Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference

Auburn, Nov. 18, 2003 --- Growers looking for the latest information on alternatives to methyl bromide, pesticide safety, new peach varieties, or research in vegetable production should attend the Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference Dec. 3 through 5 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Mobile.

Dr. Joe Kemble, a horticulturist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and educational advisor to the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, said anyone growing fruits or vegetables in the state should attend.

“This conference will provide so much information,” said Kemble. “There will be something for all growers.

The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference joined with Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas to create the Deep South conference. Registration fees are $55 per person.

This conference will feature the Taste of the South exhibit, allowing participants to taste everything from fruits and vegetables to value-added products such as wine and desserts.

Kemble said that by combining their resources, the state associations are able to provide a more diverse conference with a larger number of sessions and speakers.

“It’s hard for a farmer to stay up-to-date on all the changes happening in agriculture,” said Kemble. “Right now, there are changes happening in labeling and agrichemicals being phased out, just to name a few. At the conference, they can hear about those issues as well as pesticide updates, equipment advances and current research being done.”

Though fruits and vegetables are not Alabama’s most lucrative crops, they are well represented in Alabama agriculture. Some of the more important crops grown in Alabama include sweet potatoes, sweet corn, collards, Southern peas, watermelons, tomatoes, peaches and apples, Kemble said. Herbs and specialty crops are also grown.

“Watermelons, tomatoes and cantaloupes are becoming very important crops in

Alabama,” Kemble said. “We have a lot more people actually shipping them outside the state now. Pumpkins are also becoming an important crop.”

In 2001, fruit and vegetable production generated more than $64.5 million.

“It’s an important industry, and growers really need to stay on top of things to stay competitive,” he said. “As a grower, you can’t just do your own thing and ignore whatever is around you. If someone wants to remain competitive, especially outside the state of Alabama, they need all the information they can get.”

For more information, visit the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Web site at http://www2.netdoor.com/~mfvga/. Full conference details and registration materials are available on the site. For more information about the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association,contact Kemble at (334) 844-3050 or at jkemble@aces.edu.

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