By Blake Jackson
The premier event for Kentucky's produce growers, the 2024 Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference, is now open for registration. This educational experience will take place at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, with pre-conference events on January 2nd and the main conference on January 3rd and 4th.
The conference is organized by a collaboration of organizations including the Kentucky State Horticultural Society, Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association, Organic Association of Kentucky, and Kentucky Horticulture Council, alongside University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, and Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Over 90 speakers and 60 exhibitors will be present, offering a wealth of knowledge and resources for growers of all levels. The conference will cover various topics, including:
- Vegetable production: Beginner and advanced tracks
- High tunnels
- Organic production
- Fruit production: Beginner and advanced tracks
- Business management
- Cut flower production
- Funding opportunities for specialty crop growers
Additional events include:
- Farmers' Market Short Course by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture
- Farm Food Safety Plan Writing Workshop by Cultivate KY
- Fruit grower and vegetable grower meet-up sessions
Speakers include Kentucky specialty crop growers, Kentucky Extension specialists, and out-of-state experts like Cody Adkins from USDA Risk Management Agency, Megan Bruch Leffew from the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture, Dr. Wenjing Guan from Purdue University, and Dr. Dave Lockwood from the University of Tennessee.
Pre-registration is available online through Eventbrite (https://kyhortcouncil.org/2024-ky-fruit-vegetable-conference/) or by mailing in the meeting registration form by Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. The conference pre-registration fee is $50. After this date, participants can continue to register online or on-site at a cost of $75.
A limited number of sponsorships are still available. For sponsorship or registration questions call: 859-490-0889 or email: info@kyhortcouncil.org.
Photo Credit: pexels-aiselin
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables