The International Fruit Tree Association has set the dates of its 2024 California summer tour.

The group will tour July 16–18 through orchards in the state’s Central Valley fruit regions.

Tentative plans include a visit to the state’s largest apple packer during the beginning of Gala harvest, the chance to learn about new low-chill apple varieties and a tour of high-density cherry and stone fruit orchards that have hosted robot trials. Participants also might visit University of California, Davis, researchers and a tree fruit nursery, and perhaps see a few olives.

The tour will kick off with a welcome reception the evening of July 15.

More information will be available on the IFTA website at: ifruittree.org/event/ifta-california-summer-study-tour-july-16-18-2024.

—by Ross Courtney