Des Moines – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced today that the 2009 Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Marketers Conference and Trade Show will be held January 29-31 at the Sheraton in West Des Moines.  “There is a growing interest statewide and nationally in locally grown food and products, so it is important for growers to have the opportunity to come together to learn about new practices and share ideas,” Northey said.   This conference will offer opportunities for fruit and vegetable growers and marketers to enhance their knowledge and skills in fruit and vegetable production, food safety and customer service and marketing.   National, regional and local speakers will share their expertise as a part of this three day conference.  The conference is being sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers, and the Iowa Farmers Market Association. Details are as follows: Who:         Anyone with an interest in quality management of fresh fruits and vegetables as it                    p ertains to production, post-harvest handling and marketing should attend.                 Where:         Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel                    1800 50th Street                    West Des Moines, IA 50266 When:         Thursday, January 29th – Saturday, January 31st, 2009 What:         A highlight of this conference will be keynote presentations by nationally recognized                    speaker Dr. Trevor Suslow, U.C. Davis California as he presents on new information                    and strategies to combine technologies for ensuring produce quality and safety from                   the farm to consumers.  Other highlights include:  Steve Upson from Noble Foundation in Ardmore, OK will present on high tunnel production and Ralph Couey, Chippewa Falls, WI, will address marketing. Attendees will learn what can and cannot be sold at markets; the ‘ins and outs’ of scales and packaging; customer service to enhance sales and a special market promotion cooking demonstration. USDA GAP auditors will provide information about the voluntary, audit-based program established to verify adherence to safe food production practices.  Hear also from local growers as they share their experiences and expertise on various aspects of safe food handling practices as it pertains to their own businesses.  Vendors will also be present to share the latest technologies available to fruit and vegetable growers and marketers.   Experts from Iowa State University will cover the latest information in apple, berries, squash, tomatoes, sweet corn and more.   Registration:        The registration deadline has been extended.  Cost is $55 Thursday, $55 Friday,                               $40 Saturday if postmarked by 1/20.  After that date it is an additional $20/day.                                 Register at www.iowaagriculture.gov.  How:         For more information about the event please visit www.iowaagriculture.gov or  contact                    B arbara Lovitt with the Iowa Department of Agriculture at 515-281-8232 or                                       Barbara.Lovitt@iowaagriculture.gov. - 30 -