Germany and Italy and, in the US, Washington State each produce approximately 2 million metric tons of apples.

In all districts M.9 rootstock is common and is planted at a variety of densities from 800 to over 1500 trees/acre. Tree training systems include slender spindle, super spindle, tall spindle, vertical axis and angled spindle (Güttinger 'V'). There is a range of apple varieties and strains, including Golden Delicious, Fuji, Gala, Jonagold, Braeburn, Elstar, Pinova and Pink Lady. There is an expanding sweet cherry industry in Europe with a range of varieties, new dwarfing rootstocks and training systems.

In most districts there is a phase-out of conventional chemical-based pest management strategies. IFP (integrated fruit production) has been an interim approach. Today a gradual shift to organic production is occurring. Clearly, markets in Europe are demanding organically produced fruit.

The tour will be led by Dr. Bruce Barritt, Washington State University Pomologist and IDFTA Education Director. The tour coordinator responsible for travel arrangements is Bob Curtis. Bruce and Bob are experienced tour leaders, having jointly conducted nine previous tree fruit study tours in Europe, Japan and the South Pacific.

The itinerary is outlined below. The final itinerary may include some minor changes. The following tour prices are based on a minimum of 20 participants. The cost of the tour will depend on the gateway city: from Newark, NJ, the cost will be $2,950 per person, double occupancy; from Chicago, IL, the cost will be $3,000 per person, double occupancy; and from Seattle, WA, it will be $3,100 per person, double occupancy. A single supplement will be $250. Reaching the gateway city from your home city may involve an additional flight and expense. Small changes to the cost, although not expected, could occur due to itinerary changes or major currency fluctuations. The cost includes air travel to Europe and return to the US, all travel (by bus, train and ferry) in Europe, all hotel accommodation and all breakfasts. A $250 per person deposit is required to reserve a space on the tour. Final date for deposit is February 23, 2001, and final payment will be due April 1, 2001. Space is limited. Early registration is advised to ensure a space on the tour. Terms and conditions for participation are attached, as is a Tour Registration Form.

Inquiries regarding the horticultural aspects of the tour can be made to Dr. Bruce Barritt (509-663-8181, x233; fax 509-662-8714; e-mail etaplz@wsu.edu). For questions regarding travel arrangements, call Bob Curtis (509-884-2632; fax 509-884-4652; e-mail bobandverac@yahoo.com).

Itinerary
IDFTA European Tree Fruit Study Tour, July 6-18, 2001

July 6, Fri. Depart via Scandinavian Airways from US gateway city (Newark, Chicago or Seattle) for overnight flight to Europe.

July 7, Sat. Afternoon arrival in Paris, France; bus into the city. Overnight Paris.

July 8, Sun. Morning sightseeing in Paris (including Eiffel Tower). Afternoon travel by bus west to Angers (175 miles) with stops to visit Chartres Cathedral and the Chenonceaux Castle in the Loire Valley. Overnight Angers. B*

July 9, Mon. All day orchard visits in the Angers region. Overnight Angers. B

July 10, Tues. Orchard visits in Angers region. Midafternoon travel by bus to Paris (175 miles). Dinner at a local restaurant. Leave Paris by overnight sleeper train to Zurich, Switzerland. B, D

July 11, Wed. Morning arrival in Zurich. Travel east by bus to Güttingen (50 miles) on the Swiss side of the Bodensee (Lake Constance) to visit the tree fruit research station. Afternoon travel by ferry across the Bodensee to Friedrichshafen, Germany. Overnight Friedrichshafen.

July 12, Thurs. All day orchard visits in the Bodensee region. Overnight Friedrichshafen. B

July 13, Fri. Orchard visits in Bodensee region. Midafternoon travel south into the heart of the Swiss Alps (125 miles). Overnight Pontresina (near St. Moritz). B

July 14, Sat. Free day to explore the mountains, valleys and picturesque villages in the Engadin region of the Swiss Alps. Overnight Pontresina. B

July 15, Sun. Travel through the Alps to the South Tyrol region of Italy. Afternoon free. Overnight Merano (Meran). B

July 16, Mon. All day orchard visits in the South Tyrol district. Overnight Merano. B

July 17, Tues. Orchard visits in South Tyrol. Midafternoon travel north over the Brenner Pass to Innsbruck, Austria (75 miles). Overnight Innsbruck. B

July 18, Wed. Morning departure to Munich airport (100 miles) for flight to the US, arriving the same day. B

Tour Registration Form

Clip and mail to: IDFTA TOUR, Attn: Bob Curtis, 1380 Eastmont #203, East Wenatchee, WA. 98802
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(Please give name/s exactly as they appear on your passport.)

NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________________

NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP/COUNTRY: _______________________________________________________________

WORK PHONE: _____________________________ HOME PHONE: _______________________________

FAX: _______________________________________ E-MAIL: _____________________________________

Please reserve ______ spaces on the IDFTA Europe 2001 tour.
Enclosed find $___________ (US) as deposit for _____ people ($250.00/each, due Feb. 23, 2001).
I will room with:____________________________________________ Please assign me a roommate: _______
Age bracket: Under 30: _______ 30-50: _______ Over 50: _______
Smoker: _______ Non-smoker: _______ I prefer a single room and will pay a single supplement: __________
My United Airlines mileage plus number is: Name 1: _____________________________________________
Name 2: _____________________________________________

(PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: “IDFTA TOUR 2001.” CREDIT CARDS NOT ACCEPTED.)

International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association