Register Now for 2026 Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference

By Blake Jackson

Registration is now open for the 2026 Kentucky Fruit & Vegetable Conference, a leading event bringing together Kentucky’s specialty crop and produce growers to learn, network, and grow their businesses.

The conference will take place on January 12-13 at the Holiday Inn Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, with pre-conference sessions scheduled for Sunday, January 11.

The annual conference is organized by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, in partnership with the Kentucky State Horticultural Society (KSHS), Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association (KVGA), Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK), Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC), Kentucky State University College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (KSU), and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA).

Attendees will have access to over 80 expert speakers addressing a broad spectrum of production and marketing topics. More than 70 exhibitors will participate in the trade show, showcasing new tools, technologies, and services for growers.

“Each year, this conference provides valuable production and marketing information to Kentucky’s specialty crop growers,” said Cindy Finneseth, assistant professor and Extension specialist for community horticulture in the UK Department of Horticulture.

“With so many educational tracks, there should be multiple sessions that appeal to current and prospective growers interested in improving their production practices and increasing profitability.”

Sessions will cover vegetable production (beginner and advanced), fruit production, high tunnels, organic growing, and business management. A cut flower short course will return, and a new roundtable will focus on issues faced by urban and small-scale farmers.

Additional highlights include the “Farmers Market Short Course,” “Farm Food Safety Plan Writing Workshop,” “Bringing the Farm to School Grower Training,” a student research poster session, and a new pre-conference workshop titled “From Diagnosis to Action,” focusing on plant disease management.

“The 'From Diagnosis to Action' workshop will focus on decision-making and utilization of resources to manage diseases,” said Nicole Gauthier, UK professor and plant pathology specialist.

Rachel Rudolph, associate Extension professor and vegetable specialist, added, “Not only does the conference have a lot of educational sessions and opportunities to learn new things, it’s also a great opportunity to catch up with everyone.”

Full details and registration information are available at https://kyhortcouncil.org/2026-kentucky-fruit-vegetable-conference/. Pre-registration costs $80 until December 19, 2025; after that, registration is $100.

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