Georgia Pecan Growers discussing latest industry events at its annual educational conference and trade show in Perry, Georgia at the Perry National Fair Grounds this week. The conference kicked off Tuesday with outdoor activities for attendees, this year included golf and sporting clays with tournaments in each. 

 

Wednesday the conference moved indoors for a full day of educational seminars from the industries leading researchers and scientist covering a wide array of topics from Disease management, nutrient disorders, to research in genetics and other topics concerning the growing and production of Georgia pecans. 

 

The events continue into Thursday with a full schedule for new and beginner growers courses led by Dr. Lenny Wells. Thursday will also hold courses for growers interested in International pecan sales with talks from UGA Small Business Development Center, EXIM Bank and others. 

 

Growers from all over the country attend these events as this is one of the largest gatherings of pecan growers in the world. This event is always a good mix of some of the world’s largest growers to brand new beginning farmers, garnering an highly collaborative environment that fosters healthy industry growth. 

 

Making improvements over the past few years, Executive Director Samantha McCleod has turned the conference into one of the top pecan events globally attracting people from all across the US and even from other countries, and not just growers. While grower attendance is the bulk of the crowd; buyers, shellers, and industry service providers also descend upon the conference to learn about the latest events, newest research, and everything in between happening in the pecan industry. 

 

Updates from Mr.Paul Quirós of the new American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB) offered insights into the new check off program for pecans. The organization is expected to increase marketing dollars for pecans by allowing for the assessment of imports as well as domestic pecans. The new APPB will be focusing on the domestic market while the APC will focus its efforts on the export markets for marketing pecans. 

 

The events will culminate Thursday afternoon with beginning grower courses and service providers at the trade show. Full event details can be on the GPGA website at the link below.