What the AFVGA Conference and Trade Show Is
The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) holds an annual conference and trade show each winter in Gulf Shores. AFVGA is an affiliated association of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Growers, industry professionals and vendors come for education sessions, a trade show, networking, awards and scholarship fundraisers. The 2027 conference is set for February 3-5 at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, with the theme "Built for the Challenge," focused on supporting farmers through difficult times. Registration opens November 1 at afvga.org.
What Happens at the Conference
Almost 300 people attended in both 2025 and 2026, and the program mixes classroom sessions, networking and field time.
| Edition | Theme and highlights |
|---|---|
| 2027 (Feb. 3-5) | "Built for the Challenge." A Thursday night networking party and a tailgate-themed event with a ticket auction benefiting the Jimmy Witt Memorial Scholarship. |
| 2026 (Feb. 4-6) | "Game Plan for Growth: Team AFVGA." Marketing session led by AFVGA President Taylor Hatchett; talks on crop cultivation, plant disease control and drone spraying; weather, new markets and production practices; a new integrated pest management workshop led by Alabama Extension; roundtables on flowers, farm-to-school programs, indoor growing and wholesale marketing. |
| 2025 (Feb. 5-7) | "Bigger at the Beach." 41 vendors; sessions on strawberry plug production, freeze protection, social media marketing and sales tax exemptions; Farm Market Speed Networking; a farmer panel on social media; tours of Fish River Trees and McKenzie Farms; a variety trial showcase. |
The Trade Show
The trade show space was expanded in 2025, when 41 vendors took part. Bejo Seeds has sponsored the trade show for several years running, and in 2026 AFVGA named Dylan Teel of Bejo Seeds its Partner of the Year for that support.
Awards and Scholarships
- Exceptional Achievement Award, the association's highest honor: Larry LouAllen of Lawrence County in 2026; Mike Reeves of Morgan County, a founding AFVGA member and former Alabama Extension worker, in 2025.
- Service to Horticulture Award in 2026: Don Wambles of Pike County, for his work with the Alabama Farmers Market Authority.
- Grow Forward Award (inaugural in 2026, sponsored by First South Farm Credit, $5,000): Sidney and Sheryl McKathan of Covington County, whose farm, Pleasant Pastures, is a specialty crop and agritourism operation in Andalusia.
- Jimmy Witt Memorial Scholarship (2026 recipient Nate Payne, Auburn University) and the AFVGA Scholarship (2026 recipient Tori Hobbs, Troy University).
The fundraiser events pay for the scholarships. A luau raised over $3,000 in 2025, and the 2026 tailgate party raised over $4,000.
Where
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama. Earlier conferences were also held in Gulf Shores.
Questions
When can I register?
Registration for the 2027 conference opens November 1 at afvga.org.
Is the conference only for fruit and vegetable growers?
Growers are the core audience, and farmers, industry professionals and vendors attend. Past roundtables have also covered flowers and farm-to-school programs.
Is there a social event?
Yes. 2027 includes a Thursday night networking party and a tailgate-themed ticket auction for the Jimmy Witt Memorial Scholarship.
Who leads the association?
Blake Thaxton is AFVGA Executive Director and Taylor Hatchett is president, as of 2026.
Official Links
- AFVGA Conference, Trade Show Scheduled for Feb. 3-5, 2027
- AFVGA Huddles Up for Annual Conference: 2026 sessions and awards
- Bigger at the Beach: 2025 sessions and trade show
- Alabama Farmers Federation events calendar
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Professional Rodeo
Held each year; the most recent date was Aug. 8, 2026, the 28th annual professional rodeo at the Robertsdale fairgrounds, with a Kid's Corral before the 7:30 p.m. rodeo.
- National Peanut Festival
Held each year in Dothan and tracked on the Alabama Farmers Federation calendar; the most recent dates were November 6 to 15, 2026.
- Alabama Farmers Federation Annual Meeting
Annual meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation, held in Montgomery on the organization's events calendar for December 6-7, 2026.
- Gulf States Horticulture Expo
Horticulture trade expo in Mobile for Gulf Coast growers, shown on the Alabama Farmers Federation events calendar for January 6-8, 2027.
Mobile, AL | Organizer: Alabama Farmers Federation Official event details - SLE Rodeo and Livestock Week
Southeastern Livestock Exposition rodeo and livestock week at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, posted on the Bama Beef calendar for March 19-21, 2027.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.