Obamacare, Food Safety Hot Topics At the 2014 SE Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference

The SE Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference, set for January 9-12, 2014 in Savannah, Ga., is well known for its hefty educational session line-up. With some of the most anticipated topics including Healthcare Reform, updates on the Food Safety Modernization Act and FDA Regulations, and microbial food safety, the 2014 educational program will not disappoint.

According to conference hosts, the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) and the Georgia Peach Council (GPC), educational sessions are a top priority during their yearlong preparation for the event. GFVGA’s Education and Food Safety Program Director Beth Oleson attributes their solid programming to help from the experts.  “We call on produce industry researchers and extension agents from around the southeast to bring their constituents’ most important issues to the table,” she said.

During the Business Operations Conference on Thursday, January 9, Sheldon Blumling of Fisher & Phillips LLC, a specialist in tax and employee benefits, will address ‘Obamacare’.  The session titled “Healthcare Reform – Are You Ready?” should cover the most recent guidance on Healthcare Reform, the impact it will have on employers – specifically, those in a produce operation with seasonal workers.

The educational conference and tradeshow will be held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.  In addition to the 80+ hours of education for produce industry members, more than 250 agribusinesses will occupy 85,000 sq ft of space for the conference tradeshow.   The exhibit hall will be open on January 10-11. Single day and trade show only passes are available. Visit www.seregionalconference.com for more information or call 1-877-994-3842.

The Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association is a trade association representing farmers producing fruits and vegetables in the southeastern United States. The organization provides a viable and united voice to represent the industry. Through support for educational programs, agricultural research, member services and marketing activities GFVGA encourages efficient, cost effective production for growers and increased consumption by consumers.

GFVGA is managed by Association Services Group, a professional management firm with offices in Atlanta and LaGrange, GA, and is accredited by the Association Management Company Institute.

The Georgia Peach Council is a representative body for peach growers in Georgia, who produce over 130 million pounds of peaches between May and August each year. Read more about Georgia peaches at gapeaches.org.

 Source: Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association