SE regional fruit and vegetable conference announces record numbers for 2012

The SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference held on January 5 -8, 2012 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center in Savannah, Ga., reports a record number of attendees this year, with an increase of more than 15% over 2011 attendance. According to Charles Hall, Executive Director of Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, almost 2,700 growers, exhibitors, educators and legislators attended the 2012 show, making this the 12th consecutive year for conference attendance growth. The conference had 583 attendees in 1999 when it first opened.

"The 2012 SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference was a tremendous success. Our numbers increased dramatically this year and we welcomed an additional 350 attendees over last year’s numbers. The quality of our educational sessions, combined with an excellent assembly of vendors at the trade show, made this an event that could not be missed," said Dick Minor, GFVGA President. “We appreciate the continued support of everyone that joins together to make this event a success.”

The four-day event, sponsored by the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Georgia Peach Council, offered over 90 hours of commodity specific production training, pest management information and marketing updates. Commodities included peach, vegetable, Vidalia onion, watermelon, muscadine, blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, olive and pecan. Continuing education credits were available. Additionally, the Georgia Agritourism Association held their annual meeting in conjunction with the event. The 2012 SE Regional Trade Show was sold-out and featured over 200 vendors, providing attendees with the opportunity to compare products, talk with industry representatives, observe demonstrations, network with other growers and learn about the latest in fresh produce technology.

The 2013 SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is scheduled for January 10-13, 2013 in Savannah, Ga.

Contact:
Charles Hall
Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
Tel: (706) 845-9085
Email: [email protected]