Nov 4, 2021

Gulf Shores the spot as Alabama fruit, vegetable industry gathers

Over 100 specialty crop farmers and industry professionals will gather in Gulf Shores Nov. 18-19 for the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Annual Conference & Trade Show.

The event at the Lodge at Gulf State Park features 32 sessions covering four tracks – tree fruit, small fruits, vegetable production, and marketing and farm management. The workshops were carefully curated to help farmers improve their operations and bottom lines, Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Executive Director Blake Thaxton said in a news release.

“We’re excited to welcome our farmers to Gulf Shores,” Thaxton said. “Farming is tough – and it’s been an especially tough two years. Our goal is to encourage farmers and give them the skills to not just make it through the tough times, but to excel. Plus, it’s always good to see our people in person. The information they share with each other is incredibly valuable.”

Additional general sessions focus on wholesale readiness training, ag labor, updates from Alabama Extension and Auburn University, food safety and legislative issues. Attendees will network with a diverse slate of vendors, including seed representatives, Extension professionals, equipment manufacturers and ag lenders. The group will present awards during its annual business session.

Questions? Contact Thaxton at [email protected] or 334-301-4392.

The Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association is a partner organization of the Alabama Farmers Federation, the state’s largest farm organization representing 340,000 families.