FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 13, 2024) –  Registration is now open for the 2025 Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference, the premier event for statewide fruit, vegetable, and cut flower growers to interact and learn, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell has announced.

The conference, which is set for Jan. 6-7, with pre-conference events on Jan. 5, will be at the Marion Griffin Gate Golf Resort and Spa in Lexington.

“The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is, once again, proud to announce this educational experience,” Commissioner Shell said. “The conference highlights the vital role Kentucky’s specialty crop industry plays in supporting local economies. Having experts in Kentucky’s produce community come together to share their knowledge with the rest of the state is an excellent way to start the new year.”

The conference is a cornerstone for Kentucky’s specialty crop industry, offering cutting-edge education, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities.

“The Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference is an essential gathering for growers and industry partners alike,” said Trevor Terry, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horticulture Council. “We are thrilled to offer diverse sessions, from high tunnel production and cut flower cultivation to innovative marketing strategies and food safety workshops, ensuring there is something for everyone in Kentucky’s specialty crop community.”

Organized by the Kentucky Horticulture Council, Kentucky State Horticultural Society, Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association, and Organic Association of Kentucky, in collaboration with the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University, the conference reflects the collective commitment to strengthening the state’s horticulture industry.

“The Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference embodies our land grant mission of expanding and enhancing our service to growers across the state by providing research-based strategies to solve production challenges,” said Dr. Mark Williams, Chair Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. "Our educational programs are designed to equip growers with the skills and knowledge they need for production and entrepreneurial success in the modern farming ecosystem."

Pre-conference events on Jan. 5 include interactive roundtable discussions with university specialists, allowing growers the opportunity to review the past year, address challenges, and find solutions. Workshops on farm food safety plan writing, direct marketing, and farm-to-school training will also be available.

The main conference is Jan. 6-7, with more than 15 educational tracks and more than 90 expert speakers. Topics include everything from pest and disease management to urban farming and specialty cut flower production. Meanwhile, the bustling trade show, featuring more than 65 vendors, offers a one-stop shop for growers looking for the latest tools, products, and services to support their operations.

First-time attendees who are beginning farmers may apply for scholarships covering their registration fees. These scholarships prioritize commercial growers with less than 10 years of experience. Additional funding support is available through Kentucky State University’s Small-Scale Farm Grant Farmer Education Program.

Pre-registration is now open at an early bird cost of $80, which includes membership in one of the participating associations: the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association, Kentucky State Horticultural Society, or Organic Association of Kentucky. The early bird price ends on Friday, Dec. 20. Those interested in attending are encouraged to take advantage of this discounted price.

Attendees are encouraged to book accommodations early to secure the special group rate of $119 per night, available through Dec. 20, 2024. Rooms can be reserved by calling (859)231-5100 or booking through the hotel’s website.

For more details, registration, and sponsorship opportunities, visit kyhortcouncil.org.