Texas Fruit Conference set Oct. 11-12 in New Braunfels

The Texas Fruit Conference will be held Oct. 11-12 at the City of New Braunfels Civic Convention Center at 375 S. Castell Ave. This is the event’s 10th year.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service conference runs from noon-5 p.m. on Oct. 11 and 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 12. On Oct. 11, the day will start with an optional Intro to Fruit Growing Workshop from 8:30 a.m.-noon. Lunch is included on both days. All registrants are welcome to participate in the Taste of Texas networking/social reception highlighting fresh Texas fruits on Oct. 11 from 5-7 p.m.

The cost is $125 for all the events or $90 for the conference portions only. To attend only the Intro to Fruit Growing, the cost is $55. Advance registration is required for all portions of the event at https://tx.ag/TXFruitConfReg.

“Our goal is to meet the diverse need for information among our new and established fruit producers by delivering a wide range of relevant and educational topics,” said Monte Nesbitt, AgriLife Extension program specialist in horticulture, Bryan-College Station. “We’ll cover proven and traditional fruit crops in Texas as well as new crops, varieties and growing techniques that may open doors for new markets or greater economic sustainability for our participants.”

There are five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units for those with a pesticide license: one for laws and regulations, one for integrated pest management and three for general topics. To receive all credits, participants must attend both the workshop and conference.

Introduction to Fruit Growing Workshop

The Intro to Fruit Growing Workshop will teach prospective growers how to start a fruit production business from the ground up. Six 30-minute sessions will cover the subjects of site selection, crop options and selecting the right crop, pesticide use, first-year plant establishment, economic and time considerations and common pitfalls, followed by a question-and-answer period.

Fruit Conference topics

On Oct. 11, the Fruit Conference sessions will cover marketing and regulations, and alternative fruit crops. Topics include:

• Worker Protection Safety Standards and Pesticide Use Regulations.
• Selling and Marketing Texas Fruit in Farmers Markets.
• Climate Constraints on Fruit in Texas and Impact of Winter Storm Uri.
• The New Fruit Frontier: Alternatives and Possibilities for Texas Growers.
• Cottage Food Laws and Observing Food Safety Laws in Texas.
• Dormancy and Cold Hardiness in Fruit Plants.
• Minor Fruits with Potential for Major Impact in Texas.
• Pesticide Compliance Advice.
• Nitrogen Management Options.

On Oct. 12, the conference will cover AgriLife Extension and fruit research in Texas, an overview of fruit growing approaches and fruit crop management. It will conclude with a question-and-answer period. Day-two conference sessions include:

• Where We’ve Been: Reflections on Fruit Research and Extension Activities.
• Impacts and Outcomes of the Texas A&M Peach Breeding Program.
• Figs: Past, Present, Future.
• Land-Grant and Fruit Industry Collaboration.
• Texas Fruit Grower Needs Panel Discussion.
• Sustainable Fruit Growing.
• Growing Fruit Organically.
• IPM in Fruit Growing.
• What is your IQ on EIQ? 
• Nitrogen Management Options for Fruit Orchards.
• Orchard Management for Cold Hardiness.

Contact Nesbitt at [email protected] or by phone at 979-862-1218 for additional program information.