*Registration for the SE Regional Conference is required to register for special sessions. Separate registration is required for all additional events. Registration is limited.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
NASGA Farm Tour
Fee: $150
Registration max: 107
Additional registration required.
Join us on the NASGA Farm Tour as we explore an organic strawberry production system, agritourism, and olives and specialty olive oils. We’ll also have opportunities to see the University of Georgia’s onion and vegetable research efforts.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course
Fee: $75
This special session is for fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in 112.22(c) that requires “At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under a standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.”
NASGA Annual Meeting
Fee: $125
The North American Strawberry Growers Association (NASGA) invites you to take part in its 2026 Annual Meeting, held in partnership with the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. This dedicated strawberry program will feature a workshop covering a wide range of topics, including disease control, diagnostics, and both indoor and outdoor production systems. Sessions will also address key areas such as production management, pest control strategies, and post-harvest handling—blending research-based knowledge with practical insights from the field.
Beyond the classroom, the meeting is a chance to exchange ideas with fellow growers, hear about innovations moving the industry forward, and build valuable connections across North America. Strawberry-focused sessions will continue Friday, January 9, as part of the broader SE Regional Conference, ensuring two full days of education and networking.
NASGA Annual Meeting participants will also have access to the South Carolina Small Fruit Growers Annual Meeting sessions on Thursday, adding extra depth to the program.
South Carolina Small Fruit Growers Annual Meeting
Fee: $125
The South Carolina Small Fruit Growers Association (SCSFGA) welcomes small fruit growers from all states to attend its 2026 SCSFGA Meeting. This one-day Meeting is designed for small fruit growers and will cover a wide range of topics, including production practices, breeding advancements, and pest management tailored to South Carolina’s unique growing conditions. By combining the Meeting with the SE Regional Conference and the North American Strawberry Growers Association, small fruit growers get a real return on their time in Savannah. Meeting participants will enjoy connecting with peers, exploring solutions from sponsoring organizations, and exchange ideas that strengthen the small fruit industry. SCSFGA Annual Meeting participants will also have access to the North American Strawberry Growers Association’s sessions on Thursday.
From Wings to Yields: The Power of Bee and Insect Conservation
Registration max: 30
Registration fee: $50 (includes drinks and snacks)
This special session will focus on conservation approaches such as wildflower habitats and managing natural areas for the purpose of improving pollination and pest control services. We will share insights from recent grower trials in South Georgia, and we will also talk about government programs available to support conservation practices on the farm. Lastly, we will do fun hands-on identification of beneficial insects.
Thursday, January 8, 2026 – Friday, January 9, 2026
Post-Harvest Workshop: Fruit Ripening and Quality Management Workshop
Fee: $600
Registration max: 50
*Registration note: The workshop requires a minimum of 35 registrants. If the minimum registration number is not reached, the workshop will be cancelled and participants will receive an email notification of cancellation, a full refund of workshop fees, and an email notification of workshop fee reimbursement.
This interactive workshop will share practical tools and research updates to help quality managers, packers, and shippers optimize their operations, reduce losses, and deliver consistent, high-quality fruit to market. Experts from the University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of California, and industry professionals will provide the latest practical, science-based information on fruit ripening, the use and control of ethylene in commercial settings, and hands-on methods to measure produce quality. It is organized by the University of Florida and the University of Georgia under the umbrella of the University of California Postharvest Research and Extension Center.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Women’s Networking Session
Registration Fee: $95
After the success of last year’s inaugural Women’s Networking Session, the program returns to Southeast Regional! This year’s session will kick off with time to connect and catch up with fellow women leaders across the industry, along with an engaging, interactive session led by Kim Cantrell, MS, ACC, Gallup Certified Coach, and Mac Cantrell, ACC, Certified DISC and John Maxwell Trainer. In Why Some Conversations Make an Impact, you’ll discover how to recognize communication styles, build stronger relationships, and leave every conversation feeling heard and influential. With real-world examples, lively activities, and practical tools you can use right away, this session is the perfect mix of networking, learning, and inspiration designed to elevate your leadership presence. Space is limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot!
What Growers Need to Know About the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and New Pesticide Label Changes
Free to all SE Regional Attendees
Pesticide labels are being rapidly updated with new requirements to protect endangered and threatened species. The timeline for understanding these new requirements and how to implement them in an effective and economical manner is now. Growers, advisors, and pesticide applicators will learn how to navigate new labels, Bulletins Live! Two, and EPA’s new mobile-friendly runoff and drift mitigation tools. Once applicators understand the new requirements and how to effectively use the educational tools available to assist them, improved on-target pesticide applications will lead to better pest control and more plant protection products available in a grower’s toolbox, ultimately leading to increased sustainability for our family farms.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Food Safety School: An Introduction to Food Safety for Manufacturers and Value-Added Food Producers
Fee: $50
This one-day training covers preliminary steps to implementing a food safety program in your food manufacturing operation. Useful for new and established food businesses and those that want to grow into larger markets, we will discuss how to assess for potential hazards, implement strategies to ensure that the foods you manufacture remain safe, and regulatory requirements that may in the future or currently apply to your business. *Businesses operating in Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and Arkansas will have an additional online module to view before attending the workshop that discusses their state-specific regulatory requirements.
Annual Awards Breakfast
Registration Fee: $45