The 2020 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo has decided to go virtual.
Michigan Vegetable Council executive director Greg Bird said the 2020 Expo, scheduled for Dec. 8-10, will include 83 educational sessions on fruit, vegetable and specialty crops, greenhouse crop production and marketing, farm marketing ideas and operations, farmers markets and organic production and marketing.
“There will also be sessions covering a diversity of general interest topics, including food safety and labour,” Bird said. “Presentations will be also made by researchers and Extension educators from Michigan State University, other land-grant universities and industry.”
Many of the hour-long educational sessions will offer credits for Michigan and Ohio private and commercial pesticide applicators and certified crop advisors.
Several new topic areas were also added to this year’s session roster — most notably, a stand-alone workshop on industrial hemp covering licensing, regulations, irrigation, and a panel discussion. An organic and a beginning farmer evening series are also offered.
Bird has said the 2020 Virtual Expo Trade Show will still offer its participants access to one of the largest trade shows in North America, with the ability to have a live online discussion with each vendor.
“Even though the 2020 trade show will be virtual, exhibitors will be showing a variety of products and services for growers, greenhouse and farm marketers,” Bird added. “Committed exhibitors include farm equipment companies, seed companies, nurseries, fertilizer and farm chemical manufacturers and suppliers, packaging equipment and container companies, and greenhouse-specific suppliers.”
The virtual trade show will also include an area for exhibitors offering products specifically for farm markets, as well as state and federal agencies updating attendees on current programs and regulations.
Expo registration is now open and requires a US$40 per attendee fee, which can be paid online.
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