The 2022 Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference will have something of interest for all commercial fruit and vegetable producers. The event runs from 8 a.m. CST Jan. 3 until 5 p.m. Jan. 4 at Bowling Green’s Sloan Convention Center. 

Preconference activities Jan. 2 will include a farmers market short course, crop insurance workshop, labor ready workshop and vegetable, tree fruit and small fruit roundtable discussions. 

“There will be more than 75 presenters at the conference this year, speaking on a range of topics including general information and specialized guidance,” said Rachel Rudolph, extension vegetable specialist in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “Whether you’re a seasoned grower, or you’re just getting started, you will find resources for your operation.” 

Participants may choose from several concurrent session topics each day. Concurrent topics for Jan. 3 include direct marketing, tree fruit production, vegetable production for experienced growers, controlled environment production and the farm to school program. Participants will have two blocks of concurrent sessions Jan. 4 including organic production, tree fruit production for experienced growers, beginning vegetable production, beginning strawberry production, agriculture water, business management, grape and wine production in the morning session. In the afternoon, topics include protected agricultural production (high tunnels), MarketReady training, small fruit production, adding value to products, specialty crop block grant project reports, produce safety and grape and wine production. Those planning to complete the Grape and Wine Short Course need to attend both grape and wine production sessions.  

Participants may enjoy Kentucky Proud products at the exhibitor/grower and conference luncheons and visit with trade show exhibitors. 

The conference is a joint meeting of the Kentucky State Horticulture Society, the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association, the Organic Association of Kentucky and the Kentucky Wineries Association. 

Participants will have an opportunity to use a Trading Post bulletin board to sell used equipment. 

Conference preregistration is $50 per person and includes a one-year membership in the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association, Kentucky State Horticulture Society or the Organic Association of Kentucky and entry to the Grape and Wine Short Course. On-site registration is $75. To register online and view the conference program, visit https://kyhortcouncil.org/2022-ky-fruit-vegetable-conference/.  

Joint sponsors UK Cooperative Extension Service, Kentucky State University and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture are committed to offering a safe conference. Participants must wear masks in all indoor meeting spaces, seating will be spaced out for meetings and meals, sanitizer and disposable masks will be available. Please do not attend if you do not feel well.  

The Holiday Inn adjacent to the convention center will offer conference goers a special rate with block code VGA. The rate of $99.95 is good through Dec. 17. Call 1-800-HOLIDAY to reserve a room.