Ready to turn your passion for fresh fruit into a thriving business or a rewarding hobby? Join us at the Texas New Fruit Growers Conference to learn from top experts and kickstart your orchard journey.
Hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, this two-day comprehensive event runs from October 15 to October 16, 2026, at the Rosenberg Civic Center, located at 3825 TX-36 in Rosenberg, TX.
Whether you are a total beginner or looking to scale or diversify an existing operation, the program delivers practical, science-based instruction designed for real-world success.
“Whether you are a new fruit grower or looking to break into commercial production, this conference is a fantastic resource,” said Joseph Taylor, Horticulture Agent for AgriLife Extension-Fort Bend County. “We’re excited to collaborate with the community and provide the tools local growers need to succeed.”
What to Expect
The action-packed schedule features four core learning components:
· Intro to Fruit Growing: A deep-dive, four-hour foundational class complete with seminars and hand-out materials.
· Tree-to-Plate Networking: Connect directly with fellow growers, regional experts, and industry peers to gain new insights and ideas about the world of being a fruit producer in Texas.
· Live-Action Labs: Experience hands-on demonstrations of important annual orchard management practices.
· Orchard Field Trip: Project what a fruit business might be like by visiting a working commercial fruit orchard to see daily operations firsthand.
Registration and Sponsorship Details:
Secure your spot today before seats fill up.
· General Admission: $130 per person.
· Sponsor Package: $250 (includes event recognition, provided meals, and a dedicated display table).
Non-local attendees can access a limited number of discounted hotel rooms. Please visit tx.ag/2026fruitconference to view lodging options, explore the full event schedule, and secure your spot today.
For specific event questions or sponsorship opportunities, reach out directly to conference organizers Monte Nesbitt at monte.nesbitt@ag.tamu.edu or Jody Taylor at jody.taylor@ag.tamu.edu.
