Networking with other growers at the tail end of the season can reinvigorate growers after a long and challenging season. With the growing season fading into autumn weather, there are several opportunities to gather with other farmers, industry leaders, and researchers as the first wave of agricultural conferences rolls out.
In WNC, many of our local conferences occur in February and March- it’s a busy time period with ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference, the Winter Vegetable Conference and Trade Show, and Organic Grower’s School Spring Conference. We are lucky in the Southeast to also have an earlier round of events to connect growers and build knowledge. If you are looking for some inspiration, or solutions to issues in your farming operation, consider attending one or more of the events highlighted below.
CFSA's Sustainable Agriculture Conference
Happening October 30 - November 1, 2026 in Winston Salem, NC
The Sustainable Agriculture Conference brings together 700+ small-scale farmers and gardeners, food systems professionals, sustainability advocates, educators, and technical service providers from across the Southeast and beyond to learn, network, and build momentum and community focused on local, sustainable, and organic food and agriculture.
At this year’s event, attendees can look forward to sixty inspiring and practical workshops, a variety of networking meetups, a bustling trade show, a keynote panel, a festive social reception, pre-conference workshops and farm tours, and more.
Scholarships, volunteer work exchange program, and discounts are available to support attendance. More details can be found on the conference website:
https://carolinafarmstewards.org/sustainable-agriculture-conference/
NC Medicinal Herb Growers 11th Annual Grower Buyer Event
Happening November 12, 2026, from 2pm - 6pm in Mills River, NC
Join medicinal herb enthusiasts, herb producers, value-added product makers, and buyers of medicinal plants at the 11th Annual Grower/Buyer Event in Mills River. This event is hosted by the NC Medicinal Herb Growers, a group of Cooperative Extension professionals across the state working with field and forest grown medicinal plants. Designed to enhance the connections between local herb growers and interested buyers, the primary focus of this event is creating networking opportunities. Attendees can bring samples of herbal products, hear from buyers on what plants they are interested in purchasing, and learn more about potential niche markets for their products.
Registration is now open: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-nc-medicinal-herb-grower-and-buyer-event-tickets-1988761755948
Southeast Vegetable and Fruit EXPO
Happening December 1 – 3, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC
The North Carolina Vegetable Growers Association (NCVGA) is a nonprofit multi-commodity trade organization representing over 2,000 commercial vegetable growers cultivating 250,000 acres statewide. The annual Southeast Vegetable and Fruit Expo offers attendees educational sessions, tradeshow access and networking opportunities with fellow growers and industry leaders.
Follow the website for upcoming session details and registration information: https://ncvga.com/
SE Vegetable Growers Conference
Happening January 7 - 9, 2027 in Savannah, GA
The Southeast Vegetable Growers Conference is the largest produce event in the region, addressing relevant topics for vegetable and fruit growers, packers, shippers, and specialty crop producers. Several highlights of this event include an array of breakout conference sessions for commodity groups, dozens of educational sessions and an impressive tradeshow featuring the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Row, which spotlights precision agricultural technology and innovations for the modern grower.
Dive into the full scope of offerings in the conference guide:
https://seregionalconference.org/2026/03/2026-conference-guide/
Early-bird registration and more details are available at:
https://seregionalconference.org/
