The 21st annual Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Meeting is set for Nov. 1-3 at the Gulf State Park Resort Hotel in Gulf Shores. The meeting is packed with informative sessions covering everything from new varieties to marketing plans, says Joe Kemble, Auburn University Extension horticulturist.

Program lineup Growers will hear from Linda Stanley Ramos of Produce Promotions on "Spending Your Marketing Dollars"; Dave Priester of the USDA on "Grades, Standards and the Inspection Service for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables"; and Fenney Dane, Auburn University assistant professor of horticulture, on "The Hows and Whys of Gene Mapping and Why It's Important to You."

There also will be specialized sessions directed at vegetable growers and sessions targeted to fruit growers.

Everyone invited While this conference is the annual meeting of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, non-members are welcome to attend the meeting at a slightly higher cost, says Kemble.