Specialty Crop growers won’t want to miss this year’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo! The event, which originally focused solely on citrus, expanded its educational sessions five years ago to include specialty crops. Each year, AgNet Media has continued to grow that side of the event. With the new venue this year, the Expo aims to bring specialty crop growers the best show yet with more specialty crop exhibitors, more relevant educational seminars and a larger meeting space.
“The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is a great event for growers to attend because it packs a ton of education into two days. It also is an ideal venue for growers to network with each other and see what the industry has to offer on the expansive trade show floor. Mix in good food, giveaways and a fun time, and the Expo is a must-attend event for specialty crop growers,” says AgNet Media Editor-in-Chief Frank Giles.
The two-day event will include a trade show with over 140 exhibitors and expanded equipment displays. Not only is the trade show a terrific place to see the latest tools and technologies available, it also offers fellowship opportunities like the Wednesday afternoon networking reception and lots of prize giveaways!
The seminar planning committee is working hard to provide the best educational sessions for growers. Several topics have already been announced for the vegetable sessions, with a full schedule slated to be released in early July.
“This year’s vegetable sessions will focus on key pest management issues, including insect pests like the new threat posed by Thrips parvispinus. Speakers will also address disease, weed and nematode management. In addition, the program will address recent updates to fertilizer recommendations for key vegetable crops. Growers will get an update on the Florida Best Management Practices Program,” says Giles.
The Expo is moving to Tampa! Growers from all over Florida will convene in this central location. “The program will feature educational programming relevant to Central Florida growers, but growers from all regions of the state and South Georgia will benefit from attending,” says Giles. “The new venue gives us the opportunity to have a much larger seminar hall for the specialty crop program.”
Specialty crop growers who preregister will be entered for a chance to win a John Deere gun safe, courtesy of Everglades Equipment Group. Attendance is free with complimentary breakfast and lunch both days for commercial growers.
Agricultural businesses looking to get in front of the industry’s top growers won’t want to miss the chance to exhibit at Florida agriculture’s premier trade show! Exhibit space is nearly sold out. If you would like to exhibit at the event, please fill out a registration form.
A complete seminar program will be available in early July. To learn more, including host hotel information, visit CitrusExpo.net.