The SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, sponsored by the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the South Carolina Peach Council, is scheduled for Jan. 10-13, 2013.

The event will be held in Savannah, Ga., at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.

Featuring informative workshops, classes and demonstrations, the 2013 show includes three days of programs designed to bring the most up-to-date and relevant information to the fruit and vegetable industry.

More than 2,500 growers and industry representatives attended in 2012.

The conference, currently in its 15th year, offers the most informative and up-to-date educational sessions available for fruit and vegetable production.

During the three-day program, more than 85 hours of commodity specific production training, pest management information and marketing updates are offered to attendees.

Commodities include peach, vegetable, Vidalia onion, watermelon, muscadine, blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, and pecan.

In addition to the commodity production sessions, special Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Food Safety, Organic Production and Roadside Markets sessions will be held.

A Business Operations educational track is also offered to help producers across all commodities run the day to day operations of their organizations and make sound business and marketing decisions.

Continuing education credits are available.

Other special events are planned for the conference including an awards program on Saturday morning where several individuals and groups will be recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the fruit and vegetable industry.

On Sunday, an Industry Roundtable is planned for both growers and suppliers to discuss issues of mutual concern. This forum provides input for the 2013 Program of Work to be adopted by the GFVGA Board of Directors in February 2013.

The 2013 Trade Show, held in conjunction with the educational sessions, offers an exciting and varied assembly of vendors and suppliers to the fruit and vegetable industry.

With more than 200 companies already committed to the conference, this trade show will provide attendees the opportunity to compare products, talk with industry representatives, observe demonstrations, network with other growers and learn about the latest in fresh produce technology.

Other events during the conference include a Friday night reception and live auction on the trade show floor, a Saturday night reception at the Westin Savannah Harbor and a silent auction held during the trade show.

For more information on hotels, educational sessions or to register for the 2013 SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, visit www.seregionalconference.com or call 877-994-3842.

The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association is a trade association representing farmers producing fruits and vegetables in the southeastern United States.

The organization provides a viable and united voice to represent the industry. Through support for educational programs, agricultural research, member services and marketing activities GFVGA encourages efficient, cost effective production for growers and increased consumption by consumers.

GFVGA is managed by Association Services Group, a professional management firm with offices in Atlanta and LaGrange, Ga., and is accredited by the Association Management Company Institute.

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