Illinois Specialty Crop Conference Jan. 6-8

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The annual Illinois Specialty Crop Conference will bring growers together through its new interactive, virtual format Jan. 6-8. The conference provides a platform for education, information and networking during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

“Illinois specialty crop growers have faced many challenges in the wake of the pandemic,” said Raghela Scavuzzo, Illinois Specialty Growers Association executive director. “Now more than ever our industry has proven to be adaptive and resilient. The ISGA board of directors recognizes the industry need to continue engaging in innovative solutions with our members.”

ISCC will feature two live keynote speakers sharing insights and strategies, a roundtable discussion with live chat features, an engaging networking opportunity by Country Financial and a robust exhibition floor where exhibitors and attendees can share business and industry information.

Sarah Frey, founder of Frey Farms, will lead the Thursday keynote as she details how her farm operation pivoted during the pandemic. Frey and her family operate farms and facilities in seven states and are headquartered in southeastern Illinois.

“From farm to store to table, our specialty crop supply chain has been challenged and adapted in 2020 to ensure the delivery of fresh crops here at home and around the globe,” said Frey, who is an author, businesswoman and the country’s top pumpkin seller. “Ours is an industry that requires teamwork, and I am very excited to connect with everyone in our industry. We truly are in this together.”

The Friday keynote will be led by Chris and Angie Eckert of Eckert’s Country Store and Farms in St. Clair County as they share how their seven-generation family business worked together to respond to COVID-19. The Eckerts operate the largest pick-your-own fruit business in the country.

All in all, attendees can access three or more lives sessions daily and 60 go-at-your-own-pace virtual sessions. This marks the first time attendees will have access to every conference session and the ability to view content at their own pace.

Registered attendees will have exclusive access to educational video presentations on leading industry topics including Produce Safety Training, Beginning Farmer, Pollinators, Berries and Beyond, Tomatoes and Peppers, Digital Business, Vegetable Production, Tree Fruit Production, Herb and Flower Production, Agritourism and Agritainment, and Business Development

All the sessions will be recorded and available through password-protected access to attendees after the conference. In addition, there will be fun and interactive activities including virtual games, a scavenger hunt and a virtual swag bag full of materials and giveaways.

“Members and partners need this opportunity to connect, learn and share,” Scavuzzo said. “COVID-19 has strengthened our commitment to each other and to our communities. A virtual conference is an opportunity to connect every segment of the specialty crop supply chain, from growers, shippers, processors, wholesalers and distributors to retailers, suppliers and partners. We are united to address our industry challenges and find solutions.”

The conference price was reduced to help ensure these educational workshops are easily accessible to members. ISGA members receive an exclusive rate of $15 per attendee, and any non-member can register for the rate of $100 per attendee.

As a reminder, ISGA membership is open to everyone, and anyone joining will have access to the reduced fee. All attendees of the virtual conference will also have access to the online conference library following the conference.

Conference registration will close Dec. 28. Conference details and registration can be found at www.specialtygrowers.org/iscc2021. Contact ISGA at 309-557-2107 or CBlary@ilfb.org for sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.